>I'm not sure, but I think that if there is a problem with the ABS, it will
>illuminate both the ABS and Brake lamps. After all, the Brake warning lamp
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>won't see a difference under normal conditions, but if you slam the brakes
>on, one or more wheels may lock up and skid.
Yeah, I was looking for a gravel road to test that theory out on
heading home from work tonight.
Will the ABS fuse failing cause it to light the dash lights? Will
the typical code reader at AutoZone (or whoever) be able to read a
stored code on this or do they mainly just do emissions stuff?
Thanks.
JBDragon - 29 Mar 2008 04:14 GMT
>>I'm not sure, but I think that if there is a problem with the ABS, it will
>>illuminate both the ABS and Brake lamps. After all, the Brake warning
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> Thanks.
I would start with the easy stuff first. Make sure the Brake fluid is not
low. Some masters have a float in them and even with full fluid, the float
is stuck down and will cause the brake light to be on. Make sure the Brake
and ABS fuses are good. Check and make sure ALL rear Brake lights are
working including center, this on some cars will trip the ABS light. If all
that is good, then scan for ABS codes. A cheap OBDII scanner will NOT read
ABS codes even though it plugs into the same port. You need a scanner that
can read ABS codes. Once it tells you what the problem is, if it tells you,
you need to know what to do with that info because a cheap scanner is not
going to tell you anything on how to go about checking the problem out and
fixing it.
Yes, when the ABS light is ON, your brake system is now acting like a
NON-ABS system and will lock up, with the Brake light on also, I would get
it checked out pretty quick. Brakes are series business and not something
to take lightly. I've seen brake work many times that was a complete
screw-up from the owner trying to work on it and just ends up costing more
money in the end to be fixed right.
This is the cheapest ABS scan tool I've seen. I have no Idea how well it
works. If you want to spend that kind of money or just take it to a shop
that can scan for ABS codes that way.
http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9449-BrakeScan-Diagnostic-Antilock/dp/B000YJ053O/
ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1206760344&sr=8-1