Bountyhunter, have you tried reading the codes to see if there is a code set for the ABS? On your car i think you can pull codes with a paper clip. Sorry i don't have my chevy shop manuals anymore so i don't have the information sitting in the garage anymore, don't know of any web sites right off hand. But that is where i would start.

And you are right ABS can be a pain, i wish it came with an off switch because there are times i want the dirt to push up in front of the tires.

RayW:

I have the code jumper key for GM's, but not the code manual.

Drove the car to buy lottery tickets yesterday, very slowly, and everything worked fine through multiple test stops. Did hard stops, slow stops, stops while turning, and stops while backing up straight and turning. No problems, power assist is online, and brake fluid is right up there.

Someone suggested collapsing seals in the master cylinder and I have a problem believing that, as once collapsed, they rarely come back for extended periods like the test stops I made yesterday.

Checked the master brake cylinder setup and the ABS is intregal with the master cylinder, so I imagine the replacement is going to be a nightmare if the master cylinder is the problem.

I want to check the computer code readout first, but even then, I find it hard to believe that an electronic sensor or control would cause the problem I had as electronic failures are supposed to default only to the extent of putting you in regular brake mode.

I'm going to talk to a Saturn service manager as I have found them to be more friendly to DIY's than regular Chevy dealers.

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Bounty, you are right if the seals were worn it doesn't take many stops to repeat the problem of no brakes. Have you flushed the brake fluid lately, i'm really reaching, but if a particle of crud managed to get next to the seal you would have your problem. On some of the less properly maintained cars i have worked on an amazing amount of junk comes out of the lines when the fluid is flushed.

While we are on the subject, a dragging parking brake or a long downhill run with the brakes applied will cause the brakes to fail when the brake fluid starts to boil. And this didn't happen to your brakes Bountyhunter. If you find out what the problem is be sure you post it, i would like to know.