Four problems related to abs brake fail have been reported for the 1996 GMC Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1996 Chevrolet Suburban. A manufacturer's recall 05068 concerning abs brakes on the 1999 through 2002 models. Was issued. This vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealer yet, but the consumer knew that there was no recall on this make an model, and year for the abs. The abs activated between 3-10 mph, causing extended stopping distance. This started happening about six months ago, not every time. Now, it happens every time while driving the vehicle under any road conditions. There have been no accidents because of this, but it is just a matter of time. Could not count the number of times the abs failed.
Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. Upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the abs system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. I replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. I performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the abs modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the abs accumulator, without getting an abs diagnostic failure light. I had to drive the vehicle home for over 20 miles with severely limited breaking power and was very fortunate to have avoided an accident. I would rather not have abs breaks on the vehicle than have a break system that can fail in this manner. Pumping the brake pedal was ineffective in building brake pressure, as is normally the case when a master cylinder fails.
Abs brakes failed, resulting in extended stopping distance.
Abs brake failure causes whells to lock up under normal braking.