2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission ABS Problem, Please Help!!!

[yupikram]

I have noticed my ABS hasnt been working, Roads here in Anchorage have gotten a bit slippery with all the snow thats been falling. Tried to slow down to make the turn at the intersection and all wheels just skidded, there was no fluctuating in the brake pedal. I checked the 40 amp fuse and it seems to be OK. Is there any other areas to check?

 

[rjrkihap]

Hi Yupikram,

Is your ABS light or Brake light on? Can you find a dry stretch of road where you can brake hard to see if they are still locking-up? I would start there.

Good Luck

Ron

 

[ProspectorTim]

Does your truck have 4-wheel ABS, or RWAL (rear wheel anti-lock) ?

RWAL has a sensor in the top of the rear differential.

I'm not real familiar with the 4-wheel ABS, but I'm pretty sure it has sensors on the front brake rotors and I dunno where else.

 

[ProspectorTim]

I was thinking about this, and re-read your post & truck description...

Did you have the truck in 4wd at the time? I'd check my shop manual but it is at the shop, but I think ABS is overridden (disabled?) when in 4wd.

Anyhow, if it is slick enough to lock up all 4 wheels just trying to slow down, you should be running studded tires or driving a lot slower. hehe

I'm not trying to be a smart-arse here. Heck, I don' t like to go slow either.
I have chains for all 4 wheels on my truck, and think a Subaru with studded tires is a real hotrod on ice!

 

[yupikram]

I do ride in 4 wheel drive during the winter here. It gets a bit interesting trying to drive a heavy truck on ice in 2 wheel drive. I've driven many other 4 wheel drive vehicles and you can sure tell when the ABS is working. I am a curtious driver when it comes to slick conditions, You just gotta slow down when its slick.

 

[DMcLeod]

Hi neighbor. I'm also interested in this topic. I currently have the same condition with the RWAL system on my 01. The warning light has not come on. I was not aware of the 4x4 mode disabling the RWAL; I will look into this further. I'm not sure the brake fluid in my truck has ever been changed and thought this might somehow be contributing to the problem. I plan to give it some attention soon.