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Strange ABS light issue

Old 02-16-2011, 10:27 AM
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Question Strange ABS light issue

First of all, hiya to all the new folks Been around a while, but not very active, you know? So yeah, I picked up a new Bonneville about 2-3 months ago now - a 1993 SE with 132k on it currently, and the 'Limited Edition' badges, whatever they're supposed to indicate. Anyways, the thing is in really great condition - just moved with it from New York State down to Georgia last month, but ever since then I've noticed some issues pop up. I'll go into the other ones later, if need be, but for now this dummy light issue has me perplexed. During the last 10-20 miles of my big trip, the ABS light came on. Ever since then, the light has been coming on at random times, sometimes coming on with the car, sometimes coming on during driving. It seems to like coming on after a hard braking episode, but I can't be sure about that. Perhaps related is that when I turn and brake at the same time, I sometimes notice a binding feeling in the steering feel. One time it was particularly bad. Also, I was driving to work yesterday, and I was late (lol) and something even more disturbing happened. I took a corner a bit fast, while braking, and the red 'Brake' warning light came on and dinged at me as I went around the corner. Sooo... yeah, I'm confused. I've been meaning to flash the codes, but I still have to find the time to. I also need to find the instructions on the site again for how to do that...

Anyways, I could really use some help with this. Thanks again!
Old 02-16-2011, 10:34 AM
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Sounds like the sensor or a front bearing is on it'* way out. I'd check out your front end for play.
Old 02-16-2011, 12:38 PM
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If the brake light came on your likely low on brake fluid.

As for teh sensor, check the plugs, a bit of water in them can cause problems.
Old 02-16-2011, 12:40 PM
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Er... how do I do that? I don't really have access to many tools or equipment, but I'm not a complete idiot about car stuff, either. Is there a relatively easy way to check that myself, or do I need to take it to a mechanic? Also, where'* the page on flashing my own error codes? Can't seem to find it...
Old 02-16-2011, 12:41 PM
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Oh, and thanks! Hehe
Old 02-16-2011, 12:53 PM
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for the abs wheel speed sensor,
https://www.gmforum.com/showthread.p...l+speed+sensor

https://www.gmforum.com/showthread.p...highlight=obd1
Old 02-16-2011, 12:57 PM
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C'mon KK,...just stuff your head under and make sure the WSS connectors are on the clip of the backing plates. On the er uh brake fluid... Lift da hood.

Been a while.. a long while.
Old 02-17-2011, 03:39 AM
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Sure has, man, that'* for damn sure! Good to see ya

Oh, and thanks for the info, guys. The WSS diagnostic is waaay too involved for me, but I can at least flash the codes, heh. Thanks again for the help!
Old 02-17-2011, 08:01 AM
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I know some of the tests are a bit involved, but visually checking the plug is straight forward. Just unplug it and look for water or corrosion. Also, scanning the car might give you a code telling which sensor is acting up, such as RF WSS. I believe the WSS is built in to your wheel hub, so you would need to replace the hub.
Old 02-17-2011, 05:04 PM
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Gotcha - I managed to flash the codes, among other car things I did today. I found out the brake fluid is low, which I promptly filled. I know the master cylinder has a leak, but I didn't realize how low it'd gotten. I feel stupid letting it get that low - I'll have to keep an eye on it. I filled it back up, but I'm still getting an intermittent 'Antilock' light, for whatever reason. The problem does seem to be better, though. I flashed the codes, but the only one stored is 12, so nothing there, apparently. I took it to a local place today to redeem a free oil change gift certificate, and they also threw in a cursory inspection of the brakes and stuff, since I provided my own oil. On that note, I switched her over to synthetic - happy about that, hehe Anyways, they didn't notice a problem with the brakes, although they did point out that I have a valve cover gasket leak, and the master cylinder leak I knew about. They also mentioned it might need an alignment, given some weird tire wear I have on the back tires. I told them it was because the last owner ran the front tires with low air, and I had them rotated to the back, but she insisted it could also be an alignment issue, though I am skeptical about that. She quoted me $60-$70 dollars for the alignment, depending on what kind of alignment was needed, so that'll have to wait for now, regardless...

Anyways, I'll stop my rambling now, lol. More to be added later, if anything new crops up, and if I can manage to organize my thoughts a little better. If anybody has any theories given this new info, I'd really like to hear it! Thanks again, guys!

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