1997 Pontiac Grand Am: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Dec 3, 2007 · Brakes · 180,000 miles · GA

1) front ABS began to pulsate as if the vehicle were in a skid however this happened during normal driving and braking when attempting to stop. 2) ABS wiring harness was faulty due to wear and tear from turning the wheel 3) had to replace both front right and left ABS wiring harnesses this braking system is faulty and can lead to serious braking issues.

Filed Jun 8, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 45,000 miles · IL

While driving at 50 MPH vehicle began to overheat. Consumer heard sounds as if some one had dropped marbles in the engine. Soon after the vehicle stalled. A mechanic examined the vehicle, and found that the timing chain was defective. Also, consumer had to get a new transmission, and ABS system needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 18, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 87,000 miles · CO

While attempting to start the car a "clicking" sound occurred and the car would not start. The battery was replaced, and all was well for a week. Then, the ABS light came on while driving. Also, all the warning lights came on, the gauges flashed back and forth ,and the car stopped. Would not restart unless was set for several minutes. When it started the same incidents repeated. Warning lights would often come on and off without there being anything wrong with the system that the lights were indicating. Once the car was pulled to a stopping location it would not turn completely off , and the key would get stuck in the ignition. These problems persisted for 2 days until it completely stopped.

Filed Dec 11, 2002 · Transmission · CA

Consumer states he has been having problems with transmission, sensor system that runs the ABS, braking system. Consumer also states that he has been driving down the freeway and all of a sudden his auto will not go into the next gear, and he is in fast traffic. Mr

Filed Aug 16, 2002 · Brakes · OH

Consumer applied brakes at 10 MPH, no braking action, pedal went to the floor. Brakes were applied again. This time brakes were operational. Dealer stated that ABS computer was faulty and had to be replaced.

Filed Jun 21, 2002 · Brakes · CA

Consumer has ABS brake problems for three months. Rear brake drums were turned, and three sets of brakes shoes were replaced. Vehicle ha been in a total of three times. Wheels locked up at the slightest touch of brake pressure or when brakes overheated. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information.

Filed Feb 13, 2001 · Brakes · MA

Abs system is dangerous. You have no control over braking when ABS is activated.

Filed Nov 18, 2000 · Acceleration, Brakes · OH

This failure is particularly bad because both times the ABS light came on about 10 miles before the occurrence (which in hindsight) I see was the only warning of danger and both times were pitch dark outside, first the car seemed to be in neutral in the drive position, in that the engine revved, but had little real power and while in anticipation (fear) that the car would lunge when the transmission finally took hold didn't come to fruition, what occurred could have been as bad. The dash light indicators started flashing but the main dash lights seen freguently (speedometer) disappeared and then I noticed that I was only being guided by street lamps (second occurence, I didn't even have that) and the car died at the same time, making me lose power steering and brakes and have to get this thing off the road. This car has never missed a beat before that, but when this happened the first time, a bunch of city workers out trying to fix a burst pipe in the street at 5:30 a.m. Were watching this happen and came running over and said that the way this car failed should be reported because it could have been bad for any driver to lose car manueverability at the same time as exterior lights. The second time, when I saw the ABS light come on, I was prepared. I called my hubby on the cell phone and he came and followed me from there and I had about 10 miles of drivetime before my car became possessed again. It is sitting by the road on an isolated section in indiana and I'm feeling pretty darn lucky.

Filed Nov 9, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · CO

Abs: steering groans after hard braking or tight high/low-speed turns/warning light comes on; alternator: not charging-replaced twice; thermostat replaced twice

Filed Jul 27, 2000 · Acceleration, Electrical · NC

When the battery and alternature failed the car suddenly accellerated at full throttle, systems began to alarm one at a time first the ABS then the ets, ect locking up the brakes kept the car from moving foward when the alternator failed the engin finaly stopped. It would appear that when the battery failed the alternator was unable to keep up with the load as the voltage dropped systems begain to become unreliable and either the computer or cruise control caused the throttle to accellerate. A voltage threshold lockout is needed so that when power falls below the level where a system can no longer operate safely the system shuts down.

Filed May 16, 2000 · Brakes · WV · crash · 1 injury

Tapped brakes to slow down and ABS brakes locked up. Vehicle went over an embankment & rolled over. Vehicle declared totaled. Prior to accident, vehicle was in repair shop twice for brake failure. State trooper & independent mechanic indicated brakes were locked up after accident. Emergency room treatment.

Filed Jan 13, 2000 · Brakes · VA

Have taken this car to dealer four times for rotors. Fifth set now warping after 6k miles. Have heard all reasons why it could happen (my fault) and all brake components (supposedly) check out as o.k. Service manager says he has replaced them "out of the goodness of his heart" and will not replace them again. Factory rep says the lug nuts on the 4th set were over torqued (by goodyear) and caused warping. He had new rotors put on when it was proved to him that the dealership did it. I paid to have new pads installed to have everything new. Old pads were not excessively worn. Feeling the same surging, lurching in the front end at low speeds - not the pedal - for 2k miles. It's happening again - just don't have it in me to fight the dealership again. Paid for an extended warranty and have had to battle to get repairs covered. Original set warped at 5-6k, but was told it was ABS. Car was dangerous to drive, manager said they were warped & I'd have to resurface them - at my expense, not! Replaced rotors under warranty at 30k - out of specs, again at39k, again at 42k, again at 48k. Counting the original set I'm on the 5th set and have only 5k more miles on the warranty. Have never smelled hot fluids or metal, or felt excessive heat, wheels do not show discoloration from heat. Please help.