I just bought a 97 Cavalier. The ABS and parking brakes lights are on and the rear brakes lock up. The previous owners lived down a long dirt road, which kept the bottom of the car muddy/dusty. Any ideas on where I can start? The wheel drums and pads look decent. THANKS!

 

check brake fluid and pull the drums, might have wheel cylinders leaking

 

Thanks! Just replaced the rear shoes (one was a little worn, but not horrible). Rear brakes are not bad anymore, but the lights are still on. No leaks, fluid is good.

 

The ABS warning indicator can be due to the BRAKE warning indicator being on in which case the brake fluid level switch may be malfunctioning. Disconnect the electrical connector from the brake fluid reservoir and see what the BRAKE warning indicator does with key on. Then, carefully jumper the circuit by shorting the two wires (thin paper clip inserted into the electrical connector will do) and see what the indicator does with key on.