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Chevrolet S10 abs comes on

750 of the 5,662 owner complaints about the Chevrolet S10 describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
750
worst model year
1994
typical repair cost reported
$1,200
typical mileage
70,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 17, 2021 · Airbags, Brakes · KS

Twice now while lightly applying brakes to come to a stop at an intersection the antilock brake system engaged. Since it was unexpected I almost didn't come to a stop in time before rolling into the intersection into traffic. The ABS warning indicator was illuminated intermittently before this with recorded DTC C0268 (Pump motor circuit shorted). Also the transfer case input shaft seal failed which caused transmission fluid to leak into the transfer case, completely filling it. That caused the transfer case vacuum switch to fail and transmission fluid was sucked into the vacuum lines and eat through them causing a vacuum leak. Because of the vacuum leak, whenever I would accelerate to highway speeds and the engine would use what vacuum it could, the 4WD actuator would lose its vacuum then regain it when the RPM's dropped and try to lock the front axle while at highway speeds which would cause the truck to jerk and the gears to grind. And lastly the Airbag warning indicator is always illuminated for reasons I do not know.

Filed Aug 21, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · SC

2003 Chevy S10 has been maintained and taking care of. Brakes in rear were sticking due to factory defective ABS control module. Rear wheel bearing gave out and started leaking axle fluid cause of a sticking drivers side brake from ABS control module malfunctioning. After much cost of replacing calipers and brake pads the culprit from a defectively ABS control module making the brake caliper stick to the rotor.. Next the coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket and now the heater core leaks… this truck has only 146k miles on it and I always taking care of it keeping up before it’s schedule maintenance. But what I see is poor defective parts from GM. SO I have to make sure I get this work done and keep the coolant filled or there be a motor issue from overheating. This is a SAFETY concern and if the heater core leaks then breathing the toxic coolants isn’t safe at all when the AC is on or no heat in winter!. Now GM discontinued making the S10 in North America but redesigned a front wheel drive diesel version in South America.

Filed Mar 18, 2021 · Body, Electrical · 187,933 miles · IL

Truck has ABS lights on when driving at lower speeds as soon as the fluids are not cold the check gushes light comes on and the oil pressure gauge needle drops until the throttle is again depressed... Also ABS in rear shakes whole truck when going below 50mph and then continues up to 80mph before subsiding. The truck has serious steering issues constant leaks caused I'm sure my rack and pinion are worn down as well as now my tires and supension I have so many problems like the interior is crumbling to pieces the body has giant holes from improper painting options on this model I have over sized tire wells that are rusted completely out it make your company look silly for not making these vehicles better when they last people keep buying them again and again! Seems like you probably use parts for many years on many models funny how every year including the year it was manufacturered there were recalls except for mine is that just because it's older

Filed Feb 12, 2020 · Brakes · 59,000 miles · SC

While attempting to park in a parking garage and maneuver into a stall at low speeds, the brakes lost power. They made a noise as if the ABS kicked in, the brake pedal was very hard and the brakes were barely functioning. The recall was fixed on my truck a few months back. The truck has 59k miles and this was the first incidence. Hopefully, I can get it out of the parking garage safely when I get home. Will be contacting my local dealership to see what they can do. Based on what I read on here, this is a common problem that needs to be fixed once and for all.

Filed Oct 3, 2017 · Brakes · 64,160 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet s10. While driving 35 MPH, the ABS malfunctioned. The contact stated that the ABS engaged independently, and pulled the vehicle to the left. Furthermore, the vehicle lost brake functionality completely. Gilcrest chevrolet buick gmc in tacoma, washington was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the brakes had been serviced by the dealer prior to this failure, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The contact cited the federal safety agency campaign number: 99v193000 (service brakes, hydraulic) as a possible cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,160.

Filed Jun 9, 2015 · Wheels · 45,500 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet s-10. While driving approximately 30 MPH with the brake pedal engaged, the ABS warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle began to shake. The failure recurred on several occasions at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the front wheel hubs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,500. Updated 8/19/15

Filed May 21, 2015 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · OR

The emergency brake is missing the teeth for holding the brake in place. Also the ABS light is always on and they say it is the master that needs replacement at over $1,200. This is only a danger if using the cursor control on wet pavement which I never use due to the ABS not working.

