1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass ABS /BRAKE light

AL OSBORNE

MEMBER
1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS

Brakes problem
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

While driving my car one day I smelled something burning (like a wire) shortly after that the light came on. I checked all the sensors and the abs unit I cant find a burned wire anywhere. Also the brakes have been checked and are all fine. Any suggestions?

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,737 POSTS

Which light is on, the yellow anti-lock light, the red warning light, or both?

The yellow ABS light can come on by itself, but it will also turn on if the red light is on. If the red light is on, start by pulling up on the parking brake pedal. If that turns the red light off, the main cable is stretched and must be adjusted, or, more commonly, one of the rear cables is sticking and is only partially retracted. The ABS computer will think you're driving with the parking brake applied. That would adversely affect how the rear brakes respond to control of the hydraulic system when the computer tries to pulse them.

Next check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. If it is real low, add a little, but don't fill it. The fluid can be low for one of two reasons. There is a leak that must be fixed, or the front brake pads are worn and should be inspected. When new pads are installed, the fluid will be pushed back up into the reservoir. If you fill it before that, the excess fluid will spill out and make a miserable mess.

Caradiodoc