Anti lock brake light

jerry1967 · #1 12-12-2009, 11:06 PM

My Anti lock brake light for my 2000 regal with a 3800 engine keeps coming on. When I start the car the light comes on and stays on but sometime when I start the car the light doesn't come on.

It sounds like I have a loose wire or somthing but I don't have a clue what to look at.

Does anybody have any ideas what to do ?

jd-autotech · #2 12-13-2009, 12:01 AM

have someone with a scanner see if there is a code stored in the abs system

jerry1967 · #3 12-13-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd-autotech

have someone with a scanner see if there is a code stored in the abs system

Where would I take it to do this code check?

BNaylor · #4 12-13-2009, 10:12 AM

The best place is the GM dealership with a Tech 2 scan tool. This is the only scan tool that can properly retrieve and read out GM ABS codes.

It sounds like it is failing ABS initialization.

jerry1967 · #5 12-13-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNaylor

The best place is the GM dealership with a Tech 2 scan tool. This is the only scan tool that can properly retrieve and read out GM ABS codes.

It sounds like it is failing ABS initialization.

Could you please explain what you mean by ABS initialization.

Also do you happen to have a picture of the ABS sensors on the car of a 2000 regal. I am trying to find out where the sensors are located.

BNaylor · #6 12-13-2009, 03:47 PM

When you go to ignition to on/start the ABS system is tested. EBTCM, motor pack, ABS pump, solenoids, etc. and later after movement the wheel sensors located at each wheel. The brain of the system is the electronic brake and traction control module (EBTCM) located at the front of the ABS motor pack/pump assembly on the GM/Bosch ABS system.

As suggested best to get it scanned to see what specific ABS/Chassis DTC(s) is stored causing the ABS light to turn on.

jerry1967 · #7 12-14-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNaylor

When you go to ignition to on/start the ABS system is tested. EBTCM, motor pack, ABS pump, solenoids, etc. and later after movement the wheel sensors located at each wheel. The brain of the system is the electronic brake and traction control module (EBTCM) located at the front of the ABS motor pack/pump assembly on the GM/Bosch ABS system.

As suggested best to get it scanned to see what specific ABS/Chassis DTC(s) is stored causing the ABS light to turn on.

Thanks for the information.
As a side note I took the ABS fuse out and the light still came on. Any ideas how this would work?

jd-autotech · #8 12-14-2009, 03:13 PM

if the fuse is out the light will come on , that is the function of the abs light to let the driver know there is a problem with the abs and it isnt functioning,so its just doin its job.

irbf · #9 12-14-2009, 09:20 PM

Based on the information that the light originally did not immediately come on, it is probably a bad wheel sensor. I am in the middle of this with the 2000 Regal that I have. I took the car by a mechanic that has the $$$$ computer to read the codes and the front left sensor was intermittent. Visual inspection revealed no damage to the wires and I reseated the connector...still the same problem. I am getting ready to change the hub assembly to solve the problem. The hub contains the bearings but also a mechanical assembly that acts as an encoder. This encoder and probably a hall effect sensor generate pulses for the computer. If the pulses disappear the computer believes the car is in a skid (particular wheel locked).

BNaylor · #10 12-14-2009, 11:35 PM

Normally if a hub wheel sensor is bad you should get a TRAC OFF light in conjunction with the ABS light.

jerry1967 · #11 12-16-2009, 09:57 AM

I turned the key to on and took the fuse out then turned the key off, put the fuse back in then started the car. Now I do not have the abs light. I also play with the wiring system so I don't know how I did it but the light if off for now. I will let you know if it comes back on.

Ruley73 · #12 12-16-2009, 03:11 PM

The ABS will be purposely disabled by the computer if detects an inadequate power source when your battery and/or alternator begin to fail. This fail-safe feature is pretty sensitive to voltage drops and often occurs before other symptoms are noticed and before the battery/low voltage light illuminates.

I think would be a good idea to get your battery and alternator tested just to be safe, especially since the cold season is here again.

I am not saying this is definitely the cause of the ABS light, but it is a possibility. Aside from this I would also suspect a bad wheel speed sensor or a corroded plug at one or more of the sensors. I have had the latter prompt an ABS light a few times on my wife's previously owned Intrigue. I just unplugged/plugged them back in a few times to break up the corrosion and squirted a little silicone spray on the plug and plugged them in one last time and the problem went away.

jerry1967 · #13 01-01-2010, 02:11 PM

I have a new battery and the alternator checked out good.Where are the corroded plugs located. Do you have a picture?

irbf · #14 01-01-2010, 09:42 PM

Each wheel has a connector. Behind the wheel towards the bottom. These are tough to get to unless you pull the wheels or put it up on a rack. As you are in "Big White" Michigan and it is probably nasty out maybe best to take it by a shop with a rack and have them do this for you. At the same time, get the codes. Either a garage with the scanner mentioned or to GM.

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