[TylerFrankel]

Hey everyone! I drive a 94 s10 "LS" trim, extended cab, 2.2L RWD with 5 Speed Manual. It has various minor issues that I've been working on but it's a solid truck. One of those issues is ABS. Now, there's no codes or anything being thrown about ABS (it only throws codes for EGR and Lean Exhaust lol). But I'm kinda confused, because based on everything I've read ABS was standard on all s10s starting in 1991, and I don't have it. All 4 wheels will lock up if I stomp brakes in the rain, and I can't find any light for ABS on the dash. Not a huge deal, I don't care about safety, but I am curious why it seems not to exist. I thought maybe previous owner had it removed, but if that were the case I should at least see "ABS" on the dash when I turn ignition on/look with a flashlight. I'm sure the answer is right in front of my face, but does anyone know what's up?
Thanks!

 

[Rebel n Dirt]

Yes all 2nd gens came with ABS of some sort. I do not know for sure if the 94/95s were all wheel ABS but the 96+ were. There was also at least 2 different controllers for the 4 wheel ABS system. I do not know exactly when the switch happened but my 98 has the newer smaller unit, and I have seen up to 96 with the older large unit. Not sure about 97 to be honest. Fleet trucks may be a odd one out, they are sometimes made different with different equipment as they are not intended for the mass market, and putting only rwabs would save the client a few good pennies if they were buying for their fleet.

 

[Rhotpursuit]

There were changes almost every year for abs units.

 

[Rebel n Dirt]

All 3 of my trucks have the same unit, a 98 and 2 2001's but I did notice when I had the 2 units in the 01's apart that the circuit boards were different colors. It looks like they were sourced from different suppliers but they were of the exact same design... and also had the same issue with broken solder joints. So far the 98's unit has been solid... but the 98's wiper motor is not, and I have already had to fix broken solder joints in the instrument cluster.

 

[HkB115]

Check the fuse for the ABS. It could be bad. Did you see the ABS module under the hood?

 

[Mostizzle]

They didn't all come with ABS. Prior to ABS they had "rwal" brakes my 94 has it, not sure what year the change was made.

 

[Rhotpursuit]

They didn't all come with ABS. Prior to ABS they had "rwal" brakes my 94 has it, not sure what year the change was made.

I believe they changed to 4w abs in 96. Might have something to do with OBDII coming online then.

 

[Mostizzle]

I'd have to agree. I can never speak I definite terms about 95's because they're usually bigger oddballs than 94's.

I will tell you this, the rwal system doesn't seem to do a damn thing. lol

 

[Rebel n Dirt]

If you have a little back box next to your master cylinder that has a couple wires going into it, you have RWAL only. Like @Mostizzle said, it's pretty useless.

 

[TylerFrankel]

I think this must be RWAL. And if it is, and it’s not ‘broken’ then I would have to agree... it’s useless. Last night I slid for probably 75 feet after a light turned yellow and I tried to stop in the rain. Luckily I stopped before the intersection but it caught me off guard lol. Problem is, the 2.2 is such a dog I’m used to having the accelerator pinned to the floor, so I’ll end up speeding whenever there’s a long downhill, or no traffic 😂.

 

[TylerFrankel]

Another thing: as you can see from that picture I don’t think I have a fuse box under the hood... which I guess means I have fuse-able links... which sucks 😁

 

[Rebel n Dirt]

Yes that is the controller for the RWAL and yup useless. Your truck really only has the fuse panel under the dash, and yes a few select fusible links.

 

[manbearpig]

When your brakes lock up you have to release them and reapply... I guess that's why we have ABS now, no skill required.

 

[TylerFrankel]

When your brakes lock up you have to release them and reapply... I guess that's why we have ABS now, no skill required.

Yeah I guess I have to like, pump my brakes, like they did in the Stone Age 😂

 

[Mostizzle]

They used their feet back then, young feller.

 

[Rhotpursuit]

Somehow I get the feeling that some people don't know the purpose of ABS.

 

[Mostizzle]

Honestly I've never been a fan of it myself.

 

[TylerFrankel]

No I agree, I'm only 18 but nobody today can drive for ****. I've had people ask me why I keep moving the gear selector around when I'm driving. ABS isn't something I need per se, I was just curious what the setup was with it on these trucks, since like I said it appears to have the controller but it doesn't do anything as far as I can tell, yet throws no error codes or lights. Anyway, since this post I've gone in and replaced my front brake pads, calipers, rotors, wheel bearings, and flushed the brake fluid, using DOT 4 this time. I stress tested the brakes afterwards by accelerating to 40 and slamming them (to make sure I can panic stop if I need to). Brakes work great but the rear wheels locked every time. Oh well... now it's time to block off my EGR . I checked it out the other day and it's DESTROYED. Even the vacuum inlet port from the control solenoid is somehow clogged with corrosion.

 

[Rhotpursuit]

No I agree, I'm only 18 but nobody today can drive for ****. I've had people ask me why I keep moving the gear selector around when I'm driving. ABS isn't something I need per se, I was just curious what the setup was with it on these trucks, since like I said it appears to have the controller but it doesn't do anything as far as I can tell, yet throws no error codes or lights. Anyway, since this post I've gone in and replaced my front brake pads, calipers, rotors, wheel bearings, and flushed the brake fluid, using DOT 4 this time. I stress tested the brakes afterwards by accelerating to 40 and slamming them (to make sure I can panic stop if I need to). Brakes work great but the rear wheels locked every time. Oh well... now it's time to block off my EGR . I checked it out the other day and it's DESTROYED. Even the vacuum inlet port from the control solenoid is somehow clogged with corrosion.

That's funny....18 and commenting on others driving ability. Do you know the purpose of 4wheel abs?

 

[TylerFrankel]

That's funny....18 and commenting on others driving ability. Do you know the purpose of 4wheel abs?

Hey! I'm not claiming to be a professional, but compared to my peers, and most adults, I'd like to believe I'm much more attentive and mindful of conditions. I drive a manual and haul trailers so I've kinda been forced to pay attention to what I'm doing lol.

Unless I'm missing something here, 4 Wheel ABS is in place to prevent drive wheels and steering wheels from locking in a stop, so a driver still has full control while maximum braking power can be delivered. I understand that you should drive in a manner in which you do not need this safety feature, and I'm not concerned about lacking it, since it seems like ABS is more trouble than it's worth in ageing vehicles.