Break and ABS indicator lights on and "stiffer" break peddle

[ymustuknow]

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.

[losmaster]

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.

[Dgreenfix]

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

[ymustuknow]

Thanks for the great info.  I will be looking in to this asap and will report back. 

[conniecartech]

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.

[ymustuknow]

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.

[ymustuknow]

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!?

[conniecartech]

is the abs lite still on? what codes came up?

[ymustuknow]

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.

[conniecartech]

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.