brake help!!!!

[cheapbronco2]

hey all,
i have a 89 b2. i got more questions buttttt....the brakes and giving me probs and i am new to the broncos. the rear antilock brakes light is on and i don't think they are engaging. i have almost rearended someone twice. i hit the brakes and i start to skid...i could use some ideas please. oh btw i like ya'll site. if i can sell my jeep i plan on rebuilding alot on the lil bronco2.
thanks

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

when the ABS light is lit continuously it means a fault was detected in the system and the ABS has been disabled to prevent false activation. your brakes will still work like normal, non-antilock brakes.

the usual cause for the fault is the rear VSS sensor located in the differential housing. it becomes covered in metal shavings, sending a false signal to the computer. removing it and cleaning it usually does the trick.