1987 Anti-Lock Brakes failure warning.

[Richard P.]

My 1987 coupe is giving me a continuous "ANTI LOCK" warning light on the light panel and it is no longer going through its test pulse upon first moving. The brakes still work fine. Are there some simple checks I can do on the anti-lock system (fuse, circuit breaker, fusible link, ?) before I take it to a mechanic for a check-up? Can a repair shop of today work on this system or does it need to go to a Corvette shop? Thanks, happy Veterans Day one day late!

[Patrick N.]

Re: 1987 Anti-Lock Brakes failure warning.

Hi Richard, the most basic test assumes its a "glitch" but i'd doubt it, cycle you key on and off a couple times. This can "reboot" ABS systems with newer cars- may not be the same with 87. If it is still on, you can inspect the ABS sensor at the wheel and clean them- these are prone to failure. if cleaning does not do the trick, I would recommend a pro take a look and diagnose. Hope this helps- others may have direct experience on this. I have had good luck with my 88 but probably just jinxed it

[Richard P.]

Re: 1987 Anti-Lock Brakes failure warning.

Patrick, thanks for the suggestions, I'll give them a try. At least the brakes still work so you can drive the car to the shop when the easy fixes don't work.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1987 Anti-Lock Brakes failure warning.

My 1987 coupe is giving me a continuous "ANTI LOCK" warning light on the light panel and it is no longer going through its test pulse upon first moving. The brakes still work fine. Are there some simple checks I can do on the anti-lock system (fuse, circuit breaker, fusible link, ?) before I take it to a mechanic for a check-up? Can a repair shop of today work on this system or does it need to go to a Corvette shop? Thanks, happy Veterans Day one day late!

Richard------

I'd do as Patrick suggests first. If the problem persists, you'll probably need to take it to a specialist. However, some commercially available scanners will work for anti-lock brake systems but I don't know if they'll work for pre-OBD-II systems.

One problem: if the system needs any parts for repair, many of those can be very hard to come by.

[Richard P.]

Re: 1987 Anti-Lock Brakes failure warning.

Thanks Joe, appreciate the help.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1987 Anti-Lock Brakes failure warning.

Thanks Joe, appreciate the help.

Richard I have a 1985 and service manual, 85's do not have the brake system like on your 1987. Have a 96 LT4's service manuals (2 books) and it covers trouble shooting the ABS. Do you have an 1987 service manual? My 96 has the OBD-II system.

[Richard P.]

Re: 1987 Anti-Lock Brakes failure warning.

Jim, yes I do have the '87 service manual. It was stored so deep in my Corvette library stuff that I forgot I had it. The car has been reasonably trouble free since I bought it new in '87 so I haven't had cause to use the manual. I plan to run through the diagnostic info this weekend. With my luck it won't be something simple. Thanks for your help.