1) brake line rusted and had to be replaced. 2) a new battery was installed only to be totally dead within 1 week 3) alternator replaced as that was thought to be the problem 4) finally found the problem and it is the ABS system as the modulator / pump for this system would continually run even when the vehicle was turned off.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD: ABS light or ABS activating
13 of the 101 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 13%
- typical mileage
- 102,500
- recalls
- 0
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
- 20053
- 200313
- 20023
- 20013
What owners say
The brake lines basically rusted off the truck, the first occurrence I went to use the truck and the brake pedal went to the floor and I started smelling brake fluid. Had it towed to have repairs done (06/04/2011) the lines that showed the main problem were changed for new. Exactly 2 years I had my big car trailer hooked up loaded with my tractor. Another line going to the rear of the truck ruptured in the yard. Going back to the shop again, I had a company out west make all new stainless steal lines for it.(06/20/2014) and now I'm again broken down again (03/07/2015). This has cost me a considerable amount of money and I'm not through I fear. This time the ABS system wants to continue to run and running the battery down. Gm should be on top of this.
While stopped at an intersection at a red light, the vehicle started to creep forward toward people in the crosswalk. Depressing the brake pedal further resulted in it fading, ending in a fully depressed position with no more pedal travel available. The vehicle continued to roll forward into the crosswalk. Placing the transmission in neutral stopped vehicle movement. After stopping and inspecting under the hood and under the front end of vehicle showed leaking brake fluid from one of the metallic brake lines serving the right front brake. After taking the vehicle to my local gm dealer and placing it on the service rack, inspection showed that all the metallic brake lines are severely rusted over the majority of the line surface. The right front line disintegrated to the point where the line separated while checking the condition of the line. The other brakes lines are rusted to the point where failure is imminent. All the metallic brake lines from the master cylinder, down to the ABS control module and then out to each brake caliper must be replaced. The failure of the braking system created a serious situation that could have resulted in bodily injury to the pedestrians in the crosswalk. Without placing the transmission in neutral it would have eventually struck a pedestrian. In addition to the brake lines, the fuel lines show excessive rust as well. The dealer does not recommend replacement of the fuel lines at this time, but replacement will be required in the near future.
On the listed date, while in traffic, I applied my brakes and warning sensors chimed notifying me my brakes are failing. I pulled over and inspected my brake fluid reservoir and found it empty. I inspected the lines and found brake fluid leaking behind my driver's side rear wheel. I filled the reservoir and brought the truck to my mechanic. Upon inspection, the line attached to the ABS was leaking and completely rusted. The other lines were inspected and my mechanic noted that the lines looked as though they were on a 30 year old vehicle. This is a huge safety concern which is going to cost me a great deal of money fix. Thankfully I was the one driving and not my wife or kids.
I was on the interstate driving about 60 to 70 MPH when all of a sudden my truck switched to fwd low all on its own. I was able to pull off on the shoulder . I was able to put the vehicle back in 2wd. Later the service 4wd light came on. I also have occasions when all of the dash lights will come on and all the gauges drop and now my ABS light flashes and the warning bell rings as I drive down the road.
Brake line from master cylinder to ABS unit blewout causing spongey brake and brake fluid leak. Line rusted out. Rest are very rusty.
Brake line from master cylinder to ABS unit blewout almost causing me to rear end vehicle in front of me.
Severe corrosion lead to a brake line failure and subsequent inability to stop. Brake lines are corroded way before they should have, and much more than the fuel and steering lines. The line leading from the master cylinder to the ABS unit was the one that failed, but all are showing severe corrosion.
While under hard braking the drivers rear brake failed just above axel. After the repair during the test drive 3 lines ruptured on the drivers side frame rail just below the drivers feet next to the ABS module. I see that there has been a the federal safety agency action number : ea11001 already started on this problem.
Below is a list of history with repairs to my truck. In march 2004 I bought a brand new 2003 chevy silverado 1500hd .first 2 yrs front rotars turned covered under warranty. Then 1-21-09 front rotars and calipars replaced due to rot.1-30-09 transmission line replaced rotted.on 6-19-09 new starter. 8-29-09 rear calipers and hose rotted 35455 miles.on 9-2-09 ABS sensor and left front brake hose rotted. On 8-28-10 power stering pump replaced. On 8-24-11 brake lines to ABS rotted 46763 miles. 10-27-11 left rear brake line rotted 47943 miles. My windsheild washer fluid reservoir needs to be replaced leaking insrument panel shows empty. I'm having my left rear brake line replaced next week...its the only one left and I dont want to take the chance of an accident. Mt mechanic states he has never seen this much rust on a fairly new vehicle. Unfortunately I didnt keep records in the early years of ownership but I cant believe transmission lines,brake lines ,calipers can rot that fast. I have never had this experience with past trucks I have owned. I believe there must be some sort of factory defect that is causing this.
My brake lines ruptured under the drivers seat by the ABS box. I inspected all of the brake and transmission lines and they are all rusted badly and need replaced immediately. I was pulling my seadoo's when this happened and had to use the emergency brake to stop the truck. I have read a ton of the same complaints on the internet today. When is anyone going to make chevy replace all of the brake and transmission lines? This truck is only a 2003 and looks like a 1903 underneath. The whole frame and undercarriage is rusting badly. Please help. Thank you
I own a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500hd 4x4 quad cab truck. After picking up a camper trailer and returning to my home I noticed a significant loss of brake pressure in the pedal. Upon arriving home I noticed brake fluid leaking from a brake line on the underside of the truck at the driver's side door. The 2 lines that run from the master cylinder to the ABS unit and the 2 lines that run from the ABS unit to the left front and right front brake calipers were severely corroded (rusted). I corrected the problem myself by replacing all the brake lines. My truck only has 82,220 miles on it and this is a serious safety defect that chevrolet should be held liable for. If a vehicle would have pulled out in front of me while returning to my house I wouldn't have been able to stop in time. I understand brake pads and rotors are items that are subjected to normal wear and tear but brake lines should never have to be replaced unless they are chaffing somewhere.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Service brakes
- This informational bulletin is to inform dealers of an improved service strategy to aid in the replacement...
- Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- Service brakes, hydraulic
- This informational bulletin provides information on brake line kits now available and how to service them...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD?
13 of 101 owner complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD (13%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2003.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD?
There are 0 recalls and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
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