Help! Is my car possessed??

I purchased a 2001 Sunfire this June, and I really loved it all summer long. Now that winter has arrived in Canada though, it's acting a little strange. In cold wet weather, my ABS have been kicking in pretty much every time I touch the brakes, even if I'm barely moving. The car vibrates and sounds like when you drive over those rumble strips on the roads, and everything just feels like it's locking up. I took it to a mechanic I know who said that the system looks fine and my brakes look fine... so why is it freaking me out like this? If anybody can tell me what an appropriate sacrifice would be to the Pontiac ABS Gods to make this stop, I'd appreciate it...

Thanks a bunch, and have a great Christmas!

Caro

That is what happens when automaker decides to put cheap ABS system on cheap car.Good luck!

the brake systems are really touchy in sunfires, cause they're semi=sporty i guess would be the way to put it... my abs kicks in soon also and is kinda loud, the vibrations i wouldnt worry about, ALL abs systems vibrate, its just the modules letting pressure go, and repumping

Try braking sooner in the winter... might just help you out.

That is what happens when automaker decides to put cheap ABS system on cheap car.Good luck!

Hey newie, I do not think this is helpfull or necessary.

I purchased a 2001 Sunfire this June, and I really loved it all summer long. Now that winter has arrived in Canada though, it's acting a little strange. In cold wet weather, my ABS have been kicking in pretty much every time I touch the brakes, even if I'm barely moving. The car vibrates and sounds like when you drive over those rumble strips on the roads, and everything just feels like it's locking up. I took it to a mechanic I know who said that the system looks fine and my brakes look fine... so why is it freaking me out like this? If anybody can tell me what an appropriate sacrifice would be to the Pontiac ABS Gods to make this stop, I'd appreciate it...

Thanks a bunch, and have a great Christmas!

Caro

If the ABS is IN FACT kicking in when NOT necessary, I would suggest dis-connecting it temporarily. This may improve driveabiliy until you get it properly serviced & may help you diagnose the problem. I do advise you to get this serviced though. Try taking it to another garage or have a different tech look at it.

IMO, It's safer to drive without ABS than with a faulty ABS system. GM has the WORST system I have ever driven in the Cavalier.

I actually disabled the ABS in my cavalier for a period of time as I could brake quicker without it. However, other people sometimes drive my car & most people rely on it these days so I re-connected it.

If you decide to dis-connect it, do so in a safe place (empty parking lot) & test it out first. There are 2 electrical connectors on the top of the master cylinder. If you don't know what a master cylinder is don't try to disconnect the ABS.

another problem could be a wheel bearing, my buddy had that problem with his bonneville and that was the problem, also how are ur tires because u might be slipping with out realizing it and it could cause the sensor to trip off. brakes are sketchy when u try screwing around with them so be careful, even take it to a mechanic if it comes down it might be costly but better then driving on rumble strips.
kyle

ive got a 96 2.2and disconnect the fuse under the hood last winter, I never put the fuse back on, those abs are really dangerous

Not sure if this will answer your question or not, but I have been through quite a few issues with my 99 sunfire GT. Unfortunately the ABS sensor is located within the wheel bearings (both front and back). Therefore if sensor is on or when you apply the brake it comes on and stays on, you need to replace the entire wheel bearing. But, you still have brakes, just not ABS. manual only.

I purchased a 2001 Sunfire this June, and I really loved it all summer long. Now that winter has arrived in Canada though, it's acting a little strange. In cold wet weather, my ABS have been kicking in pretty much every time I touch the brakes, even if I'm barely moving. The car vibrates and sounds like when you drive over those rumble strips on the roads, and everything just feels like it's locking up. I took it to a mechanic I know who said that the system looks fine and my brakes look fine... so why is it freaking me out like this? If anybody can tell me what an appropriate sacrifice would be to the Pontiac ABS Gods to make this stop, I'd appreciate it...

Thanks a bunch, and have a great Christmas!

Caro

rumble strips will make ur shit lock up, my mom's xterra does the same thing.

cars do not become possessed. there is no pontiac ABS god.

think logically, grab a repair manual and get to troubleshooting...