Antilock Braking System a No GO!
 

ok after all this time i just noticed that my ABS doesnt work. I have no light at startup, and the brakes lock up. i checked the bulb and its A-OK???? could somebody try to help me here? i am not throwing any codes either.

yea, the Yellow ABS light comes on.

no i dont have one...

We need a good service manual. The ABS system uses relays, fuses, an EBCM, and of course, the hydraulic unit itself. I would suspect a fuse, relay, or the EBCM. Have you checked the ABS fuses lately?

Also, check to make sure that you have a hydraulic unit (like your other car) just to check that your car was actually equipped with ABS.

And with that system you can check the codes yourself. Jumper pins A and H. Turn the ignition switch on. You should get a continuous ABS light for 4 seconds. Then it will flash the first code at you. To get the second code, disconnect and reconnect the jumper with the ignition still on.

This won't work on 91 and up because of the newer systems.

it has abs. the pedal says it. and the master cylender is the pressure one. i have checked the fuses

This is where the service manual can help you determine if you have a bad EBCM. Try swapping the EBCMs in your cars and see what happens...

Usually they are on the passenger side, behind the glovebox or kick-panel.

no they are on the drivers side under the steering column by the parkin brake. i will try it

ok i switched the other EBCM out of the other SSE into this one. still no ABS light. i put the one in my car into the my other SSE and the ABS still comes on??? what should i be checking for next?

Devon

Well, we need a 1990 wiring diagram. I would take a test light to the fuse that controls the EBCM, and then over to the EBCM wiring harness. Unfortunately I only have 93 and 94 wiring diagrams! Maybe someone has them?

The 1990 was the last year to use the TEVES (from Germany) ABS system. Our Bonneville does not have it but have a Reatta that does. It uses an electro/ hydraulic pump for pressure and in general when you turn the key one it gives both a red (pressure) and yellow (ABS circuit) light and both go out after a few seconds.

You can tell if the computer is working by pressing on the brake pedal and turning the key on (dod not need to start the engine). After a few seconds you should feel a single "thump" in the pedal as the ABS computer goes through power on self test & cycles the main valve.

There is a lot of infomation about the TEVES on www.reatta.net.