What am I missing-ABS Deceleration Sensor??

[E30andy]

Thanks Guys, very helpful!

Kershaw-yes ABS light is on. Comes on within a minute or so of start-up, and stays on.
I have a line on a sensor, harness, and mount from some guy on CL in NJ parting an ix. If it falls through I will take you up on your offer.

Muuris-just edited the thread title, good idea.

[muuris]

ETM pic of the decel sensor as attachment.
-You can just jump the wires to simulate slippery surface (braking or not).
-Decel sensor disconnected from connector = braking on asphalt.

Haven't tested if disconnecting the sensor makes the light stay lit on startup.

Related to this, some might find interesting: the ABS system of the E30 isn't very smart, ie. you can pull off every ABS sensor and have the vehicle pass MOT. Light comes on at startup, goes away -- ABS doesn't work in practice because it doesn't have any speed reference and thinks the vehicle is stationary.

Btw, topic title could be edited to be more informative.

[Kershaw]

Is your ABS (ANTI-LOCK) light on? If it's not, you should pull the cluster and verify/replace the bulb. AFAIK, it needs the bulb to work to complete the electrical circuit.

I'd imagine that the acceleration sensor is also integral to the circuit and not having it is an issue. You might try connecting the two wires to each and then checking if your ABS works. Do this before pulling the cluster because its easier.

I have a sensor in my basement from an ix I parted out, $45 shipped ($10 for part, $35 for s/h, lol) or come pick it up for $10. Or you could buy one off ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E30-325...dV2Y9K&vxp=mtr

[E30andy]

ABS is NOT WORKING.

I’m assusming the cause is the acceleration sensor, but are there any diagnostics that can be done on the ABS?

[E30andy]

Does your ABS work without it? Slam the brakes and find out.

Good idea, never even though of that!
Will do and report back...

[Kershaw]

Does your ABS work without it? Slam the brakes and find out.

[E30andy]

Yep, exactly what I needed TAC! Thanks!!....looks like a previous owner cut out the sensor for some reason. Hopefully I can find a used one with the connector and splice it back together and be back in business.

[TAC]

I have an '89 IX as well. Hope this helps...

IMG_2523 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159390714@N04/]

IMG_2524 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/159390714@N04/]

[E30andy]

Anybody out there?

Just need a pic of the sensor/plug/wiring to compare with mine...

Thanks Guys!

[E30andy]

Here’s another pic of the spot where the sensor should be. Notice the cut wires? Could that be where the plug for this sensor originates from?

Could someone take a pic of the wiring for this thing so I can tell what’s what on my car?

Thanks guys!!

[E30andy]

It's a 1989, pretty sure it's supposed to be there from looking at pics of other 1989 engine bay pics on the web.

[spdracrm3]

ABS light does come on while driving. Thought it was just the sensor but now thinking it could be this.
Don’t think the wire is there. Does the other end plug into the ABS unit or to a computer somewhere else?

Not sure if it's a separate harness or part of the main harness on an IX,never had to pull harness out of one but the sensor goes to ABS then a sinal is sent to ECU on a single wire.
What year is the car that's missing sensor. Wonder if it wasn't on the early or Euro cars.

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[E30andy]

ABS light does come on while driving. Thought it was just the sensor but now thinking it could be this.
Don’t think the wire is there. Does the other end plug into the ABS unit or to a computer somewhere else?

[spdracrm3]

Cool thanks! Not sure why mine is missing, but is this something I can just buy and plug in and be good to go? I see a used one on eBay for $70.

I would think of the plug is there you should be able to rivet a sensor in the correct place/orientation and have it work. Assuming rest of ABS is there and working (is the ABS light on ,just curious if it sets a code of this sensor is missing?)

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[E30andy]

ABS Unit sends a.signal to Engine module during decel (there is a mercury switch in this sensor to determine decel) engine module opens up idle air motor to reduce engine braking and thereby reduce chance of an engine braking induced skid (which on an AWD IX would be all four wheels,and dangerous)

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Cool thanks! Not sure why mine is missing, but is this something I can just buy and plug in and be good to go? I see a used one on eBay for $70.