ABS scan

If my ABS light is telling me I have a sensor problem Why would I pay to have it scanned to just get a code No. that is going to tell me that one of my front wheel ABS sensors is not working on my 2002 Chevy Malibu. Or is it also going to tell me I have a more serious problem like a bad bearing and is it going to tell me which wheel bearing and or sesor is bad.

hotpipes

The ABS light is telling you that there is a problem with the ABS system . Unless you have a personal scanner or take it to a professional to have it scanned , you won't know what the problem or trouble code is . Most auto part stores ( i.e.- Autozone , Advance , etc. ) will scan your vehicle for no charge . The ABS system is comprised of many complex and related pieces and since it's a very important safety item , it's best left to a professional to service it .

I agree with you about how important the ABS system is. But I have yet to find a parts store that has a scan service and the one garage I checked with wants $99.00 dollars to do the scan and then they will go from there to charge for the work needed I have checked the sensors and found them to be good. I suppose i Will go have it repaired Thanks for the response.

hotpipes

You say you have checked the sensors and they are good . How and with what did you check them ?

I checked them with my multi meter and the readings were 1135 on the right and 1104 on the left there are no ABS sensors on the back wheels. Last night I took it out and ran it in reverse a few times and hit the breaks hard but no change the light is still on. It was rather odd this morning I was backing out of the driveway and then pressed on the breaks lightly and the ABS system engaged and the light came on and stayed on. I was told that a resistance reading of 1150 is about right.

hotpipes

Here is your (doesn't have rear abs) rear hub and sensor. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=301615

OK I will check closer. Dose the old style drum breaks have ABS sensors? The Haynes manual dose not talk about them at all. This is a 2002 Malibu LS.
hotpipes

OK I will check closer. Dose the old style drum breaks have ABS sensors? The Haynes manual dose not talk about them at all. This is a 2002 Malibu LS.
hotpipes Catalogue shows same rear hub/abs sensor for 2002.

There is no hole down the midle of the hub on my rear wheels.
hotpipes

Here might be a clue to your problem.

Quote - "It was rather odd this morning I was backing out of the driveway and then pressed on the breaks lightly and the ABS system engaged and the light came on and stayed on."

Drum brakes lock up easily especially if brake fluid leaks onto the brake linings. My Cavalier ABS would engage at the slightest touch of the brakes even on a good surface. In order to check this, remove the ABS fuse and drive carefully on a good surface. Apply the brakes. You might find a rear wheel locking up. The ABS would normally mask this and you would think it's an ABS fault.

In my case the rear right hand wheel had a bad cylinder seal which leaked brake fluid onto the linings. No more ABS problems after fixing that.

As an afterthought, If the ABS light remains on, check the connectors where they plug into the rear wheel hubs. In fact, you could check all wheels. They tend to give problems because of the environment they live in. I removed them and sprayed some WD40 into the socket and on the connector. I don't know where you are measuring the resistance of the sensors from but, if from the engine compartment end, it might explain the slight difference in resistance readings.

I have taken my 2002 malibu in for a scan and found that the right front sensor with the bearing is bad the bearing is OK but sensor is not putting out the pulse needed to turn out the ABS light. Even though I had a good resistance reading on the sensor. The unit can be malfunctioning. The bearing and sensor is only a little over two years old. The bearing was bad on the old one.
hotpipes