Why does my antilock system turn off and on? Help abs not working!!

[millsamus]

Help!

After starting the car I have no lights on my cluster. Shift into first gear and after moving less than 10 feet my antilock light turns on and my abs does not work. Keep in mind I have confirmed that my antilock system DOES work.

What should I look for?

Bad fuse?

Loose connection?

Do I need new abs sensors?

Thanks for your time! I need to get ready for snow!!

[Stanley Rockafella]

why do you need ABS anyway?

[millsamus]

We'll for one thing I like everything to be working on my cars. Plus the abs light drives me crazy. It helps in the winter. That's why I'm askng while I can still fix what ever it needs.

[Gregs///M]

I would start by replacing your ABS system fuses. Dont check them, just replace those old 20+ year old suckers.

Also replace your ABS relay, its really old and could be causing intermittent issues.

[jalopi]

If the ABS light is out when you start the car up and only comes on once you get moving you've got a sensor issue. Figure out how to pull ABS codes on these things... I don't know cuz I don't care

[millsamus]

Sounds like I will check my Bentley to find the relays. I have a hunch it's the relays right next to the air box under the hood. To describe it better it's the small plastic black box that has 3 relays under that cover which pulls right off, no tools necessary.

[Vtec?lol]

you need new sensors and relays

[woodisgood]

check the sensors on your brakes. Cant remember exactly how it works but at 10mph they starting sending some sort of signal. The wires are very thin and easily damaged. Also new sensors are like 89 bucks a piece and good luck finding used ones.....

[AndrewBird]

Check your sensors. They are magnetic and stuff can stick to them, causing funky readings.

[jlevie]

One or more of the wheel speed signals aren't present at the ABS module, or the module is faulty.

Troubleshooting the ABS system isn't very difficult. It is a standalone system
that only gets input data from the brake light switch, wheel sensors, and
system power. The parts of the system are the ABS module located next to the
steering column, the ABS relay mounted above the ABS module, the ABS unit in
the left front of the engine bay, and a speed sensor at each wheel.

If the ABS light comes on with ignition, but doesn't go out when the engine
starts, a wiring problem, bad module, or bad ABS relay are the likely
candidates. A failed or weak alternator will also cause this because the
system voltage won't rise enough. There is a fusible link inside the ABS relay
that can be blown. The relay can be repaired, or better yet, replaced. The
relays in the ABS unit can be replaced.

If the ABS light comes on when you turn on the ignition, goes out when the
engine starts, and then comes back on before the car is moving the cause could
be a bad module, a bad ABS unit, or a wiring fault.

If the light goes out after engine start and only comes on when the car is
moving, there's a problem with one (or more) of the sensors. The simple test
to find out which sensor(s) is the cause is to disconnect all but one of the
sensors and drive the car. If the light comes on, that sensor is sending a
speed signal to the ABS and is good. Repeat with each other sensor to find the
one(s) that don't cause the light to come on. Since the ABS module has no
speed input besides the wheel sensors, if only a bad sensor is connected the
module can't tell the car is moving and thus doesn't fault on missing speed
signals from the other wheels. Once a bad speed sensor is found, if a new
sensor still doesn't work, there could be a wiring fault in that circuit or a
bad input channel in the ABS unit.

[millsamus]

Very good information here! Sound like i know my plan!