The brake system of the Corvette is complex, but armed with the right information you can easily identify and troubleshoot any system problems yourself, regardless of the year of your Corvette. Be sure to exercise the utmost caution and use systematic procedures when troubleshooting your Corvette at home. The most common problem is a relay, but this guide will help prepare and educate yourself for any problems you may have to fix.
Brake System
The Corvette brake system has exponentially improved over the years, employing technology that performs without failure or safety risks. But even with the recent release of stronger and bigger carbon ceramic brakes, any car requires maintenance and paying close attention for any irregularities in the driving performance. The pedal pulsating and a distinct whirring sound are all good indicators there is something wrong with the brake system, no matter what year Corvette you own.
Getting Familiar with the Brake System
If your ABS light is on, this signifies that the fuses should be checked. If the 10-amp gauge fuse and the 10-amp brake fuse look fine, the modulator assembly will need to be checked as well. If your Corvette is a convertible, the speaker assembly will have to be manually removed to get to the module.
The relay named PN 1636973 is the most common problem with the brake system. There are several ways you can test these at home if preferred. Identify the numbers on the pins and use this as reference for the wire colors you may need to troubleshoot in the future.
A Test Light
A test light can be used when turning the key to make sure there is voltage at pin numbers 87 (orange), 15 (black/pink) and 30 (orange/black). The relay is works fine if there is voltage detected for all three of these. If there is no voltage detected, the connector lead to the relay may not have a sound connection.
The ground also needs to be checked by testing for voltage on pin 31. As a ground for the relay, no voltage should be detected. The test light will illuminate if there is a bad ground. The ground further on the wire needs to be tested for proper contact. The test light will illuminate on both sides if there is a bad ground further still.
Solenoid and Pump Motor
If the relay module is working properly, the relays operating the solenoid and pump motor, both of which are located on the top of the pump, could be the source of the problem. Because the relays connect directly to the pump, putting new relays in is a quick fix. Another option is the removal of the control module connector and checking the voltage after the relay for pin position 9.
Other Options
This guide should successfully identify any problems with the brake system. If all these tests don't isolate the problem, the high amperage circuit should be checked for power. If that is running properly as well, it may be time to let a licensed mechanic take it from here.
