I have a 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan LE with a 3.3 L engine. The ABS light as well as the brake light are on in the dash. I have checked the codes, and nothing comes up except 12 and 55. 12 meaning that the battery has been disconnected (Which I tried in an attempt to get the lights to go out), and 55 meaning no more codes.

For awhile the ABS light and brake light would come on when I hit the brakes semi hard. I chalked it up to needing brakes soon since we just bought this van for $100. Then one day I got in the van to go to work, and the light came on like usual before driving, then it just stayed on. The pump used to make a noise once you started it like it was priming or something. Then it went off. Now the noise is constant, but much quieter.

The brakes still have the vacuum assist, but there is nothing once you get to the floor. Usually it would feel like something kicked in to help, which I am assuming was the ABS. Now there is nothing. I have pushed on the pedal without the car on and it is very difficult like any car with power brakes is when it is off. But with the car on, it has power brakes.

I went home that night and I pulled the tires off to check how much of the brake pad life was left. All the brakes still look good. There is at least an 1/8 inch until the front pads hit the wear indicator.

The brakes still feel fine until the ABS seems to kick in. I am worried since it is techniclly my girlfriend's car and she drives her 3 year old son around in it. It is also out commuter car, and we drive at least 60 miles a day on it. I know it is safe as long as we don't have to hit the brakes hard, but if there is a panic stop, I am not sure the van will stop in time.

ANY help would be appreciated. I have never worked on anything with ABS before except when I changed the front pads and rotors on a buddies car. I am not sure what to check, or how to go about diagnosing anything. Could it be the relay, or maybe the pump? I am not sure, and am stumped and really worried.

Thanks in advance for ANY help you can give.

Zach

I would change the front disc brake pads, rear shoes, and completely change the brake fluid with an ABS-approved fluid. Afterwards, engage the ABS to change the fluid in the internal reservoir. Change brake fluid every two years.

These links should help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post619000


https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1618425

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey

I would change the front disc brake pads, rear shoes, and completely change the brake fluid with an ABS-approved fluid. Afterwards, engage the ABS to change the fluid in the internal reservoir. Change brake fluid every two years.

These links should help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post619000


https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1618425

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I will give this a whirl. I don't make much money, but what I get will definatley be going to fix this problem.

Thanks. I will keep this updated as I get the chance.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Luvless_69Chevy

"but there is nothing once you get to the floor."

Zach

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That actually sounds like you've got a hydraulic leak. Something that may be leaking under the vehicle and not showing up in a brake pad inspection.
Check the brake master cylinder fluid level and let us know what you find.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CaptainRich

That actually sounds like you've got a hydraulic leak. Something that may be leaking under the vehicle and not showing up in a brake pad inspection.
Check the brake master cylinder fluid level and let us know what you find.

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I see no leaks under the car. The brake fluid is low, but I am assuming that is because the brakes are low. I have been told not to add fluid when the brakes are low since the fluid is in the piston of the caliper, so I didn't add anything. I will be working on it this weekend after I get my paycheck on Friday.

You want to stop following the advice of whoever told you not to add brake fluid. You need to add fluid to the MAX Line ASAP, if the vehicle is going to be driven at all. It's not safe to drive, otherwise. A caliper or wheel cylinder is likely leaking--be prepared to rebuild or replace.

Don't know if you fixed your problem yet but jave you tried changing your vacumm check valve.its located on your brake booster they usually run about $8 bucks or so..