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98 bleeding brakes/ABS light comes on


PHXAuto
08-30-2009, 12:30 PM
My ABS and brake lights came on a few days ago while my son was driving the car. I got a chance to peek around this morning and started with the front brakes first. Everything appeared normal - the ABS connector was tight, no noticeable wires broken, brake pads/rotors looked fine. Bled the brakes even though I didn't see the fluid level low. Went to the back and now have identified a problem and need your help. Brake pads/rotors seemed ok. Maybe a little rusty but I just washed the car yesterday so that seemed reasonable. Then I started to bleed the brakes and, after loosening the bleed screw, nothing came out and my son said the pedal was still hard. Tried to move the rotor while he was pressing on the pedal and it moved freely. Could even see that the pads were not pressing against the rotors when brake is applied. Happened on both rear wheels. Thought I saw somewhere that I need to reset the ABS module or could it be that I need to bleed up near the master cylinder. There are two brake bleed nipples on the gizmo that all the lines come from but I don't think that is my problem. Any help/guidance is appreciated

PHXAuto
09-28-2009, 12:06 AM
Well, I received no replies or answers. No worries but I think it is always appropriate to post the final solution to these threads so others can benefit.

Quick and dirty synopsis. Took it over to the local Brake Masters as I had a coupon for a free brake light code diagnostics. Also had a coupon for a 16.99 oil change so all is good - check the light and get an oil change for about $20. Anyway they came up with two codes - C1246 (EBCM Request Brake light on) and C1286 (EBCM Motor pack issue). The manager wanted to charge me about $500-$800 to diagnose and repair. Did some reading about on Automotive Forums and found that these codes could be the brake reservoir/ABS control motor gears or the computer that is bolted on to this motor. Grabbed one from eBay fro $50 and took a shot that it was the computer as that just seemed to make the most sense (and I hate computers). So, my son and I attempted to remove the computer w/o removing the while reservoir assembly. That would have meant rebleeding everything and we figured we would try and, if it didn't work we would pull the whole unit and replace. Jacked up the left side, my son going in through the hood and me on the ground with swivels and flex adapters and we removed and replaced the computer. Took about an hour and was more about communications. I could see, my son could reach better. Anyway, started the car and lights off. Great joy. I've still got the reservoir and gear box that I will try to sell on ebay. No harm, no foul, took some time but we are back in business.

Ciao,
PHXauto

Airjer_
09-28-2009, 08:51 AM
And now the rear calipers are working?

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