My anti-lock brakes and service traction control lights came on...am i hurting my car by driving it?

Question

I haven't taken my car to the shop yet because I can still stop okay....I have a friend that has had his ABS light on for a year and his car drives just fine (99 chevy malibu). I don't want to ruin my brakes. I drive a 2000 chevy impala...i have 135,000 miles on my car. Any suggestions as to where I can take it to get it checked out? I have been reading online and their might be dust in my sensors.

The lights for the ABS and traction control go off and on w/o warning...i think that it is a sensor problem, but i will definitely check the brake fluid...i called around and it's a min charge of $90 to have a dealer look at it...speed sensors and actuator modules...? are those expensive?

The lights for the ABS and traction control go off and on w/o warning...i think that it is a sensor problem, but i will definitely check the brake fluid...i called around and it's a min charge of $90 to have a dealer look at it...speed sensors and actuator modules...? are those expensive?

Answer 1

First check your brake fluid level on a flat surface.

It is likely that the problem is actually a sensor that has gone bad. This is a common problem for Ford and Chevy. But the light is a safety light, so it would be most beneficial for you to take the car in; in the event you have to slam on your brakes, they could possibly fail. Normally I would recommend taking it to a trusted auto-repair shop that's NOT the dealer, but in this case I would definitely take it to the dealer. They know what sensors normally go bad on their cars, so they can have a quick fix that will save you time and money. It will cost about $60 to have it looked at, and if it IS the sensors, it will cost you around $150-$200 to have it repaired. Your brakes are most likely safe to drive with, and you probably won't damage them. The problem is that starting in '92, Anti-Lock Brakes are controled electronically, so if there is a problem with the sensor, your ABS might fail when you need them the most. Same for the traction control. I'd almost say you could change the sensors yourself if you can get under there with a ratchet. It would be worth it, if it fixes the problem. Try calling your dealer and telling them what's going on. They might know right off hand that the sensors are the problem.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Service Traction Control

Answer 4

Your brakes will function just fine without the anti-lock system but be aware that on wet or snowy roads the tires will skid if you apply the brakes too hard. Be prepared, if you hear or feel the tires skidding, let off the brakes for an instant and press a bit softer so as to avoid a skid. You can even do a tap dance on the pedal, which I have done on snow with my older car that does not have anti-lock. That is as close to anti-lock as a human can get.

With a bit of luck it is just a sensor or the "brain" of the system needs to be reset. There should be some neighborhood shops that can check it for you. Ask around for one that is reliable.
You might need new brake pads if they haven't been done since about 60,000 miles so be prepared.
Also, if you hear scraping or grinding noise when you apply brakes take it in asap because that means the brake pads ARE worn out.

Good luck
.

Answer 5

ABS (Ànti-lock Brake System) is a supplementary safety system that compliments your traditional braking system. It works by detecting vehicle speed through an electromagnetic wheel sensor, which is mounted behind brake rotor, usually within a ½" of the reluctor, which looks like a gear on the back of the rotor. As the wheel speed increases, the gear creates creating a pulse for the sensor to read. The sensor then sends the data to a computer, which will determine if the system needs to be engaged, usually speeds in excess of 20mph will activate your ABS. Without this system, your wheels will simply lock up in a panic stop, like any car made before 1985. If this happens, your braking distance will increase. ABS is not a safety issue. A red BRAKE light, is.

Adding brake fluid seems to have cured your problem, I assure you, this is only a band aid. Whenever you find that your brake fluid is low you should always check your brakes. It could be a sign off worn down brake pads, or a leak

Answer 6

The answers are correct, You should be able to get this checked out at any replicable shop. Your brakes will work fine, but there is no anti lock ability. it is like driving a car built before anti lock and traction control were available.

Because both lights came on the problem is most likely a wheel speed sensor or tone ring. the ring is what allows the sensor to tell how fast the wheel is turning.

Answer 7

I work in the automotive business and have seen this many times. More than likely you have a bad ABS sensor which is located near one of the wheels. Also your traction control works with your ABS system, this is probably why your light is on. Your brakes will work fine and your car will run fine, however in an emergency stop your car would not have ABS function which means your car will brake like a car would have wheels locked up if you ever panic stopped, example, preventing an accident. Any dealer or automotive shop like a Firestone repair facility can help you with this.

Answer 8

I have the same problem with 2004 tahoe the abs and the traction control off light is on . And I have also noticed that Since these lights came on it has something to do with the 4x4 high. It won't engage in to 4 high.. it will go in 4 wheel low with no problem.. anyone with an idea what could wrong. .

Answer 9

you're not hurting the brakes at all.the system is designed to keep them from locking up on wet surfaces etc...to keep you from skidding and losing control.however they really aren't that much of an advantage.yes dust or a leak can cause the light to come on.keep eye on fluid level if it ain't dropping it ain't leaking.now if it's getting close to brake job time,the dust from the wear can also cause the light to come on.plus like your friend's lights these things can malfuction when nothing at all is wrong.on a 2000 car,i'd say there proably isn't really much wrong,other than proably worn out brakes.you can always take it to a vo-tech school where students are training to be mechanics.we have them here where kids take regular classes half a day then vo-tech trainingg the second half.cost is only for parts plus 10%

Answer 10

Check your brake fluid level first of all!! It might stop fine now and 2 days from now... whoa... look out!! More than likely its just a sensor out though. Your braking system has a 100% mechanical fall-back mode which does not require ANY electronics to work.