ABS issues 1999 Pontiac Grand AM

[Nick Roper]

I’m needing either a scanner or an app that can read AND clear ABS codes on a 1999 Pontiac Grand AM. I would prefer something budget-friendly, less than $300 or so. Ive searched local auto parts stores and the internet but haven’t had any luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Topic

[Andrew Spratt]

Clearing the codes on your car wont fix any issues that the codes are alerting you to. That being said, you can get reletively cheap OBDII scanners on Amazon or even at Harbor Freight Tools, like $30-$50. I would recommend repairing the problem causing the code then just clearing them, as they will come back as soon as the malfunction happens again.

[Isaias Almanza]

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-AL619-AutoLink-OBDII-Scan/dp/B0091DJWV0

I have one and it works well. I use it for just checking codes and doing I/M readiness checks so I don’t need to bring out my scan tools or waste time doing an emissions test where the vehicle is “Not Ready”.

[zero]

Any GM ABS code, the first step should be to remove the plastic sheathing on the wires from the sensor all the way to the sub-frame. That model year will still use 2 physical wires inside a loose plastic sheathing. Almost all of the GM FWD platform ABS issues that I’ve ever dealt with professionally have been the result of a broken wire.

[Brian]

Sometimes, a very good high pressure wash in the wheel bearing area behind the tire can clear the code.
The abs sensor is a small magnet with a measured voltage applied. As the reluctor wheel spins in the bearing assembly, that magnetic sensor tells the abs computer if the wheel is still spinning or locked. If more than one wheel registers as locked, the abs releases some brake pressure to keep the car from skidding.
This magnet based sensor attracts metalic dust off the road and in time, it can cover the business end of the sensor. That will cause it to throw a code. A good washing with pressure can sometimes be all you need.

[Christopher Wilson]

Being a current grand am owner i can make a few suggestions. I as well own a 99 grand am. First off, have you checked for bearing play? They are notorious for failed hubs. Secondly, the ABS and trac off lights may come on which indicate of course, an issue in the ABS. What happens in the harness that runs down the subframe to the hub is that where the lower control arm flexes, it pulls on the old wires enough to cause a break and intermittent connection. You can buy new harnesses and solder/crimp them in (i prefer solder) as far up the old wires as you can. What i did before that was i released the clips that hold the wire loom and pulled some extra down to give more slack by the hub and by the control arm. That actually made the connection better which turned the lights off and told me that i needed to replace them. Dorman sells replacements. If the lights are off when you start the car at any point and you go jumble the wires around at either wheel with it running, you may in fact answer your own question and the ding noise is unmistakable even outside the car. ABS reader will help you out but odds are either either the wiring or the hub itself. I’ve refreshed the engine from the heads up as well as all the gaskets, put in a new transmission, both front wheel hubs, both front ABS sensors, new engine/transmission mounts, etc. They’re great cars but when they’re 17 years old things are bound to happen. Mine has 205K and still running strong. Good luck! If you have any more questions specifically about your car feel free to PM me. I don’t know if it’s against forum policy but G.A.O.C. is another place that is specifically made for GA owners and i’ve been a part of them for the better part of 6 years.

[Author]

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