ABS problem ??

Hullie · April 14, 2003

Hey all,

My uncle has a '99 or maybe '98 1/2 ton silverado X-cab (new body style). Starting yesterday, the ABS motor (under the drivers seat and attached to the frame) won't turn off...even after the truck is not running. I checked the fluid level and it's fine and there is normal pedal feel. All of the pads are still within spec (although close). Does anybody have any idea what is causing the motor to run constantly?

Also, are there any special bleeding proceedures for the brake lines considering it's an ABS equipped truck?

Thanks,

Brett

99silveradoz71 · April 14, 2003

Someone else just posted about the same a day or 2 ago. It's your ABS computer module. You need to pull the ABS fuse under the hood(check your manual for the location) or you'll be looking at a dead battery.

Hullie · April 14, 2003

So you're saying that the ABS computer module needs to be replaced? We just pulled the negative battery cable, but I'll pull the ABS fuse so that we can at least use the truck.

I'll search for the other thread as well, thanks for the info.

Brett

Shaners · April 14, 2003

It's definatly the module... unfortunatly it's not cheap!!! I'd start looking on Ebay if I was you.

AZ-Z71 · April 15, 2003

The module runs about $900. Plus there is shop time so you are looking over a thousand by the time they are done withyou. Mine went about a year ago on my 99. Pulled the wire from the motor and it stopped. I got a great deal on my part because I had a friend that worked for the dealer and they got their discount. Ended up costing me like $400 for the part and about $150 for the labor. (Too bad she still doesn't work there)

Call your local junk yard because they may be able to locate you one some where in the country. I think I was getting used prices in the neighborhood of $300 to $350. I only went new because for me it was an additional $50.

This seems to be some sort of a common problem yet GM says no and there are a few people I know that have had this done. Should be some sort of saftey recall but go figure.

GnatGoSplat · April 16, 2003

It's probably not a safety recall because the brakes still function normally without ABS.

Cars were without ABS for decades, and GM still offers some cars without ABS, so they probably don't figure it's a safety issue at all.

GeoHawk · April 17, 2003

The ABS module went out on my '99 when it had about 42,000 miles on it (dammit, just out of warranty). Same symptom, ABS motor just kept running. It was not a cheap fix, about $800 2 years ago.

Lance Link · April 17, 2003

Mine went last summer at 70,000 miles and the dealer replaced it for free. Took a great deal of complaining to GM and the dealer but they eventually worked with me. It's an extremely common problem, it seems. Two of my friends have had the same problem and each was fixed by the dealer at no charge (different dealers for each).

Good luck!

Tolliverme · April 18, 2003

Mine went at about 40000. I found replacement at junkyard for $150 worked just fine. The 99s have this problem a lot. You can replace with any year 99 and above. takes about thirty minutes to change if you have wrenches to fit the brake line fittings. Then make sure you bleed the brakes.