Need help with Anti Lock Brakes, ABS - 2001 Chevy Malibu...

A dash warning light appeared about 3 days ago that something might be wrong with my anti lock brakes, I immediately pulled over, read about the warning in my own manual, it said turn the veh off, then restart it and if the light doesn't reappear all is probably OK but if the light comes back on then have it checked out. I have been noticing that my brakes don't seem to stop me as quickly as before, then the light came on, I still have brakes like the manual said I would have, but does anyone know if it might be a serious expensive and/or dangerous situation. I plan to take it in tomorrow to a Goodyear shop and have them look at it.

Several things could explain the ABS light going on. Each wheel has an ABS sensor, which needs to be periodically removed and cleaned with a spritzled rag, not compressed air. These are normally attached with an external torx bolt, to keep people from tampering with them.

Anti-lock brake systems frequently have their own dedicated computer, which is constantly running checks on the system. It's possible the computer detected abnormal pressure readings affecting system safety. Many people fail to regularly change the brake fluid on ABS-equipped cars. This can be a costly mistake. Failure to regularly replace the fluid (use only an ABS fluid recommended for your car) can cause corrosion that results in an eye-popping $2,000 bill. Using non-ABS brake fluid in an ABS system is dangerous. Regular brake fluid is thicker than ABS fluid, does not cycle properly in the very small openings in the pump, and creates excess system heat. I recommend replacing the brake fluid in all brake systems every 2 years. The ABS computer can also have a check light come on, if it is throwing codes. Never ignore an ABS light coming on.