Newb with a Question - ABS and Brake Lights on Dash

[leonidasrex]

I am not new to working on cars but...I have a couple of problems that I need some assistance with. I have rebuild my 67 Ford Mustang Convertible and am in the middle of restoring a 1968 Dodge Charger RT, both having carburated engines and drum brake systems.

The yellow ABS and red Brake lights on the insturment panel come on occasionally. There are some days I drive all day without them coming on. Other times they stay on the entire time I am in the Tahoe. The brake pedal is a little soft so I checked the brake pads. Pads and rotors were replaced but the pedal is still a little soft. I checke dthe brake fluid. The fluid looks very dark and has quite a bit of debris in it.

Should I bleed out the entire system and refill with fresh fluid. Will that resolve my soft pedal problem? Could that be the reason for the ABS/Brake lights?

I have heard that there is a separate ECM for the braking system. Is this true?

I am too used to working on the primitive non-computer cars so this is all new for me.

Any responses would be great!

 

[JKmotorsports]

There's an Electronic Brake Controller Module (EBCM) located underneath the driver's side floorboard. There are sensors on each wheel that keep track of the wheel speed and send signals to the abs and traction control systems. A lot of times these sensors build up corrosion, especially in northern states where salt and corrosive chemicals are used on the road to melt ice/snow. You could have a corroded sensor(s), bad terminals on the EBCM, or bad EBCM ground. There's also a tsb for corroded abs sensors for our trucks.

 

[leonidasrex]

Thank you. I will check the sensors and then follow the chain if that does not work.