Red Brake and Amber ABS Light On

[blk95lumina]

Hello.
1995 Lumina LS 3.1L w/ ~185K mi

A few weeks back, the amber ABS light would periodically illuminate and then became more frequent until it was On every time I used the car. The light only comes on after driving the car forward ~10-20ft. Recently in the past few days, the red brake light also started coming on at the exact same time as the amber ABS light. I can start up the car and idle, backup, and then as soon as I drive forward 10-20ft., both lights simultaneously illuminate, along with the sound of something that is engaging/closing/switching etc. coming from the front driver's side, maybe where the brake module is located. The sound coincides with the illumination of the lights. There is also absolutely no noticeable difference in braking.

I just changed the oil a couple days ago and the fluid level was good and appears to have not moved at all since I flushed the lines ~2.5yrs. ago. I cannot recall if I returned the pistons to the home position back then, but either way I was able to bleed all 4 lines.

Any thoughts on what may be causing both lights to illuminate together when the car moves forward in addition to coinciding with a sort of clunking/engaging noise coming from the front driver's side?

If I have to replace the EBCM, then do I need a scan tool?

I already called Module Master and they do not rebuild any GM EBCMs built before 1999. Looks like Rock Auto has some though.

Thanks.

[maxwedge]

You need to scan the abs for codes to properly diagnose this, check for any looseness in that noisey wheel also.

[blk95lumina]

Where can I get an inexpensive scanner that will do the job?

In regard to the noise, I hardly think it is the wheel. I should have been more specific. The noise is fairly quiet and you really have to listen for it. It happens once when the lights come on and that is it. Sounds like a relay or switch closing inside the dash on the driver's side and always coincides with the illumination of the lights.

I checked the fluid level again today and it is still where it was 2.5yrs. ago.

My rear brakes always squeaked when disengaging/letting off the pedal since I have had the car for the last 6 years. Now however the squeak when letting off the pedal is no longer there and makes me wonder if the rear brake is possibly not engaging/disengaging any longer.

I believe I read somewhere that if the EBCM senses a possible leak then it will close off the valve for that particular brake for the opposite front and rear sides so it does not pull.

[gmtech1]

As Max stated, you need to have the codes read. As for the noise, what you are probably hearing is the ABS self test. It will happen only after the first start of a drive cycle, foot off the brake and speed about 3-5mph, it will not happen again until the key is cycled off/on again. It's a normal condition.

[blk95lumina]

Originally Posted by gmtech1

As Max stated, you need to have the codes read. As for the noise, what you are probably hearing is the ABS self test. It will happen only after the first start of a drive cycle, foot off the brake and speed about 3-5mph, it will not happen again until the key is cycled off/on again. It's a normal condition.

Where can I get an inexpensive scanner that will do the job?

The auto parts stores in my area only offer free OBDII scanning.

Thanks.

[maxwedge]

There really is no inexpensive abs unit, you could try Actron or Innova, or pay a garage to scan it just for the codes.

[j cAT]

with this vintage of GM the speed sensors fail. with a scan tool made for this model year this can be determined. repairing these speed sensors is not easy .. reason is ,, it is all rusted up bad. then other parts need replacing. wiring gets damaged also .

[Blue Bowtie]

The level of corrosion on a vehicle in Houston may not be as much of a problem.

Speed sensors can be checked with a voltmeter on an AC volts scale. The solenoids, power relay, and inputs can all be checked with a meter as well. Even continuity of wheel sensor circuits can be checked wit a meter.

[blk95lumina]

Thank you for the specs Blue Bowtie.
I live in Houston but unfortunately the car spent most of its life up North, so its pretty rusty.

I have front disc and rear drums, but I see wire harnesses on all 4 wheels.

Can anyone provide the correct part#s for both the front and rear speed sensors, or are all sensors the same?

The parts listed on Rock Auto are only for the front.
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,1912

Thanks.

[Tech II]

Unfortunately, you have a 1995......that was a transition year...most scanners and code readers can't read the code....without knowing the code, you don't know which wheel circuit is at fault, or if it is an EBCM problem.....and code readers don't read ABS......the average scanner does not read ABS......

If it is a speed sensor, it's the whole hub assembly....unfortunately, it could also be water intrusion, which calls for replacement of the hub assembly AND the wire harness to it.....you need the code first....

My advice? Need an oil change? Go to a GM dealer for an Oil change...tell them your ABS light is on, and ask them if they can read the code....they will usually do it for free...

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by blk95lumina

Thank you for the specs Blue Bowtie.
I live in Houston but unfortunately the car spent most of its life up North, so its pretty rusty.

I have front disc and rear drums, but I see wire harnesses on all 4 wheels.

Can anyone provide the correct part#s for both the front and rear speed sensors, or are all sensors the same?

The parts listed on Rock Auto are only for the front.
https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...,parttype,1912

Thanks.

the abs light on but the brakes do work properly ? if so just put some black tape over the dash indicator lamp.... only a couple of years left on this any way no sense to spend more than this is worth ,then more failures to spend on not a good way to invest in transportation / vehicle..

[blk95lumina]

Originally Posted by j cAT

the abs light on but the brakes do work properly ? if so just put some black tape over the dash indicator lamp.... only a couple of years left on this any way no sense to spend more than this is worth ,then more failures to spend on not a good way to invest in transportation / vehicle..

Yeah, she is getting to the age. I actually took over the car from a friend and got it running with the idea maybe I could get 3 years out of it. That was over 6 years ago and although the car has low miles for it's age, they are mostly short-trip (5-10mi or less) and usually in hot Texas traffic. There are minor issues once in a while but the engine and major components refuse to give up. :-)