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96 855t, ABS/TRACS lights, weird buzz and pedal feedback

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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futureboycolin
Posts: 246
Joined: 5 December 2012
Year and Model: 1996 850 Turbo Wagon
Location: Indianapolis
Has thanked: 1 time

96 855t, ABS/TRACS lights, weird buzz and pedal feedback

Post by futureboycolin »

Hey guys,

been meaning to post about this for a couple weeks, just been super busy. The ABS and TRACS Off lights have been coming on in my car intermittently lately. The strange thing is that I don't think it's the sensor, because occasionally when driving, I'll hear a buzz, sorta sounds like a duck sighing, and then the lights will come on. If it happens that I've got my foot on the brake, it also pushes back, and the brakes seem like they go out for a split second, then the lights pop on, but the brakes are back to what seems like normal.

Anyone have any experience with this? Is it the ABS module? I know they can be a problem on the v70, in fact I told my sister I would re-solder hers before winter this year. Thanks!
1996 855T, "Ol Burgie"

jblackburn
MVS Moderator
Posts: 14043
Joined: 8 June 2008
Year and Model: 1998 S70 T5
Location: Alexandria, VA
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Post by jblackburn »

I'd clean the sensors and reluctance rings on the front axles. Sometimes they'll get so much crud on them they stop working.

It sounds like the ABS system is activating, then getting a bad reading from one of the sensors, then putting itself in limp mode. When ABS shuts off, you'll still have normal braking power - they'll just lock up if you press too hard.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!

futureboycolin
Posts: 246
Joined: 5 December 2012
Year and Model: 1996 850 Turbo Wagon
Location: Indianapolis
Has thanked: 1 time

Post by futureboycolin »

Thanks Justin, I'll check those.
1996 855T, "Ol Burgie"

futureboycolin
Posts: 246
Joined: 5 December 2012
Year and Model: 1996 850 Turbo Wagon
Location: Indianapolis
Has thanked: 1 time

Post by futureboycolin »

Can I clean the reluctance rings and ABS sensor with carb cleaner? Or just hitch a ride to autozone and grab some brākleen?

I checked out the sensor connections and they seem fine. Is there a way to clean the sensor itself without removing the calipers? The left front bolts would NOT budge. May have to come back at them with heat in a few days.

Update: got some Brakleen. Disregard the carb cleaner. Cleaning the rings and the sensor. Will update if it fixes the problem.
1996 855T, "Ol Burgie"

jblackburn
MVS Moderator
Posts: 14043
Joined: 8 June 2008
Year and Model: 1998 S70 T5
Location: Alexandria, VA
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Post by jblackburn »

Carb cleaner will work just fine. A toothbrush might get in there without removing anything.
'98 S70 T5
2016 Chevy Cruze Premier


A learning experience is one of those things that says, "You know that thing you just did? Don't do that."

mercuic: Long live the tractor motor!

mecheng
Posts: 1271
Joined: 27 March 2014
Year and Model: 1998 Volvo S70 T5
Location: Ontario, Canada
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Post by mecheng »

Futureboy: I have the exact same problem. It only happens once in a while; normally, the SRS light is always on. The previous owner said he replaced the computer so I still need to check my sensors which I am planning on doing once I change to winter tires. ABS on old cars in a PITA, (you fix one sensor and the other fails), so I've learned to just live with it for now.
1998 Volvo S70 T5 - SE - 240km - Sold July 2018
1997 Volvo 850 GLT - 190km
Boost is my drug of choice

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