ABS/Brake light

[19Kgvw]

Here is what's happening:

My ABS/brake light has been intermittently coming on for up to 5 minutes at a time. When the light is on, the brake peddle is stiff/hard to push (of course, stopping power is minimal).



I have looked for a vacuum leak from the booster pump and found zero visual problems. Each time that I try to get the fault codes to further the diagnostic evaluation, the abs/brake light isn't on and the system is working correctly





What next... ... ???



If the booster pump is going out, is it intermittent??



What else do I look for??



uggh!!

 

[EZGZ]

Your on the right track.

You might want to check your brake linings and pads for wear.



Also make sure that the ABS sensor wire is plugged in good at the rear end housing.

It senses the ring gear stoping to activate the system. Just unplug it and have a look. Maybe spray some contact cleaner on it and plug it back together. Make sure the connector locks.



That is one of the symptoms mine had and now my brake and turn lights aren't working ether.

The Anti lock light is on all the time. " I will figure it out in time but it is agrivating"

 

[cerberusiam]

The vauum line to the brake booster can collapse in cold weather and cause some problems. To verify you have vacuum a gauge at the booster will tell if you are loosing vacuum.



The anti-lock light will come on for a number of reasons. Parking brake on, low fluid in master cylinder, matser cylinder malfuntion, RWAL unit problem. If it is a RWAL or braking problem there will be a code stored to help diagnose it.



The intermittent hard brakes could be a vacuum problem but it sounds more like a master cylinder or RWAL unit problem.



Start with the vacuum check and code check and go from there.



Good luck.

 

[sparks57]

Take all the lines off, one at a time at one end. Suck on it and put your tongue on the end, and see if the vauum holds. Do that to all the lines untill you find the culprit.

 

[JStraw]

Bwaahaahaa:-laf . No sir, I ain't suck'n on no hose. Maybe I can talk the wife... Nah.

 

[JLEONARD]

Suck on it and put your tongue on the end

Damn!!

Got a 900 number?:-laf :-laf

 

[19Kgvw]

CB... ..... nothing personal, but I'm going to use a more mechanical means to reach the same conclusion.



I like the thought process though... ... ... .

 

[EZGZ]

You can buy one of those little hand held Mighty Vac tools at most parts stores.

Same deal on a manifold vacum test gauge. You don't need a real good one just something to register so you can monitor.



When working on brake systems don't use old pop cans or drink containers for catching the old stuff. If you do get rid of it or clearly mark it. Years ago I did that using a Pepsi can. You know the rest of the story...

You won't catch me sucking on no hoses ever since.