A while ago someone had a post asking how to tell if you have ABS. Daniel B Martin said that a light will flash when you turn the car on...Well I have that light, but I thought I didn't have ABS. If the light goes on when the car starts, does that mean that I definitely have ABS? Or did I misread your post? Thanks a lot.

 

Any of these tests should tell the tale...

1) Ask any technician at your local friendly Nissan dealer. He can answer after a three-second look under the hood. He will be looking for the ABS actuator, a sort of hydraulic octopus which is located near the brake master cylinder. If the actuator isn't there, your Maxima doesn't have ABS.

2) Sit in the driver's seat. Turn the ignition "on" but don't start the engine. This performs a dashboard warning lamp test. You should see all sorts of warning lights go on and stay on including those for Engine Oil Pressure, Charge, Door Open, and Service Engine Soon. Some other dashboard warning lights go on momentarily and then go off. The momentary lights include Air Bag and ABS. If you make this lamp test and do not see the ABS light go on momentarily, your Maxima doesn't have ABS.

3) Raise the hood. Just in front of the battery you should see a black plastic relay box. This is relay box #2. Snap off the relay box cover. There are two rows of relay sockets, four in each row. Your relay box may have some blank sockets, depending on which options are installed. Look at the row of relays closest to the battery. The third and fourth from left socket should have relays installed. If those sockets are empty, your Maxima doesn't have ABS.

 

Thanks a lot. I know the light comes on. I'll look for the relays tomorrow. That would be a pleasant surprise if I do have ABS, because I always thought I didn't.

 

I tested mine - ran it up to 70 on a deserted road and jammed on the brakes. I left a 20-foot skidmark, telling me I had no ABS.

Or take the safe route and look for the dash light.