Why does 2001 Chevrolet Malibu ABS light stay on?

Answer 1

Your computer has detected an error with the either the speed sensors, abs sensors, or the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM).

For the malibu this is most commonly caused by the speed sensors located in the front hubs. The hubs are a one piece unit that contain your hub, bearings, and speed sensor, unfortunatly you cannnot repair just part of it. Another common issue is the connectors at the hubs become corrodied which if thats the case that will save you time and money by just cleaning the connections.

Another area to look into is the EBCM, this is the brain of your entire ABS system. These are extremely expensive to replace, new the parts are around 900, remanufactured are around 600. Most module rebuilders are unable to repair your current EBCM. The next best option is to find a used one online, they cost around 150 and usually come with a ok warranty.

Your online research will tell you not to wory about the light all it means is your ABS has detected a problem and has disabled its self, so it like your driving back in the 1960s. For the most part this is true, however today's modern vechicles do far more. After going through this myself I learned that the EBCM does more than activate your ABS, it actually constanly monitors your brakes and adjust the presure to each corner of your wheels to give you a nice smooth and confidant breaking. Example when breaking down hill your front brakes take the majority of the load, the EBCM will increase the presure of your rear brakes to give you better braking. Again this is not a major deal, but once you correct the problem if like me you drove a round for a long time with the light you will notice a difference and feel more confidant when you are breaking.

Another note, if you lights goes on and off at different times and you have an intermentiant problem that means you have a sensor that is partially failing. This can be dangerous because when it works again as your driving, say road vibration makes it work again, your ABS computer will cycle through and do a system check. This is very scarry when at a stop light and your abs activates, you will feel the pedal push back, then your brakes pumping as the ABS should function. I recommend you remove the 50amp fuse from under the hood that powers your ABS. This will save you some scarry moments while operating your vehicle.

Last note, its up to you if you want to just start replacing parts and calling is preventative maintaince on what I assume is a high milleage vehecile (12+ yrs of age) but the dealer is the only one with the right scan tool that can pin point which sensor is failing. While there hourly rate hurts, it will point you in the right direction.