Filed Apr 2, 2015 · Brakes · 123,000 miles · AL · crash · 1 injury

I was turning left and another car coming from the opposite direction made a right turn in front of me and I hit my brakes and tried to stop but my ABS did not kick in and I slid about thirty feet and hit there car.

Filed Nov 25, 2014 · Brakes · IL

2000 chevrolet s-10 while driving the brakes just grabbed and stopped the vehicle while engine was running. *mw the consumer does not like ABS. The dealer stated it was a safety feature.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · CT

[xxx] s-10 extended bed I am the second owner of this truck and a month after I purchased it I noticed what ever speed you were going if you pressed on your brakes the truck would slip under nether you. I was alarmed the first time and than it happened again and then again. I brought the car to the mechanic, and new brakes and calipers were changed on the rear,$$$. I was feeling much safer until soon after the problem resurfaced. I brought it back to the mechanic -nothing . Then again and again . He did replace my front brakes $$. Still the problem remained. I changed mechanic and he stated it is ABS, it happens a lot in this vehicle and he see it all the time. This is a very dangerous situation where the truck does not have the ability to stop...please help! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported June 16, 2000 · 306 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: electric pickup trucks. A condition in which the fuel-fired heater fill pipe ground strap contacts the rear passenger side brake pipe.
Risk
This could wear off the corrosion protection on the brake pipe, leading to premature corrosion and eventual loss of brake pipe integrity. When brake pipe integrity is lost, brake fluid leakage can occur.
Remedy
Dealers will relocate the ground strap attachment, inspect the brake pipe for wear, and replace the brake pipe if necessary.

Recall number 00V159000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported February 28, 2000 · 10,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes. Some of these vehicles have an antilock brake system (ABS) motor containing an out-of-specification spring clip. This clip could allow the motor bearing to become misaligned. If misalignment occurs, eventually the ABS would be non-functional.
Risk
The base brakes would remain fully functional, but the dynamic rear proportioning (drp) system, which optimizes front to rear brake balance, would become inoperative.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake pressure module valve assembly.

Recall number 00V055000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported August 11, 1999 · 3,947 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: s -trucks equipped with 2 wheel drive. These vehicles may have had the right-hand antilock brake system (ABS) module feed pipe and/or brake crossover pipe tube nuts tightened without seating the pipe-flared-ends enough to withstand normal assembly and vehicle inputs without partially unseating. This does not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic service brake normal, emergency, and park braking performance."
Risk
If this occurred, the seating seal could be broken during vehicle assembly, or from early road inputs or brake fluid cycling, and a leak could occur increasing the brake stopping distance.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the brake pipe union for signs of brake fluid, and if necessary, install a new brake pipe union.

Recall number 99V220000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported July 19, 1999 · 1,125,749 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
Risk
If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.

Recall number 99V193000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 24, 1997 · 19,716 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. A fatigue fracture of the rear axle right-hand brake pipe can occur causing a slow brake fluid leak resulting in a soft brake pedal. If the brake pipe breaks, the driver would experience a sudden drop in the brake pedal, the instrument panel brake light would illuminate, and there would be a loss of rear brake performance.
Risk
Partial loss of braking at a time when minimum stopping distance was required could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake pipe.

Recall number 97V218000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported September 11, 1997 · 146,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
Risk
Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.

Recall number 97V146001 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 21, 1994 · 30,263 vehicles affected
What is wrong
A vacuum hose can detach from the power brake booster check valve as a result of engine backfire.
Risk
This can result in increased engine idle and loss of power brake assist after depletion of the booster vacuum reserve.
Remedy
Dealers will install a clamp on the power brake booster assist.

Recall number 94V228000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet S10 abs

Why does the abs come on in the Chevrolet S10?

Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, pulls to one side and grinding or squealing brakes, and the codes they mention most are C0268.

Which Chevrolet S10 years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (240 complaints), 1995 (135 complaints) and 1996 (86 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Chevrolet S10?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 12 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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