94 Prizm ABS

Have 94 Geo prizm with ABS. A year ago or so the ABS (yellow) light came on and stayed on. The jist of my conversation with the mnechanic was that it was shot and that the car was functioning with just a regular old mechanical brake system and if I could live without the ABS feature there was no harm.

A couple of times lately my son says the 'ABS Active' light has come on, the brake pedal will only travel about halfway and there are no brakes unless you release them completely - the light will go off and you can then apply the brakes. This is not a good situation.

My mechanic says he can't disconnect the ABS system - it's not appropriate for a car repair shop to do that. I've been going to these guys for about 10 years and really trust them. Is he being melodramatic or can he really get in trouble? Also, CAN the ABS system be disconnected and have the car function as if it weren't there in the frist place? It almost sounds like he's telling me it would, but he's just not allowed to come out and say it.

 

Here in lies alot of liability issues. Hes just doing the right thing in watching out for you as well as covering his butt at the same time. Are there any leaks around the master cylinder ??? Try pumping the brake peddle 30 times with the car in the key off engine off position,check fluid, then drive a bit with a series of short stops. This will reset the system. Any further problems will need to be scanned out.

 

Thanks - I'll give it a try.

But I guess my real question is - is the ABS tied into any other systems, maybe speedometer or does it live on its on so to speak?

 

This is a seperate system. Most of the cheaper scan tools dont even sell hardware for ABS.

 

ABS work with your regular brakes and I'm not aware that they can just be " disconnected " from your system, ABS use speed sensors on wheels as well as in the transmission, and are connected to the car's computer too.
Best thing is to take it to a brake shop for an estimate, they'll pull out any stores codes on your computer and tell you what's wrong with it.
You dont want to be driving without abs especially in rain or snow.

 

Check wires to all wheels Look for cut or pinched wires.Also dirt on sensors can do it. Do not disconnect. Get it fixed.