Symptoms of ABS light?

[Jand3rson]

The ABS light in my wife's '89 has been on since we got the car, and I'm trying to figure out how to solve the problem that's making it come on. The ABS does in fact work, and other than that, I can't think of any other reason it would be on.

Also, about a month ago, the Brake Lining light started flickering very erratically, and now is on all the time. Does that mean it's time for new pads, or is it just being retarded. I was under the impression that when one of the dash lights came on, it just popped on, not slowly flickered into an on position.

And no, I'm not going to just unplug the bulb.

[Digitalwave]

Re: Symptoms of ABS light?

Also, about a month ago, the Brake Lining light started flickering very erratically, and now is on all the time. Does that mean it's time for new pads, or is it just being retarded. I was under the impression that when one of the dash lights came on, it just popped on, not slowly flickered into an on position.

Just take the wheel off and look at the pads, you will be able to tell if its a bum sensor or if you need new pads.

[nando]

sounds like you need new pads to me. there's only one way to find out.. either way I wouldn't drive much longer without checking it out, or you'll be eating up your rotors with metal on metal contact.

no idea on the abs though

[Marvin]

Re: Symptoms of ABS light?

The ABS light in my wife's '89 has been on since we got the car, and I'm trying to figure out how to solve the problem that's making it come on. The ABS does in fact work, and other than that, I can't think of any other reason it would be on.

Also, about a month ago, the Brake Lining light started flickering very erratically, and now is on all the time. Does that mean it's time for new pads, or is it just being retarded. I was under the impression that when one of the dash lights came on, it just popped on, not slowly flickered into an on position.

And no, I'm not going to just unplug the bulb.

1) Check the ABS wheel sensors.
2) Check the ABS relays
3) Check the instrument cluster ABS lightbulb for the system.
4) Check the ABS pump.


- Incorrect Jump Starting If one incorrectly reverses the connections (even momentarily), a relay attached near the top ABS control unit which is located under the dash, left of the steering wheel will get toasted. Discount parts vendors sell this for approximately $21.

- Intermittent ABS Warning Light The ABS warning light may come on intermittently, and normal troubleshooting procedures do not indicate any defect. This can happen when the vehicle is driven over 50 mph, or on cars that have recently had two new tires, or snow tires installed.Check all four tires on the car to make sure they are all the same brand, style, and size. Also note if there are any new tires with substantially more tread than the other tires. Differences in tires may cause enough variance in rolling diameters to confuse the ABS control unit, which may give a false signal to the ABS warning light. This is especially true if snow tires have been mounted on the rear wheels only.

- ABS Wheel sensors Some 3 Series vehicles may experience a situation in which, during braking, the ABS will activate even though the brake application is light and traction is good. This may be caused by the pulse ring being loose on either front wheel hub, which allows the pulse ring to rotate, sending a false input to the ABS control unit. If this condition is found, replace the front wheel hub with the loose ring.

- ABS Sensor Lead Faults If a problem was encountered in an ABS Sensor Lead, the repair is replacement of the vehicle main harness. Separate leads are now available that allow individual replacement of each of the 4 separate sensor leads. In most cases a fault in a sensor lead will show up as an intermittent fault (ABS warning lamp comes on while driving). These sensor leads are available under the following part numbers. (One lead and the necessary connectors for the repair are included in each package) Sensor lead E32/E34 - P/N 61 13 9 061 686 Sensor lead E30 - P/N 61 13 9 061 687

[Jand3rson]

Marvin, you rock.

[Mot]

Re: Symptoms of ABS light?

Also, about a month ago, the Brake Lining light started flickering very erratically, and now is on all the time. Does that mean it's time for new pads, or is it just being retarded. I was under the impression that when one of the dash lights came on, it just popped on, not slowly flickered into an on position.

Just take the wheel off and look at the pads, you will be able to tell if its a bum sensor or if you need new pads.

sounds exactly like my car lol... I havnt fixed the problem yet.

[Digitalwave]

Re: Symptoms of ABS light?

Also, about a month ago, the Brake Lining light started flickering very erratically, and now is on all the time. Does that mean it's time for new pads, or is it just being retarded. I was under the impression that when one of the dash lights came on, it just popped on, not slowly flickered into an on position.

Just take the wheel off and look at the pads, you will be able to tell if its a bum sensor or if you need new pads.

sounds exactly like my car lol... I havnt fixed the problem yet.

Brakes aren't something you should be ignoring.

[87-325ic]

marvin searches.. he doesnt rock

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