I searched and searched and little i found. SO here i am. My 98 Se has abs ( hence the abs light goes on and then off when I start the car. ) Yet when it is slippery , my wheels lock up. Can anyone tell me a way to diagnose my problem or should i just visit my dealer/shop.
Thanks

 

If your ABS is having a problem, the ABS light will stay on. How are you sure that the tires are locking up?? Also, it could be that your are testing a a very slow speed on a very slippery surface. At <5mph or, ABS won't activate at all.

DW

 

I'm pretty sure they lock up. This morning it was wet and when I suddenly had to brake, i felt like i was sliding. I tested this a couple of times. By the way, my ABS light if off. It comes on when i start the engine and then turns off.

 

Do you have big rims and tires on your Max?? I found that when I had 15s on mine, the ABS reacted better. But with my 17s and 225/45/17s, the ABS was way too sensitive and just didn't work too well with 17s at lower speeds.

DW

 

Tires are still original and so are the rims. The tires are a bit worn, and i will need to replace them soon. Could this be the problem( tires are bald )

 

Ding ding ding! We have a winner!

Your ABS system sounds like it's operating normally. Despite it's best efforts, your slick, aged/hard rubber treads are probably too slippery for the ABS to keep up with adequately on a wet surface & are causing the feeling of intermittent lockup/slide.

You didn't mention:

1) Is this a solid lockup feel, or intermittent? (is brake pedal "pulsing" as ABS engages?)
2) If solid, how long is it lasting (in seconds)?
3) From what speed is this occuring?

Test: Safe stretch of wet, straight, even camber road, no traffic, - bring the car to 35-40mph, then apply HARD pressure to the brake pedal (stand on it) & hold it to the floor until the car stops completely. Trust me, you will know if your ABS is working after this test.

See also,
www.tirerack.com

 

Yup yup. Bald tires. Better grip in the dry, absolute skateboards in the wet. ABS ain't gonna help you at all in the wet with bald tires.

DW

 

I did some tests the other day, and its the tires. Thanks DW. I felt some pulsation so my abs is OK.

 

No problem. KWheels helped too

DW