I replaced the battery on my 1996 chevrolet cavalier 2.4l with manual transmission about 3 days ago. Today as I was driving to get gas the vehicle started to idle low as if it was not getting enough fuel to the engine. As I came to a stop it got worse and then I check the dash for any indication of malfunction only to see my airbag, check engine, ABS, check oil & battery lights flickering. Moments later as I shift into 3rd gear it dies rendering all safety and normal operation of the vehicle nearly impossible. I had to call a friend to jump me 3 more times before reaching my home which was less than a mile away!
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier: ABS light or ABS activating
28 of the 503 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 28
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
When brakes are applied they engage and release which causes extended stopping distance. The vehicle stops when the brake pedal is slammed on, which engages the ABS. The dealership has checked the brake rotors , pads, all components in the front suspension and tires. They we fine. The cause of the failure is still unknown. *nm *bf
Consumer states it took four years before anyone could determine what was causing vehicle to lose all power casuing consumer not to be able to stop, driving several feet with the ABS light on, the dealer finally discovered that the A/C and the compressor were programmed by the manufacturer to be on at all times, adversely affecting the compressor, brakes, and power, and the mechanic found a way to get the A/C and compressor to stay off, causing the problems to cease.jb
The manufacturer programmed the air condition to be on all the time, which caused the compressor to malfunction, ABS brake to fail, and vehicle to stall and loose all power.
While driving at highway speeds or for extended periods of time four-speed overdrive transmission will automatically shift down to a lower gear, and "ets off" and "check engine" lights come on simultaneously. Vehicle remains in low gears until lights go off or until vehicle cools down. Also , that when this problem occurs vehicle jerks and vibrates as if the ABS is kicking in at speeds in excess of 40 MPH. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Engine head gasket/struts/starter/transmission/ dome light/ paint/,muffler/seats and ABS brakes have all gone badly at least once, and some have been replaced twice and are bad again. Dealer was notified several times, but refused to check or replace. No longer doing business with them due to the service. I have been having to pay for all of the services.
Abs light always on, complied with owners manual to turn off, back to dealership several times under bumper-to-bumper coverage. Not fixed. Now,grinds & bumps at engine start, skids after brakes applied.dealership very uncooperated!!
While driving gradually on wet pavement ABS brakes malfunctioned, causing the wheels to lock up and skid which may result in a crash. Dealer cannot determine the reason,and won't look at the vehicle. Please provide further information and VIN#.
When appyling the ABS brakes on dry pavement they intermittently pulsate. Also extended stopping distance to occurs cause unknown. Please give any further details.
The ABS brake light will come on while accelerating from a stop. When the car is turned off and restarted the light will go out. The brakes seem to preform normally otherwise.
Abs brake light comes on when the car is in idle. Turn the car off and it will go off. Problem could not be duplicated,. Dealer states the harness wires are defective, hazardous to drive vehicle.
Replaced the automatic transmission with a remanufactured one.also the hood release/ABS brakes and air conditioner failed.
Service bulletins that may apply
- ABS pump running when not needed
- ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness
- Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies
- Comments that the rear brakes may drag/heat up or rear of car is squatting due to aggressive rear brake
- Complaints that the ABS indicator lamp is "on"
- Comment that the ABS light is on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
28 of 503 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier (6%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1994.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier?
There are 0 recalls and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
Stalling 33No deployment 17Check engine light 17Brake failure 13Fire or smoke 13Loss of power 12Overheating 12Transmission failure 12Won't start 11Engine failure 9Headlights 9Seat belt 9Steering lock-up 9Knocking 7Fuel pump 6Jerking 5Power steering loss 5Pulling 5
VIN decoder
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