1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Sep 7, 2013 · Brakes · 159,000 miles · NC

Noticed the brake light on the dash was on and flickering at times. Checked the fluid and notice it was very low. Topped off the fluid and notice spots under the truck. Checked closer and saw that fluid was leaking near the ABS controller further investigation showed that the brake lines all had moderate to sever rust on them and this was causing the loss of fluid.

Filed Aug 14, 2010 · Brakes · 167,000 miles · IA

When driving on completely dry pavement in summer weather, I applied brakes to stop at a stop sign. The ABS engaged and extended my stopping distance greatly where I proceeded past the stop sign. This continued to happened when going 5-10 MPH or less under dry pavement conditions. I inquired with a mechanic whom disengaged the ABS connection at the wheel.

Filed May 18, 2010 · Brakes · 147,000 miles · AZ

Abs engages at low speed resulting in extended stopping distance. Or when stopped and brake pedal depressed vehicle will travel forward unless brake pedal is depressed further.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Brakes · 46,000 miles · MD

At speeds less than 5 MPH, each time I apply the brakes to stop, the ABS systems engages and the vehicle does not brake to an immediate halt. Numerous times I barely avoided collisions with other vehicles and buildings. I understand that gm is aware of this or a similar problem on 1999 and later trucks and has issued a recall for a repair on some of these vehicles, but not all. After researching this problem I discovered that by removing the ABS system fuse the ABS does not engage and the vehicle will come to a stop upon application of the brakes. I have now removed the ABS system fuse to disable the system. I now know that this is a very widespread problem that gm should stand behind or at least offer to disable the ABS system (and the ABS light) so the conventional brakes will function.

Filed May 20, 2008 · Brakes · OH

An unnecessary activation of the ABS, the same as described in the federal safety agency recall #05v379000, has occurred numerous times with my 1997 chevrolet k1500. I was unaware that this was a common problem, until recently. According to the majority of on-line, chevy owner forums I've read, this is not unusual in pre-1999 chevy trucks, yet recall #05v379000 doesn't cover them. In order to avoid a crash, I've disconnected the ABS on my truck. This is clearly a safety issue that should be addressed.

Filed Aug 19, 2007 · Brakes · NY · crash

97 chevy k1500 ABS false activation. Dealers response was there is no known problem and is not a warranty issue. Refused to investigate without payment. Abs activates at slow speed and when brakes are not applied at all. Caused minor collision which was not reported.

Filed Jul 16, 2007 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · MN

Front wheel speed sensor in 1997 chevy k1500 unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation this can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.

Filed Mar 21, 2007 · Brakes · 87,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. While driving 10mph and attempting to stop the vehicle, the ABS activated and the vehicle would not stop for about 10 feet. The weather was not a factor and there was no evidence of uneven pavement. The dealer stated that the front ABS rusted which caused an improper signal to the ABS. The current and failure mileage were 87000.

Filed Oct 23, 2006 · Brakes · 89,000 miles · SD

1997 k1500 chevrolet silverado kelsey hayes ABS activates on dry pavement (no wheel slip) between 5-10 MPH when brakes applied hard or softly. This leads to increased stopping distance unless brakes released and reapplied quickly. This has caused several near miss collisions with parked vehicles (no collision has yet occurred.) one front wheel speed sensor replaced by dealer on 9/2005 (part not available) this temporarily fixed the problem, but ~4 months later the problem began recurring. A second dealer stated this was a known problem (the federal safety agency campaign #05v379000) due to rust accumulating around front wheel speed sensors but no recall has been issued for 1997 model year. Vehicle has been owned and operated primarily in mn, sd, and ny.

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Brakes · 179,000 miles · IL

Dt*: the contact stated while depressing the brake pedal at low speeds, the ABS engaged resulting in extended braking distance. The dealer was notified.

Filed Jul 26, 2006 · Brakes · OH

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle has brake problems. The ABS motor begins spinning when the vehicle travels under 10 MPH. It is an intermittent problem. The contact expressed that there must be something defective with the pedal. The vehicle has not been to a dealer and has not been involved in an accident.

Filed May 30, 2006 · Brakes · 25,000 miles · WV

No crash or damage or injury. Just ABS on a 1997 tahoe that have never worked properly. They engage at low speed braking, the vehicle slides and when they engage you can hear what sounds like a big spring engaging, weird sound. We had never driven a vehicle with ABS so didn't know it was abnormal sounding and feeling but didn't like it and felt uncomfortable. I kept talking to people and they suggested I check out service notices/recalls. Was glad to see a similar situation with the 1999 to 2002 but of course that doesn't cover my 1997.