1996 850 "Tracs off" and "ABS lites

[Foxxy]

Hello all, I'm not used to posting because I can usually find what I need before hand. I just finished the odometer fix using the IPD repair kit. It went well and I had no problems except it took a while to roll the estimated mileage up. I also had to change the window master switch at the same time. It also went well. After all was done I went for a test drive and I have a Tracs off, and ABS lites on. The switch for the tracs is on, and I never really had anything apart in that area. The car runs fine and stops great, so I'm wondering if I might have pulled off a wire or something wqhile having the dash out and the console out. The lights have never done this before. The car has 120 K miles on it and is in great shape. I'm hoping someone else has had this happen and can tell me where to look first. Thanks J Fox

[Ozark Lee]

The timing of the warning lights coming on after the odometer gear repair is curious but if the ABS module hasn't been rebuilt they will all fail. I really don't believe in coincidences so check your fuses.

...Lee

[dairyqueen814]

If you pull out the switch for the tracs there is a plug going right into it. Could be disconnected.
Id say check the fuses
But for the abs light I have a mickey mouse fix for you
Everyone is going to tell you to take out the abs module and repair it/ get a rebuilt one. Before trying that try this;

Get 2 note card sized pieces of cardboard
Looking at the abs module from the front of the car there is a plug that goes into it on the side facing you (its big and comes off in sort of a cool way.... it has a black rounded cover almost like a big version of the top of a package of bubble tape) anyway slide the 2 pieces of cardboard between the plug and the housing of the module
Start the car and drive it a little bit and the light should go off and the abs should still work

I know that might be super confusing so if you have questions I'll try to clarify

Good luck!
Nick

[Matty Moo]

But for the abs light I have a mickey mouse fix for you
Everyone is going to tell you to take out the abs module and repair it/ get a rebuilt one. Before trying that try this;

Get 2 note card sized pieces of cardboard
Looking at the abs module from the front of the car there is a plug that goes into it on the side facing you (its big and comes off in sort of a cool way.... it has a black rounded cover almost like a big version of the top of a package of bubble tape) anyway slide the 2 pieces of cardboard between the plug and the housing of the module
Start the car and drive it a little bit and the light should go off and the abs should still work

Nick

I wasn't going to reply to this because I hate making it look like I'm trying to drum up business for myself. It's been stated over and over NOT to shim the ABS module as you have the chance of burning it up, as in actually burning up. It stresses the power pins going into the module. They usually never crack, but they will if they're stressed by shimming the module. Once those crack, it's game over.

BUT...this one came in today, and it was shimmed. luckily for them it didn't burn up the harness also.

[Foxxy]

I appreciate the answers, I checked the switch connector for the "tracs off switch, and it was connected fine. The fuses are all good. I can't believe the abs module would have quit after removing the instrument cluster. Is it possible that I didn't get one of the connectors on right?? IO also replaced the master light switch in the consol,, I checked the transmission mode switch and it's connected right and the lites come on for all but the winter mode. I don't mind changing the abs module, but I don't like troubleshooting with new parts. I am a disabled mechanic and I guess it's just a habit.

[abscate]

Matty - as I, and many other of your customers can attest, you have earned the right to solicit business professionally here by standing behind your service from front to back.

I didnt know about the dangers of shimming the power but that pic speaks 1E3 words.