97 lumina brakes clicking

[island time]

When the brakes are applied there is a clicking like a relay coming from the firewall and the lights dim when it clicks.Front brakes pads calipers and rotors are new. any help would be appreciated.
I am not interested in spending alot on this car so replacing the abs module is not an option. From what I have been reading I think I will just pull the fuse on the ABS at least I wont have to listen to that clicking.

[jeffcoslacker]

Yeah sounds like ABS activation.

If it started right after the new stuff, make sure a wheel speed sensor or exciter ring didn't get damaged in the process...

[island time]

Started before the brake job but seems to be getting worse
Thanks

[jeffcoslacker]

The ABS cycles the valves sometimes when you start the car, to keep them free and working...you hear a crunching/chattering that seems to come from down by the base of the steering column...is that the sound you hear, only when the brakes used?

If you don't get the "Low Trac" blue light on the dash when it happens, I'd think it was an uncalled-for valve cycle...if the ABS was actually active, you'd feel it in the pedal...

I don't know the remedy, but it does seem to be a common problem...

I think before I gave up on it, I'd take it out on some loose gravel or something and try to skid it around and activate the ABS...to see if it works on demand, and perhaps if activated it might reset whatever is making it malfunction...

I believe mine has held up so long without problems because I force it to activate regularly...whenever there's snow, ice, or wet I'll give it a few stomps and make it work...keeps it from getting atrophied I think...don't allow the fluid to stagnate in the system, etc...

[jeffcoslacker]

Funny thing I just remembered....a couple of weeks ago, evey time I stepped on the brakes I heard the exact chatter/crunch that the ABS makes...and I was pissed because I thought it was the beginning of the very problem you are having...

After turning the radio off and doing a few stops and listening carefully, I realized it was coming from the back seat area, not from up front...

There was a plastic jug with a small object in it that one of the kids left on the floor...every time I braked it would roll forward, and the tumbling object clattered inside it, producing a very good imitation of the ABS valve actuation sound

I got a good laugh out of it...

[island time]

Thanks for the input. No low trac light and no pulsating in the pedal.I read somewhere that cleaning the sensors might help? If the weather permits I might mess with it this weekend. Glad your problem was easy to solve.

[Bearwulf]

Try getting the brake system cleaned out, master cyl. all the way to the & including the calipers. Gunk will accumulate in system and cause prob's. like that.
Was having that problem part time on my '93 w/anit-lock brakes, sometimes would also stick engaged & heat rear brakes severely.