Question about ABS system occurrence on 96 850 Turbo

[cronce66]

Hi all,

I've got an interesting occurrence. Just the other day my ABS/TRACS OFF lights illuminated about halfway to work. Now, usually this means that the control unit for the ABS system is starting to go or already is gone. However, I've already had the unit repaired back in '07 and it's been working fine every since. This morning I started up my car, and the lights turned off about a block or two away from my house. The interesting thing is that when I'm stopping, the ABS system engages. This occurs only at very slow speeds, though. Hard braking at faster speeds does not trigger the ABS system. I'm thinking that this behavior is most likely due to dirty ABS wheel speed sensors. Anyone agree? If so, I've read up that at least one member uses brake cleaner to clean the wheel sensor components. Is that OK? I've also read that some clean the sensor with Simple Green Auto Version. I'm not sure if something like MAF sensor cleaner would work, too? No matter what, I need something that doesn't require a lot of scrubbing. Any suggestions for this, too?

-Lee

[jblackburn]

I agree with the sensors - clean up the front ones first, as they are easy. The rear ones are a bit harder to get to, but can be accessed through the trunk.

I wouldn't use brake cleaner - that stuff is harsh on everything. Simple Green or even carburetor cleaner would be OK.