ABS engages...

1999 Buick Park Ave 3.8L plain Jane- non turbo @165K miles

Lately the Traction control off light and the ABS light have been coming on intermittently. Sometimes the car ABS engages on dry road upon takeoff or slow down for no apparent reason other than there is a fault. I do not have a scan too for ABS. There isn't much in the ABS system, so checking should be a short list. Hub assy on left front(new), right front(1 yr old), sensors are integrated in the hubs. The only other thing I can think of is the ABS motor/brain up front. Any ideas on what to check for?

Thanks.

You could check the resistances of each sensor at the wheel for starters, around 1100ohms, but look into the actual specs. After that an abs scan is the only way to avoid guess work.

Both sensors are new or fairly new. Someone mentioned to check the rings around the end of the axle shaft. When I get a chance, I'll look all around the area.

The ABS sensor is built into the wheel hub assembly IIRC and is a non serviceable part.. There should be no rings on the CV axle

The ABS sensor is built into the wheel hub assembly IIRC and is a non serviceable part.. There should be no rings on the CV axle

That is correct. The hub is a sealed assembly with the wheel speed sensor. I don't recall there being anything around the axle shaft. Possibly a software issue?

Don't forget the rear sensors could be an issue here also.

Don't forget the rear sensors could be an issue here also.

As stupid as it sounds, I wasn't aware there were sensors on the back. Are they in the hub or separate? Just figured it was front only.

In the bearing hub, this is why I suggested an abs scan to eliminate guess work.

In the bearing hub, this is why I suggested an abs scan to eliminate guess work.

I don't have an ABS scanner. Bringing it somewhere would cost $$ I don't have. My main objective was to see if there were 'like' issues with others and these cars. Sometimes there is a service bulletin on things such as these, but I haven't seen any. I appreciate your response.

As maxwedge pointed out you need to get it scanned with an ABS scan tool and see what ABS/Chassis DTCs are stored. Also, with the scan tool check to see if ABS initialization is proper. Plus the brain of the ABS/traction control system is the electronic brake and traction control module (EBTCM) located at front part of the ABS motor pack/modulator assembly and you may have an issue with it based on your symptoms.