I own a '97 Pontiac Sunfire GT. In the past year or more, I have had some problems with the anti-lock brakes. They have always been overly sensitive (kicking in if I just press down on them a little too hard.) However, lately whenever I hit a bump, the car really bounces. And when I press on the brakes while hitting a bump, the anti-lock brakes kick in no matter how lightly I press on them.This is EXTREMELY annoying and slightly dangerous. I don't think the shocks or struts are bad, but I am not sure how to check. Also, is there anyway to decrease the sensitivity of the brakes themselves?

You can pull the ABS fuse...that will solve the prob temporarily....also...Check your ETS sensors...usually they are the culprits...

I tried that...and my brakes would lock up extremely easily....I liked it better the other way. I got my brakes replaced and it seemed to work better for awhile,I had to press harder on them for the brakes to work (which was good since before they kicked in way to easily.) However, now they are getting more sensitive again and when I hit a bump and press on the brakes, they start kicking in again...any ideas?

I tried that...and my brakes would lock up extremely easily....I liked it better the other way. I got my brakes replaced and it seemed to work better for awhile,I had to press harder on them for the brakes to work (which was good since before they kicked in way to easily.) However, now they are getting more sensitive again and when I hit a bump and press on the brakes, they start kicking in again...any ideas?

Do you have ETS (Electronic Traction Control) ?

There are a few fuses you need to try and pull...the fuse you wanna try is under the hood on the RH side...as well..if you have ETS...try pulling that one too...you can also see if you can get your module reprogrammed if all that doesn't work...

There was a recall on the Sunfires a little while ago because these modules were not properly protected from the elements..especially moisture...It could be that this module has crapped out...

Try that...

What exactly does it feel like? Does it feel like the back end is dipping down and then the brakes in the back feel like they're "skidding" and making loud noises? I've had that happen before. If that's what you're feeling your drums may need adjusting.

basically what would happen is that my brakes would be ultra sensitive....i would barely touch them and they would brake and if I pushed harder the ABS would kick in. I recently had the rear ones changed (even though before that, everyone said that they were fine before that.) It worked well for awhile, I would push on them and it would go pretty far before they would kick in. Now they are becoming more sensitive again...argh!!! also, when I hit bumps, my car really bounces (although everyone claims that the shocks and struts are fine.) anyone else have this problem?

I have a 98 Sunfire SE. I've had it for about 2 years now. And have had NOTHING but problems with my ABS. Exactly what you are saying with being overly sensitive and all. Have yours ever forced your car to jump foward? Mine have. I was coming off an off ramp to get onto another road. There was an SUV in front of me, and I was stopped. That person had inched up to get ready to move into traffic, so I took my foot off the brake to inch up as well. Soon as I put my foot on the brake the ABS kicked in and forced my car foward for some reason and actually into the SUV. Now those who are aware of how steep of an angle the hood of a sunfire is, can imagine it going underneath an SUV and pushing the hood up. Luckily that was the only damage. After this I took it to the dealer. They changed my front left wheel speed sensor. After a few months it happened again. But knowing how the car was I allow myself a paranoid amount of braking time so there was no accident. Yet again, another dealer visit, and another left front wheel speed sensor. All wiring checked in fine. Now, this winter it gave me problems. Couldn't even drive it in the snow because the ABS was 100x's more sensitive. In May, had the stupid sensor changed AGAIN. Here it is 3 months later and having to take it to the dealer again. I'm calling the dealer and having them check it again. ALL OF IT. And I don't think I should have to pay for it either. It's only been 3 months. But this shouldn't be happening ABS should not be this sensitive. It has kicked in while I was reversing out of a parking spot as I put my foot on the brake to put it into gear, as I was pulling into a gravel drive way and many other inappropriate times. I am calling Pontiac yet again for the 4th time. I have like 6 case numbers for them. If I do not getting anywhere with them I will be taking it higher up because it is getting ridiculous. I have read many forums about this issue with the older model sunfires. I suggest anyone else having this problem to contact their dealers and pontiac customer assistance center (1-800-762-2737) because something needs to be done before it causes anyone else an accident. I'd really like to hear from others that are having the same problem. You can email me at tiggifer19@hotmail.com. Thanks!

mine was temporarily fixed when I had the rear brake drums replaced. They were cracked which would cause the anti-lock brakes to kick in easily (or so they said.) However, it is doing the same thing again....just not as bad.....Do you ever have any problems when you are going along a curve (to the right) and hit a bump? does it ever feel like the rear end is swaying?

I had my brakes checked and they aren't even 80% worn. So they are fine. Bumps, turns, slowing down, anything turns my ABS on. Esp. a bump. I have learned to completely slow down when I see a bump then take my foot TOTALLY off the brake when going over it, that usually doesn't set off the ABS, however not good when its at an intersection or somewhere where you need to stop. I have never really noticed the rear end swaying but I have to go out today and 90% chance my ABS will get funky again so I will pay close attention to that... Hey... do you have problems with your vents? Do they barely blow air? Mine's been barely blowing air since I got the car. Yet it's been cleaned out and "fixed". Oh well. Stupid car. Too bad I owe to much on it to trade it in :-(

I had my brakes checked and they aren't even 80% worn. So they are fine. Bumps, turns, slowing down, anything turns my ABS on. Esp. a bump. I have learned to completely slow down when I see a bump then take my foot TOTALLY off the brake when going over it, that usually doesn't set off the ABS, however not good when its at an intersection or somewhere where you need to stop. I have never really noticed the rear end swaying but I have to go out today and 90% chance my ABS will get funky again so I will pay close attention to that... Hey... do you have problems with your vents? Do they barely blow air? Mine's been barely blowing air since I got the car. Yet it's been cleaned out and "fixed". Oh well. Stupid car. Too bad I owe to much on it to trade it in :-(

Well, when I had my 97 sunfire I went through all those problems and NEVER got them fixed completely...But I might be able to give you a few "SURVIVAL TIPS" on the ABS fiasco...

1. If you are backing up and the ABS stars going nuts, press down hard
and pump your brakes repeatedly...

2. If you are driving forward and accelerating slow and it kicks in...like it did with mine, shift to neutral quickly and then back to Drive...this seemed to work for me anyway....

3. The rear ABS sensors are notorious for getting dirt on them because they are not sufficiently covered...you need to regularily clean them...this is easy once you have attempted it at least once....jack the car up and take the tires off...the sensor is held in place by on nut...remove it and wipe the gunk from it....do the same to the other side... I really wish that Pontiac had integrated those rear sensors to the hub like they did on the fron ones...or maybe that's bad too because it costs more to replace....hmmm...either way it's a bad set up...

4. Buy an RX8 ...they are great cars...I just got one....no problems with the ABS.....yet...