1997 chevy lumina abs question

[cfrank2]

Today i took my lumina to the dealership and had them run a diagnostic scan on my abs system to see why my abs light was on, they said that my front right wheel speed sensor is bad. For the part and labor they wanted $475 to do it. So i went to autozone and got the part. My questions is, Once i replace the bad sensor or other possible wiring harness problem will just taking off the battery cable for a few minutes dump the abs trouble code and cause the light to go out?

Thank you

[Blue Bowtie]

The code will not clear by removing battery power. However, the warning lamp may go off once the system recognizes all the inputs and everything is operating properly.

[wafrederick]

Open the wiring harness up for the wheel speed sensor and check for a broken wire first.You may not need the wheel speed sensor.

[zaac]

Can you test a speed sensor with an ohmmeter?

[cfrank2]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

The code will not clear by removing battery power. However, the warning lamp may go off once the system recognizes all the inputs and everything is operating properly.

Is there any way to get rid of the stored code without the use of a abs scan tool?

[cfrank2]

I forgot to mention in my other reply that i need to change the master cylinder and if the abs warning light was on i dont think that i would be able to manually bleed the brakes.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by cfrank2

I forgot to mention in my other reply that i need to change the master cylinder and if the abs warning light was on i dont think that i would be able to manually bleed the brakes.

The service brake and ABS hydraulic systems are essentially separate entities until the ABS is activated...

It's not going to have any effect on your ability to bleed the system. In fact, there is a separate procedure to bleed the ABS system. You don't need to bother with that unless the ABS system has been opened up and air got in, or you just wanna rid the system of any old fluid.

Anyway, with an ABS fault light showing, the system defaults to standard non-ABS service brake operation.

And usually the ABS light will clear after it's driven for a while and sees the fault no longer exists...

[cfrank2]

Since i need to switch the abs modulator from the old master cylinder to the new one i would need to bleed the abs too.

[Blue Bowtie]

The Delco ABS-VI system has bleed fittings on it. You can also cycle the ignition power to force the solenoids and modulator to operate, permitting complete bleeding. I can forward a complete procedure in PDF format if you need it.

With that system, if the ABS warning lamp is on steady, the ABS is inoperative. If the lamp is flashing, ABS is operational but there is a detected problem, usually a switch or lamp circuit input.

[cfrank2]

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

The Delco ABS-VI system has bleed fittings on it. You can also cycle the ignition power to force the solenoids and modulator to operate, permitting complete bleeding. I can forward a complete procedure in PDF format if you need it.

With that system, if the ABS warning lamp is on steady, the ABS is inoperative. If the lamp is flashing, ABS is operational but there is a detected problem, usually a switch or lamp circuit input.

I would really appreciate it if you would send me that file, my email address is: [email protected] Thank you

[Blue Bowtie]

CAUTION: Use only DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. DO NOT use DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. This is a generic bleeding procedure. ALWAYS use the bleeding procedure for specific year, make, and model vehicle that is being serviced.

Brake Control Assembly - Verify reservoir is full. Attach a clear length of hose to the rear bleeder valve and submerge the other end in a container of clean brake fluid.

Brake Bleeding with a Scan Tool - If using a scanner to position piston, connect the scanner and enter manual control function. Ensure enable relay is on and apply rear motor. On later versions of the GM TECH-1 and some later MT-2500 versions, there is a “Motor Rehome” function which should force the pistons to return to the upper position. System is now ready for pressure or manual bleeding.

Brake Bleeding Without a Scan Tool - If a scanner is not available, use this alternate method. This procedure will only work if the ABS warning light is not on and no trouble codes are set. Repair any system defects before proceeding.

1. Remove foot from brake pedal. Start engine and allow to run for at least 10 seconds. Ensure that the amber ABS warning light is off after 3-4 seconds. Turn ignition off.
2. Repeat either the scan tool forced re-home procedure or the ignition ON cycle one more time. The ABS system should now ready to bleed.

Master Cylinder
Bleed the master cylinder and ABS unit using the bleed screws at the top of the ABS unit. Slowly open rear bleeder. Apply brake pedal until fluid begins to flow. Close valve and release brake pedal. Repeat procedure for front bleeder valve.

Wheel Brakes
1) Clean master cylinder cover and surrounding area. Ensure reservoir is full. Raise and support vehicle. Attach clear bleeder hose to right rear bleeder valve and submerge other end in container of brake fluid.

2) Open the bleeder valve. Slowly depress the brake pedal. Close the bleeder valve and release the brake pedal. Repeat this procedure until no air is seen in the hose. Repeat the procedure for the left rear, right front and left front valve. Ensure reservoir is full. Monitor and maintain brake fluid level in the reservoir during the entire process or you’ll get to start it all over again.