Hi,
I've got a 2000 Chevy Silverado pickup with 160,000 km. Every once in a while (about every other time I drive it), as I come to a stop my anti-lock brakes come on until I let off and re apply the brakes. It happens only when I'm almost stopped. Is there such thing as having the wheel sensors get dirty or out of adjustment?
In addition, I've had the e-brake and anti-lock brake light come on a few times and stays on until I restart the truck.
If you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated
Thanks, Scott
I think I may have one solution to both your problems Scott.
General Motors has an issue with corrosion and debris build-up at the front wheel speed sensors (WSS) as well as the as the area around the tone ring (the notched gear-like ring that rotates just under the wheel speed sensor.)
These two very sensitive computer input devices are exposed to all the crud and corruption thrown up from the road and they are basically unprotected. The fix is to test both WSS them for voltage output, remove both of them, inspect for obvious damage and corrosion, clean as necessary and clean corrosion build-up on the tone ring.
When foreign material that builds up in this area, it interferes with the voltage production that these devices are responsible for. They are primary inputs that determine if wheel lock-up is imminent. Anything that interferes with this process forces erroneous signals to be generated. This is what's causing your mini-ABS activations.
GM trucks are also having issues with ABS electronics in other places. With help from my friends at AllData, I have compiled a list of technical issues you may need to look into Scott. You will notice that there are a few recalls. I suggest you start with these. Your local Chevy dealer will have access to the details behind these bulletins.
03-05-25-007D 05/01/2009 Brakes - Low Speed ABS Activation/No DTC's Set
00-05-22-002L 03/26/2009 Brakes- Disc Brake Warranty Service And Procedures
04-05-25-002E 03/11/2009 Brakes - ABS Lamp ON/DTC's C0265/C0201/U1041 Set
05068C03/06/2008 Recall - Possible Front Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion
NHTSA05V379000 08/29/2005 Recall 05V379000: Wheel Speed Sensor Cleaning
01-05-26-001A 04/08/2005 Brakes - Low Effort Parking Brake System Information
03-05-24-001A 03/21/2005 Brakes - Wheel Cylinder Inspection Guidelines
04094 01/25/2005 Recall - Front Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion
04-05-23-005 06/22/2004 Brakes/Wheels - Excessive Debris Build Up
04-05-23-001 01/21/2004 Brakes - Low Pedal/Warning Message/Lamp ON
02-05-25-002 06/01/2002 ABS - Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement Revision
02-05-24-001 03/01/2002 Drum Brakes - Revised Component Specifications
NHTSA00V222000 08/08/2000 Recall 00V222000: Brake Booster Vacuum Hose Kinked
00-05-23-005 08/01/2000 Rear Wheel Mud Flap - Availability
00-05-22-004 05/01/2000 Brake Fluid - Level & Filling Recommendations
This brings up an important point for everyone else reading this. Make sure your car or light truck is up to snuff by having a dealer pull up defect bulletins and recalls.
No surprise here, the National consensus illustrates that this is a big issue in the eastern part of Canada, so finding a shop that performs thorough inspections of rust-related issues is pure gold Scott.
One more tip; If you spend a lot of time off-road, GM has a mud-flap kit for the rear tires to protect the rear brakes. What's interesting is that these flaps are mounted in front of the wheels and are available at most GM dealers that sell truck parts.
There you go Scott, this should solve your ABS problems.
Buy the oil your manufacturer recommends - your engine will thank you