Bought a 1998 chevy silverado 2500 in december 2005 with approximately 132,300 miles private sale. About 1 month ago I had a complete brake job done $1,000 (new everything) not by a chevy dealer. I was shown the old brake components, the rears were severely rusted and there was no wear on the pads. I was told this was because they hadn't been engaging. There was corrosion in the front and extreme wear. I brought the truck back to the shop three times because it would pull to the right upon braking, and stopping was either really touchy (locking up) or a bit delayed. Each time they replaced parts and looked at it for free. The third time the repair shop said "it was something related to the ABS system, but we would have to go to a chevy dealer to have it diagnosed". I went online and found information about the 1999-2002 general motors safety recall for a defect that will cause corrosion on the speed sensors and "may cause unwanted ABS activation at low speeds". This is the problem and was confirmed by removing the 60 amp ABS fuse and the problem didn't occur. I called the 800# listed on chevrolet.com and was told that if the problem was found to be a defect that I should call chevy again. I had an appointment with a chevy dealer this morning and explained to the dealership what I had found. The dealership found the left front sensor corroded and broken so it had to be replaced. The right front sensors were corroded but not broken. All sensors were cleaned and an anti-corrosion compound was applied. I called chevrolet again and was told that even though their service manager agreed with the diagnosis and repair that the recall didn't include my vehicle, but that I should keep my repair bill and proof of payment so that if and when the recall is extended I may be reimbursed. Why shouldn't I be reimbursed now if it's a known safety issue? Thank heaven I wasn't involved in a crash.
1998 Chevrolet Silverado 2500: ABS light or ABS activating
11 of the 73 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- recalls
- 0
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Repeated ABS brake failure...has not been corrected. Tailgate handle failure. Driver side door handle, lock mechanism & window track defective
The ABS brakes on my truck have never worked correctly and, if you brake hard and hit a little bump in the road at the same time, the brakes cut loose and don't stop. An accident occurred in 2000 due to the brakes not working. When you hit them hard, they cut out. Complained numerous times to 3 different chevrolet dealers, and was told that that was a normal brake functioning. Have changed brake pads several times and brake rotors and hasn't helped a bit. Truck is scary to drive. Only have 56000 miles on it due to trepidation in using it. Have had nothing but problems with it since the day I bought it brand new.
In january of 2003 the service brake began resisting foot pressure and making a loud vibrating noise when approaching a full stop on dry pavement on my 1998 chevy pickup with aprox. 24,000 miles. By july the problem occurred at almost every stop. The dealer from whom the truck was purchased repaired the rear brakes ($303) and advised me that the problem with brake pedal was related to the ABS system and would require replacement of the front rotors at a cost of $1000+. A dealer mechanic told me the problem could eliminated by remove the brake fuse (disabling the ABS system). I confirmed this with a local garage who also informed me that the $1000 repair would only temporarily cure the problem. I have therefore been driving with ABS system disabled, replacing the fuse only for inspections and removing it immediately thereafter. I have been unable to locate a recall program which would restore the use of the ABS system. My truck serial number is [xxx]. [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
When approaching a stop, vehicle even on dry pavement if it hits slightest pump, will lose ABS brake power. Contacted dealer, this was a common problem.
The ABS brake system when braking and you hit a bump, pothole or depression the brakes go into anti lock and do not come out. It takes about 1/3 more distance to stop. This is especially bad on snow and ice. When traveling with other pickups in upper canada the other trucks could stop on snow but I would go by them by about 25-30 ft. I had one accident where I was approaching a stop sign at a t in the road and the highway was slippery and I hit a bump as I was stopping. Instead of stopping I just slowed and could not make the turn I hit a tree. $20,000 damage to truck. On the interstate i78 I was following traffic which came to a halt for contruction work I was unable to stop and had to pass a car on the right birm of the road. This problem has occured several times with mysel and my son driving. It is very dangorous since your normal stopping distance is suddenly increased and there is nothing you can do.
Abs brake system isn't working properly. When consumer applies brakes, vehicle turns to the left.
When applying ABS brakes pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, when hitting bumps in the road surface while braking the anti-lock sensors release brake pressure but fail to start ABS pump.
When the brakes are applied and the truck is going over rough road or rr tracks the brakes seem to lose stopping power and fade or sink to the floor and the truck does not stop as expected. I must give myself lots of stopping room, and I have told the wife to give herself a lot of stopping room. The wife has scared herself, and I have also when this problem occurs unexpectedly. I have taken the truck to the dealer, and they have worked with me. Then I was told that nothing further could be done and others having this problem. Disconnected the ABS or they put heavy loads in the bed of the truck. I did not know anyone else to talk to until I was watching the news tonight the 17th of jan. 2000, and saw an article about your site on news channel 5 out of nashville, tn. I hope this helps not only me, but all the other persons that have loaded thier trucks down or have disconnected the ABS system. In the failure block and the speed block I just put numbers so I could finish the questionnaire. Thanks.
While driving ABS braking system activates when it should not, resulting in extended stopping distance which and may cause a crash. The ABS light is not lit. Please provide further information.
Abs brakes do not stop on sandy or dirt type roads. Pedal pulsates and goes to floor. Took vehicle to dealer, and they tested it on pavement, but not stopping on dirt. They found vehicle to operate normally.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
11 of 73 owner complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (15%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2001.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
There are 0 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
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