Hey all,
Just picked up a 96 Camaro, automatic with 6-banger as my daily driver. I'm new to F-bodies so first thing I did was buy the first two Service Manuals. Haven't memorized them all yet Looks like I need to find a "Tech1" code reader.

After my first week of driving, my ABS INOP light came on and I wondered what would be the first things to check. The brakes feel a soft and seems like I have to push too hard. The seller claimed to have replaced the brake pads and shoes not long ago. No reason to think he was lieing, he was truthful about everything else.

Love this car. Thanks for any help.

 

Welcome. "automatic with 6-banger" doesn't make sense...you either have an automatic which is a 4 speed or a manual if it's a 6 speed.

As far as the ABS light, there are lots of reasons for the codes. The most common are a dirty sensor in the rear differential or burnt wires leading to the front sensors (if the car has headers).

It also sounds like you should bleed the brakes if they feel spongy; usually a sign of air in the lines.

 

6 banger = 6 cylinder

 

My bad!

 

pull the sensor off the diff and clean it...while your down there check for corrosion on the connector...it's the most likely spot for damaged wires. bleed your brakes and replace shoes/pads...maybe rotors/drums if necessary. i replace rotors every time i take off the calipers so ... whatever you want to do. it's usually cheaper to get new than to cut old but look into it...or if you know someone

 

Thanks,

I will check the sensor tomorrow. In the meantime, I drove the car today and the light went out! But then I noticed, when stopping, that as the car almost stops (2-3mph?), the brakes seem to "release" a little bit. Feels like the brakes let go and I have to immediately push harder to finish the stop. Anyone heard of this? Is that a vacuum leak maybe? Oh, and then the ABS INOP light came back on after this little episode.

I'm gonna bleed the brakes, but haven't done that because I wasn't sure whether I had to bleed the lines to the modulator first. I usually replace rotors when I change the pads or shoes also... if they aren't too expensive.

 

How is the diff sensor removed? And just use brake clean to clean the sensor?

 

This happened to me before. It's the ABS kicking in because it is getting a false read somehow. I pulled the sensor on the differential and sprayed it down with "electrical connector cleaner" (you can get it at any parts store comes in a can like brake cleaner), and it hasn't done it since.

 

I would give it some time. After servicing the brakes, the abs inop lights likes to stay on. It usually turns on and off once in a while, but after a month it should be completely off. if after 25-30 days its still like that, then u have a bigger problem

 

I had same EXACT problem. Cleaned the sensor on top of the rear diff. and problem went away.. just remove 1 10mm bolt (if I remember correct size)... kinda scary when you're almost stopped behind someone and it lets go and you roll another few feet..