ABS light goes on and off intermittently
07-31-2008, 12:05 PM
#1
ABS light goes on and off intermittently
ABS light goes on and off intermittently
I’ve been experience the ABS light coming on and off intermittently the last month or two. I can rule out low brake fluid, but I’m not sure if it is due to a bad sensor or if this becomes a common problem (electrical?).
How do I pull the codes to identify which sensor is the culprit?
How much is a sensor and where I can get one for cheaper (want to avoid stealerships)?
Is there a how to or is this for DIY?
Thanks in advance.
I’ve been experience the ABS light coming on and off intermittently the last month or two. I can rule out low brake fluid, but I’m not sure if it is due to a bad sensor or if this becomes a common problem (electrical?).
How do I pull the codes to identify which sensor is the culprit?
How much is a sensor and where I can get one for cheaper (want to avoid stealerships)?
Is there a how to or is this for DIY?
Thanks in advance.
08-19-2008, 11:04 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NY
Posts: 209
my abs light used to come on every once and a while before my alternator bit the big one. it must have been because of voltage fluctuations. but I as blowing headlights also at that time.it was going on for like atleast a month before the headlights started to blow though. not sayin its your problem but I thought it was a strange thing to be happening because of a bad alt, so I figured I would mention it just incase.
08-19-2008, 01:59 PM
#6
I wonder if a faulty wheel bearing make affect the ABS sensor.. I know one of my front wheel bearing is bad.
If you take a look at the diagram, there is an ABS sensor rotor that is in close proximity to the wheel bearing hub. If the bearing are going bad and cause metal debris or grease to get onto the sensor rotor (if this is even possible), it would affect the ABS sensor from reading the rotor.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/296475
If you take a look at the diagram, there is an ABS sensor rotor that is in close proximity to the wheel bearing hub. If the bearing are going bad and cause metal debris or grease to get onto the sensor rotor (if this is even possible), it would affect the ABS sensor from reading the rotor.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/296475
08-19-2008, 04:37 PM
#7
I wonder if a faulty wheel bearing make affect the ABS sensor.. I know one of my front wheel bearing is bad.
If you take a look at the diagram, there is an ABS sensor rotor that is in close proximity to the wheel bearing hub. If the bearing are going bad and cause metal debris or grease to get onto the sensor rotor (if this is even possible), it would affect the ABS sensor from reading the rotor.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/296475
If you take a look at the diagram, there is an ABS sensor rotor that is in close proximity to the wheel bearing hub. If the bearing are going bad and cause metal debris or grease to get onto the sensor rotor (if this is even possible), it would affect the ABS sensor from reading the rotor.
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/296475
Only bad thing about the wheel sensors is that they are $170 from the dealer, and trying to get one out of a junked car is impossible. You would be better off switching out the entire hub.
Hope this helps, good luck.
08-20-2008, 09:27 PM
#8
my abs light used to come on every once and a while before my alternator bit the big one. it must have been because of voltage fluctuations. but I as blowing headlights also at that time.it was going on for like atleast a month before the headlights started to blow though. not sayin its your problem but I thought it was a strange thing to be happening because of a bad alt, so I figured I would mention it just incase.
11-26-2008, 09:49 AM
#9
Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 126
My 95 started having the ABS light come on and off as well. It comes on when the engine is warm, but disappears when it warms up. What's really odd is that when I press on the brake, then the stereo will shut itself off. Eventually the stereo will stop cutting out once the car is warmed up.
I've taken it to a mechanic and he says that there is nothing wrong with my ABS brakes and he doesn't know why the light comes on. He's already tried cleaning the sensors. Any clues?
I've taken it to a mechanic and he says that there is nothing wrong with my ABS brakes and he doesn't know why the light comes on. He's already tried cleaning the sensors. Any clues?
11-26-2008, 11:43 AM
#10
Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 148
Might want to check w/your mechanic to be sure he read codes from the ABS computer, not the OBDII. If he's reading OBDII, there will be no code that tells him/her what the problem is with your ABS.
You have to read codes from the ABS computer.
To do so, the FSM says ground terminal L of the ABS connector (I think it is the fifth hole down the LH side of the little grey connector you can see on the RHS underneath the fuse cover at your left knee when you're sitting in the driver's seat on a LHD car), turn key on, light will flash code, look up code, diag from there. To clear, perform as above and ground three times for at least 1 second each within 12 seconds (where DO the Japanese come up with this stuff). If code cleared, light will go out. If you read again, you will still get a code 12 meaning "all is well" but no other code.
