Author Topic: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle  (Read 675 times)

ymustuknow

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Hello all,
  I am hoping that someone has an idea what's going on with my car. Today my ABS and break lights (dash lights) came on and it takes more pressure to slow/stop.  There's no check engine so I don't think a standard reader will do anything.  Any ideas? My car is a 1996 Chevy Lumina 3.1
THANKS for your time!

EDIT:
I also notice that the front breaks seem to be partially applied.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2012, 07:40:09 PM by ymustuknow »

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

losmaster

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2746
  • Karma: +5/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #1 on: May 28, 2012, 08:48:00 PM »
Well, first you'll have to get the ABS system scanned by someone with a higher end scan tool that will read abs codes and wouldn't hurt to have a brake/ft and rear suspension inspection done at the same time.

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

Dgreenfix

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #2 on: May 28, 2012, 11:15:16 PM »
My first suggestion would be, get your brakes inspected. At most shops it's FREE, and brakes are extremely important to have in working order...with that being said....

Your symptoms lean toward a leaking brake booster. There is a small diaphragm inside this metal housing (brake booster) that can tear over time. If the break booster loses vacuum it will cause you to have to press down harder on the brake pedal to get the car to stop.

This is an expensive repair...anywhere from $200-$500

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

ymustuknow

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2012, 12:36:14 AM »
Thanks for the great info.  I will be looking in to this asap and will report back.  :)

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

conniecartech

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4209
  • Karma: +22/-2
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #4 on: May 29, 2012, 04:53:30 AM »
a bad brake booster wont turn on the lites and wont keep the brakes partialy applyed.

im with losmaster, the place to start is get it scanned for abs codes and go from there.

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

ymustuknow

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2012, 11:09:14 PM »
a bad brake booster wont turn on the lites and wont keep the brakes partialy applyed.

im with losmaster, the place to start is get it scanned for abs codes and go from there.

That's what I was thinking, it sounds to me to be in the ABS system (the problem that is), but I am not a mechanic.

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

ymustuknow

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2012, 01:28:27 AM »
Well I got my ABS system scanned and it threw a ton of codes.  Then I don't know what happened, but I pulled out of my driveway and was backing up when I heard a clunk.  Then my rear brakes squealed a bit and now the brake light is off and back to normal!?

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

conniecartech

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4209
  • Karma: +22/-2
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2012, 06:08:43 AM »
is the abs lite still on? what codes came up?

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

ymustuknow

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 7
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #8 on: June 03, 2012, 12:48:18 AM »
The ABS light is still on, but my buddy unplugged a two wire connection under the hood on the passenger side.  Not sure about the codes either, was another buddies scanner.

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter

conniecartech

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4209
  • Karma: +22/-2
    • View Profile
Re: Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle
« Reply #9 on: June 03, 2012, 04:54:00 AM »
even if the brakes seem to work normal, any time the abs lite is on u aint got the anti lock function in a panic stop. so for safety reasons, its importent to get it fixed. if the problem is with the abs computer or hydraulic modulator, it aint a diy job, it takes special equipment and know-how to do a proper diagnosis and to keep from hurting yourself and damaging the brake system due to extra high pressure in the abs system.

the fact that there was 'a ton of codes' tells me u should let a pro handle this.

Share via delicious Share via digg Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via reddit Share via stumble Share via twitter


Share Topic

Share via delicious Share via facebook Share via linkedin Share via stumble Share via twitter

Similar Topics

  Subject / Started by Replies / Views Last post
xx
98 Sebring Conv. warning indicator displayed "DECK"

Started by

0 Replies
1155 Views
Last post April 19, 2004, 06:09:23 PM
by
xx
Toyota 4Runner "Trac Off"/"VSC Trac" lights on

Started by

2 Replies
2170 Views
Last post May 29, 2012, 06:08:43 PM
by Dgreenfix
xx
1987 Toyota Camry Oil Leak & "Lights" Light

Started by

2 Replies
1174 Views
Last post March 26, 2009, 05:58:21 PM
by
xx
Break issue on 97' Mercury Mystique GS. Break light is on.

Started by fgreco0124

4 Replies
919 Views
Last post September 02, 2011, 04:31:53 PM
by fgreco0124
xx
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee tail lights break lights flip flop

Started by

1 Replies
919 Views
Last post December 01, 2004, 11:44:18 AM
by way2old