SPONSORED LINKS

2003 Chevy Cavalier Intermittent ABS Brake Light

Tiny
MBILYOU
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 88,000 MILES
Good Afternoonb All,

Over the course of the past 2 weeks I have had my ABS brake light going on and off. Sometimes when I start the car, the light is on, and sometimes it is off. The status of the light does not change until the car is shut off, never while driving.

What common problems should I be checking.

Thank you in advance for your help!
SPONSORED LINKS
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 12:53 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Hello and thanks for the donation!

The first thing to inspect here will be your vehicle's brake fluid level. Let me know if it is at the appropriate FULL mark.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
MBILYOU
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
The brake fluid level is full.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 2:21 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
You will need to have the vehicle scanned with a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the ABS trouble code(s). The ABS lamp may be illuminating for many different causes and the best way to pinpoint the cause is to first retrieve trouble codes stored. Let me know what code(s) you retrieve, they should start with the letter C, for example C1217 or C1255.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
MBILYOU
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
What type of scanner needs to be used for the ABS? Does it need to be a dealership. Thanks !
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
You should be able to rent one from a local tool supplier. Most dealers will charge very high to scan your vehicle (usually around $100 ) . If you can't rent one anywhere, ACTRON is a nice brand of diagnostic scanners and any part store will be able to offer you one for sell at or below the $100 dealer fee cost.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 2:42 PM
Tiny
MBILYOU
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Thank you. I am going to try and find one tonight.

On a side note, the front passenger tire did hit a curb while driving. This light came on some time afterwards, but could that have done something to cause the issue?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 2:47 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Oh, yes most definitely. You have a sensor that is connected to each wheel for the ABS. You have either damaged it or it may have been knocked around and loosened from its connection.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 9:22 PM
Tiny
MBILYOU
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Thanks for the quick responses. Once I pull off the wheel, where is the sensor located?

Thanks again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 AT 7:23 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
It will be attached to the wheel hub assembly.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
MBILYOU
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Finally got the ABS code read. The code that came up was c1218 Motor circuit short to B+ / Motor ground opening

Any ideas?

Where is the ABS motor located? Thanks again !
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Thursday, July 30th, 2009 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Thanks for the update

The ABS pump motor is integral to the BPMV (brake pressure modulator valve) and is not serviceable. The DTC C1218 indicates a faulty EBCM (electronic brake control module) or faulty wiring/connection at the EBCM and BPMV. If the connections look good (no brake fluid on it, no corrosion, etc.) Then suspect faulty control module
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, July 30th, 2009 AT 10:37 PM
Tiny
MBILYOU
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
There wasnt a seperate ground wire, so I unplugged and replugged the "pigtail" of wires going into the abs motor, and the light has not come back on since.

If this works you saved me a ton ! One shop quote me at almost $1500 !

Thanks Again !

How can I give a tip?
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Saturday, August 1st, 2009 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
I'm glad you were able to fix the issue and save money at the same time. I have forwarded your request to give a tip to the site administrator. They will be contacting you on information as to how to do that. Thanks again for using 2CarPros. Com!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
THIS IS MIKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 686 POSTS
We appreciate your original donation and are glad we could help. We are not used to getting tips, but are thankful none the less that you would consider us for one. The best way to tip is just donate again on the same question. Have a great day and we hope that we can help you the next time you need us.
Thanks again,
Mike
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, August 3rd, 2009 AT 4:04 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related ABS Light Content

How to Get ABS Codes Video
VIDEO
How to Get ABS Codes Video
Instructional repair video
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links