[dhspring]

I've seen several issues related to the brake and ABS light coming on the Astro vans. I have a 2001 with 119000 miles and this just occurred on mine. My brake fluid was a bit low which I thought was the problem, but after filling, the light still comes on. Also it is not constant, sometimes after shutting down overnight, the light is off and stays off for a while, then it will come back on, I'd assume after hard braking or whatever, maybe a bump in the road. I see no leakage of brake fluid on any of the wheels. After filling the fluid reservoir the level stays topped off, so I don't appear to be losing any fluid. I'm thinking it's a bad sensor.

Since this model has drum brakes on the rear, I am thinking that there are only 2 sensors for the ABS, one on each front disc brake, is that correct? I don't think the drum brakes are antilock capable.

Also, will a defective ABS sensor cause any safety issues? I don't think they can cause the brakes to lock up can they?

Lastly, can the diagnostic computers at Autozone they let you use for free troubleshoot this problem?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

dhspring