SolomonMan

All,
Got a 2001 Chevy Impala 3.4L that I am the second owner of and a family member was the first. The vehicle has ~96K on the vehicle and last winter the ABS light kicked on. (The first time I have seen it and have owned it 4 years)

It kicked on during a horrible snow day here in Ohio (15 inches and -10 degrees). I did not try to reset computer and fluids looked fine.

Anyways, I know I need front pads as I can now here the front warning metal strip and did a visual check. The pedal and braking feels fine and the rotor is not grooved.

So what normally kicks the ABS light on?

I am figuring I may just swap the pads and reset the computer but like to know a little more before proceeding that direction.

Thanks,
Chris

sledge.impy

Is it still on?

Does it say "ABS INOP" ?

SolomonMan

sledge.impy / All,
Its a Dummy light that's on and its on the right side above the small square amber screen (amber screen tells; oil life, tire pressure warning, low washer fluid etc.).

It does not say "ABS INOP" nor does the amber screen. The light basically has ABS with Brake Drums symbol around it. (ABS)

Thanks,
Chris

SolomonMan

All,
Maybe I should rephrase the question...

Simply...What are some of the causes for a ABS light to be thrown?

Thanks,
Chris

sledge.impy

http://www.google.com/search?q=2001+...pala+abs+light

SolomonMan

sledge.impy,
Thanks for the link for the google Search....From the few threads I have read it could be from the new tires, bad bearing, bad wiring, or the sensor itself is bad.

All not a big deal but if I am lucky could be the new tires or a simple wire issue.

I will try a reset of the computer today and go from there.

Thanks again,
Chris

sledge.impy

Hubs go bad, sensors go bad, wires break. Hard to guess without working on your car, etc.

So you've had the light since that winter storm?

Did any chucks of ice hit up inside there? Could have damaged something, got water in the sensor, or the sensor weather plug is worn out and water got in... it's all corroded?

Frank3

My 2001 Impala with about 106000 had the ABS message come on. It would come and go sporadically. I ended up getting replacement ABS wiring harness ends. They are about 2 feet long and replace the ABS sensor wires from the connector at the hub through the moving parts of the front suspension and "A" arm all the way back to the immovable part of the frame. This gets rid of the parts of the wires that are always flexing on every bump and turn and can sometimes break internally. Replacing both harnesses did the trick for my Impala.