ABS and traction control lights come on

COMPUCARL

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
192,000 MILES

I have the car listed above that everything works, but a really hard pedal giving no brakes until the brake, ABS and traction control lights come on. Then it is as if nothing happened and there were brakes the whole time. Getting frustrated thinking I may have to do a complete flush of the system. Please say I don't. Have been working DIY on cars since little and that is over 40 years, but this is new. Again brake do not work "hard pedal" until lights come one saying systems are down. Then all is good.

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 8:09 AM

6 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Having these problems with the ABS,trac control,and brake indicator light all come on means there is a trouble code(s) stores in your vehicles computer. First thing you need to do is have a scanner/code reader determine the fault codes. It sounds like you may have a wheel speed sensor that is out. These videos will help us find the problem.

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

and

https://youtu.be/Pb6nXV-iamI

and

https://youtu.be/ANWVTh2RQoQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/abs-warning-light-on-easy-repair-guide

Please run down these guides and report back.

After having the brake,ABS,trac control codes determined get back to us with the code numbers and we can properly diagnose the problems.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

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Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 6:05 PM

COMPUCARL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

And this is why I am here. I have a Bluetooth obd2 reader and use multiple scanner software to double and triple check things. Attached are 5 different readings all give only the mass air flow P0102 no ABS/brake or traction control codes. I did notice there is a electronic'y sound kind of like taking and rubbing a rubber eraser across a white board. These are from as follows (not in order) ChevoSys free, incardoc free, Car Scanner, Dashcommand, Torque Pro. I can give any information you could ask for so please ask away. I am so confounded. Thanks for the help.

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Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 AT 9:52 PM

COMPUCARL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Brakes locking intermittently, pedal too stiff lease look at this post its not the same car but is the same issue. https://www.2carpros.com/questions/brakes-locking-intermittently-pedal-too-stiff

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Friday, November 8th, 2019 AT 4:03 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

You will need to use a scanner/code reader with an abs diagnostic function. Having the brake and ABS light triggered definitely means a code is stored. Just be sure your reader is as I stated ABS compatible. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 6:02 AM

COMPUCARL

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I will take it to get read today. I'm fairly new to the obd2 as issues before were diagnosed by feel and past experience. Thanks for the help. I can say I have asked on other sites for help and have gotten none to very little. Even the Malibu forums- was always told (because my auto is at 192,000 plus miles even though running strong) to get a newer car with fewer miles. Thanks for taking your time and giving your knowledge.

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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 6:49 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again,

Rule of thumb is the cheaper(price) scanners have limited function. They will only check engine (P) codes. You have to usually spend more to get a scanner to read ABS ( anti-lock brakes) Transmission, and SRS (supplemental restraint systems) Let me know if you have any further questions. Yes, It gets frustrating since my $4,000.00 scanner got stolen a few years ago that would check everything! Also, the parts store AutoZone can check codes for free.I'm now playing catch up with 3 smaller basic scanners. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-

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Sunday, November 10th, 2019 AT 7:01 PM