Please help, I have been looking at the posts on this forum to try to fix my Z28 but have run out of ideas, any recommendations would be very welcome because if I can’t fix it, it will have to go to the only Chevy dealer that we have, and he charges a fortune to do anything (£350 / $600 for a quick service).
The ASR, ABS and Brake System warning lights come on when I start the car and won’t go out.
The car is a 1999 Z28 and has done about 50,000 miles, I replaced the front pads and rotors about a year ago because of steering shudder so they should be OK.
Because of what I have read so far I have checked the following:
Rear brake lights (especially the 3rd one)
All the fuses in the engine bay
All tyre pressures
Break fluid level
All rotors look very good
The ASR switch will not do anything and I have tested the car on loose gravel to see if the traction control or anti lock brakes will work but they don’t
Some people have connected a laptop to the car and run a diagnostic program that will list error codes, is this something I can do, I know a lot about computes and if it is just a cable that I need to either buy or make and a program that I can download then I could have a go.

 

If you can get access to an obd2 scanner, you should be able to pull up the codes as they are probably pertaining to sensors. here we have auto parts stores that will scan your car for free, i would try your auto parts places around your neck up the woods, and hopefully someone will have one.

 

Doesn't the predator pull codes and allow you to reset once you get them fixed?

 

check the abs sensors. Pull the wheels, you should see where they plug in. Clean them up a little, bend the prongs a bit if you have to to make sure they make a solid connection, and then plug them back in.

 

Thanks Guys, I will have a look at the connectors in the morning, if it turns out to be the problem will the warning lights reset on their own next time I fire it up or will I still need to go to my dealer to get him to reset them?
BTW can I get to the sensors without taking the wheels off?

 

It is easiest to access the ABS sensors with the wheels off. Clean them thoroughly, and reinstall. If you can access a scanner, you can read (and then clear) the code(s) stored in the computer. If you don't have a scanner, most codes will clear themselves if the problem prompting them is resolved. At least, that was my experience when I had a code involving the one way valves (I forget what their GM name is, you can see them on either side of the engine, near the firewall. Mine needed replacing. Afterward, after about three-five engine restarts, the service light went out, and hasnt come on since). SnapOn makes a really trick scanning tool for our cars, but it is quite pricey, and requires annual software updates, which are an additional cost. Good luck with your Z28.

 

Unplug the battery and that may take care of the dash lights, i had two different brake lights come on and this worked on my car.

 

Thanks but I was told not to disconnect the battery because it may mess up the alarm system

 

After you disconnect it, when you re-connect the battery the alarm will sound off. Just press unlock on your remote and it will stop beeping. After that, the alarm system will be just fine.

 

If that were the case, what do you do when the battery goes?

 

Nice to see another UK enthusiast.


If you need some help scanning your car for codes you could give USAutomotive a call to see if they can recommend anything. They're good for any parts you may need to replace too.

Hope you get your problem sorted.

 

A friend knows someone that works for Ford and he is going to see if a UK Ford scanner will work, if it does then I will order the part from USAutomotive, they are very good, I have bought from them in the past.
I asked them for advice on an exhaust system and they said that they normally sold Bora systems for about £600 / £700, what do you think?

 

A ford scan tool should work as a generic scanner so you can pull codes.

 

If the Ford one does'nt work, try Vauxhall, being GM it should have more chance of working.

On the exhaust front, I recently enquired with USAutos about aftermarket catbacks, and to be honest, I'm not prepared to pay that sort of money for what you get.

If your happy to spend that kind of money, go for it I'm sure you won't be dissapointed.

I knocked myself up a custom system which did away with the stock silencer and sounds loud and meaty plus it only cost me about £50, heres the thread I posted with some video clips:

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341127

I'm not sure how you would apply that to an LS1 though as I don't know what your current exhaust looks like.

 

When I got the car it had a stock single pipe exhaust but I paid the dealer to change it for a twin that looks identical to yours, 2 questions 1/. Do you think it will pass the MOT? 2/. Are you going for a muffler?
BTW Good news, all the warning lights have gone out now, just hope they don't come back