Is the ABS system necessary?

[Steve Gannon]

My ABS and Brake light is on. Just installed new rotors and pads all around. Pulled EBCM and did the re-solder attempt. No good. Before I spend the big bucks, just wanted to ask if the ABS was really needed. 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS. 5.3l engine. 230k miles. TIA.

 

[Doubeleive]

My ABS and Brake light is on. Just installed new rotors and pads all around. Pulled EBCM and did the re-solder attempt. No good. Before I spend the big bucks, just wanted to ask if the ABS was really needed. 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS. 5.3l engine. 230k miles. TIA.

did you check your wheel hubs? if you have a bad wheel hub or wheel hub sensor the abs light will stay on also, but to answer your question, no if you pull the abs fuse your brakes will still work old school, just will have a light on the dash.

 

[Steve Gannon]

The hubs and sensors were checked and ok.

 

[Doubeleive]

so what is the code it gives you?, if it is the abs controller then it may only give the code when the abs light is lit up

 

[Steve Gannon]

Thje EBCM was checked and appears ok. I don't have much money in it, so don't want to spend to much on it.

 

[Doubeleive]

is the brake fluid full?

 

[Doubeleive]

there is only so many things that can go wrong with the abs, if the light is on there is a code, if there is no code then the fluid is low or the fluid sensor is bad or the proportioning valve is stuck. try unplugging the fluid level sensor and see if the light goes out.

 

[SnowDrifter]

ABS isn't strictly necessary. But it's advisable to have, particularly if you've not driven a vehicle without ABS before.

As far as the issues you're having, it's advisable to look into it. Check your brake fluid level. Check the continuity of the sensor in the reservoir. Anything else you'll want a code reader as diagnosing it without would be rather labor intensive