I just bought a new ABS speed sensor for $65 delivered. Looks factory to me. I have no idea if it works yet (to be installed this afternoon) but came with 1 year guarantee. PM me if you're interested in the source and the outcome..., no affiliation, association, etc.
You have to read codes from the ABS computer.
To do so, the FSM says ground terminal L of the ABS connector (I think it is the fifth hole down the LH side of the little grey connector you can see on the RHS underneath the fuse cover at your left knee when you're sitting in the driver's seat on a LHD car), turn key on, light will flash code, look up code, diag from there. To clear, perform as above and ground three times for at least 1 second each within 12 seconds (where DO the Japanese come up with this stuff). If code cleared, light will go out. If you read again, you will still get a code 12 meaning "all is well" but no other code.
I just bought a new ABS speed sensor for $65 delivered. Looks factory to me. I have no idea if it works yet (to be installed this afternoon) but came with 1 year guarantee. PM me if you're interested in the source and the outcome..., no affiliation, association, etc.
11-28-2008, 08:53 PM
#11
my abs light used to come on every once and a while before my alternator bit the big one. it must have been because of voltage fluctuations. but I as blowing headlights also at that time.it was going on for like atleast a month before the headlights started to blow though. not sayin its your problem but I thought it was a strange thing to be happening because of a bad alt, so I figured I would mention it just incase.
I had the same thing happen to me earlier this month. Abs light was coming on and my headlights were blowing out. Changed the alternator because it was overcharging and the problem was solved. It did seem strange that my abs light came on and not my battery light.
10-29-2012, 06:34 AM
#12
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Might want to check w/your mechanic to be sure he read codes from the ABS computer, not the OBDII. If he's reading OBDII, there will be no code that tells him/her what the problem is with your ABS.
You have to read codes from the ABS computer.
To do so, the FSM says ground terminal L of the ABS connector (I think it is the fifth hole down the LH side of the little grey connector you can see on the RHS underneath the fuse cover at your left knee when you're sitting in the driver's seat on a LHD car), turn key on, light will flash code, look up code, diag from there. To clear, perform as above and ground three times for at least 1 second each within 12 seconds (where DO the Japanese come up with this stuff). If code cleared, light will go out. If you read again, you will still get a code 12 meaning "all is well" but no other code.
I just bought a new ABS speed sensor for $65 delivered. Looks factory to me. I have no idea if it works yet (to be installed this afternoon) but came with 1 year guarantee. PM me if you're interested in the source and the outcome..., no affiliation, association, etc.
You have to read codes from the ABS computer.
To do so, the FSM says ground terminal L of the ABS connector (I think it is the fifth hole down the LH side of the little grey connector you can see on the RHS underneath the fuse cover at your left knee when you're sitting in the driver's seat on a LHD car), turn key on, light will flash code, look up code, diag from there. To clear, perform as above and ground three times for at least 1 second each within 12 seconds (where DO the Japanese come up with this stuff). If code cleared, light will go out. If you read again, you will still get a code 12 meaning "all is well" but no other code.
I just bought a new ABS speed sensor for $65 delivered. Looks factory to me. I have no idea if it works yet (to be installed this afternoon) but came with 1 year guarantee. PM me if you're interested in the source and the outcome..., no affiliation, association, etc.
10-29-2012, 02:11 PM
#13
My 95 started having the ABS light come on and off as well. It comes on when the engine is warm, but disappears when it warms up. What's really odd is that when I press on the brake, then the stereo will shut itself off. Eventually the stereo will stop cutting out once the car is warmed up.
I've taken it to a mechanic and he says that there is nothing wrong with my ABS brakes and he doesn't know why the light comes on. He's already tried cleaning the sensors. Any clues?
I've taken it to a mechanic and he says that there is nothing wrong with my ABS brakes and he doesn't know why the light comes on. He's already tried cleaning the sensors. Any clues?
When it's on, i have no ABS braking, just regular, non-abs functions
When it's off, then the ABS works normally and without issues.
I theorize that the issue may be a loose wire or connection somewhere. Pay attention to when you're braking. I've noticed a very slight shudder emanating from the brake pedal when when it engages and disengages. I haven't fixed this yet because, quite frankly, I just can't be bothered. While ABS is great to have, in the end, a good driver will know how he should be driving given road and weather conditions that everything should be ok.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post