Brake warning lights coming on

[01TX_Tahoe]

I have this happening as well. It wouldn't be so bad if it didn't "ding" so loud and for so long. I mean, one "ding" is enough to get my attention but it dings for like 20 seconds. Anyway, I had the codes cleared and was told that it was either the fluid sensor or a bad ground. Well, I replaced the fluid sensor and it still does it so I guess I might have a bad ground somewhere.

ding? what ding? i'm not getting a ding or anything like that. must be new. anyways, i've tried disconnecting the battery and had it disconnected for at least 10-20 minutes and the stupid lights still come on... i might try the autozone or o'reilly thing and let try to get some codes. if that doesn't work...i'll pull the bulbs and call it a day!!

 

[chip]

ding? what ding? i'm not getting a ding or anything like that. must be new. anyways, i've tried disconnecting the battery and had it disconnected for at least 10-20 minutes and the stupid lights still come on... i might try the autozone or o'reilly thing and let try to get some codes. if that doesn't work...i'll pull the bulbs and call it a day!!

LMFAO! That's one way to get it done!............All kidding aside, that means you've got a legit code being thrown. Autozone WILL find a code. Let us know what it is.

 

[nmsyukon]

When my abs and brake lights come on, it also displays "service brake system" and then dings for about 15-20 seconds. Might be different on mine being an 03 model.

 

[01TX_Tahoe]

When my abs and brake lights come on, it also displays "service brake system" and then dings for about 15-20 seconds. Might be different on mine being an 03 model.

must be a new thing. mine doesn't show any messages and the lights usually come after a slight bump in the road or sometimes right after i start it up... hmm.. maybe my ding doesn't work! oh well, if i have time this weekend imma take it to autozone or o'reilly down the street from my house.. i'll post the findings if any.

 

[Chucktown Mako]

This is a serious issue, not to be just cleared. Don't think you can clear it.

Anyway in my '01 Yukon, this happened about a month after I got it. It was the EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module). Dealer cost to repair- $1200!! I was fortunate enough to know a former Service Manager at this dealer and got the problem fixed "after hours" for $600. The part alone costs $900 from the dealer and (4 years ago) only they could program it.

I actually just dropped off my stepfather's truck with the same issue, this morning. Took it to a regular mechanic and they are going to diagnose, but I told them it was probably the EBCM.

Good luck!

 

[withac]

But has anybody with the warning light issues actually had any problems/symptoms? Ran fine today, no warning lights, and when they do come on, my brakes still work just fine.

 

[nmsyukon]

I don't have any problems or symptoms, just the warning lights. I would also like to know if there are any signs of the ebcm going out.

 

[chip]

This is a serious issue, not to be just cleared. Don't think you can clear it.

Anyway in my '01 Yukon, this happened about a month after I got it. It was the EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module). Dealer cost to repair- $1200!! I was fortunate enough to know a former Service Manager at this dealer and got the problem fixed "after hours" for $600. The part alone costs $900 from the dealer and (4 years ago) only they could program it.

I actually just dropped off my stepfather's truck with the same issue, this morning. Took it to a regular mechanic and they are going to diagnose, but I told them it was probably the EBCM.

Good luck!

Good info^^^!!!

 

[Chucktown Mako]

Mine actually ran fine with no noticeable problems. Dealer just told me that one day my brakes could be fine, the next I would have nothing. At that time, they had only seen a couple of these sensors bad. I would assume now, 4 years later, they have seen more of this same issue.

With a little research I found a site:

How to remove:
http://www.absfixer.com/how_do_i_remove.php


Some of the FAQ's:

What goes wrong with the ABS Unit?

Problems relating to the pump constantly running is most usually caused by a faulty part within the ABS EBCM. This is not necessarily something that you have caused. Inside of the EBCM is a semiconductor that has failed and is telling the pump to turn on and never turn off... There is nothing that can be done at this point except for removing the 60Amp fuse located in the fuse compartment under the hood. The only way to repair this unit is to replace the bad part. This is rarely anything the average person can do. Repairing this unit involves unsoldering 6 solenoids and about 30 or so solder connections before removing the PC board that contains the faulty part. After that, their is a surface mount transistor that is removed and then replaced by a new one. Everything is then reassembled and tested.
Back to Top
Can further damage be caused?

It is very rare to see further damage than the damaged transistor. One thing to consider is to make sure to remove the 60Amp fuse in the fuse compartment under the hood to prevent pump from operating and running down your battery. Not only will you have a dead battery, but your pump doesn't like to be operated for more than a few seconds at a time.
Back to Top
Can I drive my vehicle without the EBCM?

Yes, you can operate your brakes and drive like normal. If you do plan to remove your EBCM for service, cover the exposed pump block with some plastic sheeting and secure with duct tape or equivalent.

Hope this helps!!

 

[withac]

Mine actually ran fine with no noticeable problems. Dealer just told me that one day my brakes could be fine, the next I would have nothing. At that time, they had only seen a couple of these sensors bad. I would assume now, 4 years later, they have seen more of this same issue.

With a little research I found a site:

How to remove:
http://www.absfixer.com/how_do_i_remove.php


Some of the FAQ's:

What goes wrong with the ABS Unit?

Problems relating to the pump constantly running is most usually caused by a faulty part within the ABS EBCM. This is not necessarily something that you have caused. Inside of the EBCM is a semiconductor that has failed and is telling the pump to turn on and never turn off... There is nothing that can be done at this point except for removing the 60Amp fuse located in the fuse compartment under the hood. The only way to repair this unit is to replace the bad part. This is rarely anything the average person can do. Repairing this unit involves unsoldering 6 solenoids and about 30 or so solder connections before removing the PC board that contains the faulty part. After that, their is a surface mount transistor that is removed and then replaced by a new one. Everything is then reassembled and tested.
Back to Top
Can further damage be caused?

It is very rare to see further damage than the damaged transistor. One thing to consider is to make sure to remove the 60Amp fuse in the fuse compartment under the hood to prevent pump from operating and running down your battery. Not only will you have a dead battery, but your pump doesn't like to be operated for more than a few seconds at a time.
Back to Top
Can I drive my vehicle without the EBCM?

Yes, you can operate your brakes and drive like normal. If you do plan to remove your EBCM for service, cover the exposed pump block with some plastic sheeting and secure with duct tape or equivalent.

Hope this helps!!

Great info, thanks. Any idea how much they charge for the repair? also, how do you know for certain that is the problem, I'm assuming get someone to read your trouble codes, right?