Need help ABS light can not get inspection...

Post by **plumsmooth** » 01 Sep 2015, 12:42

My mechanic used to overlook that light and I got into the bad habit of thinking it was not important. Now the State of Vermont has cracked down on inspection stations and I guess I should have thought about this anyway but he now says this is a problem...

I am wondering if I can pull the bulb just to get an inspection while I then work on it because...

I just got a scanner and currently have 4 codes -- up two from the first time I scanned.

First day was 312 and maybe 423 because I didn't see the arrow yet indicating more than one code.
Second day 312 314 423...
Today 312 314 322 and 423
Then I Cleared the codes and it was 312 and 443.
Then I took it down the block and back and it was 314 and 443.

I would really appreciate any advice on how to proceed to start to work on this system.
For example should I start by cleaning the wheel sensors on the FR and RR, checking the wires...

Replace the ABS module etc...?
I have a multimeter too... Checking resistance?

I am also considering trying to pull the bulb just to get inspected so I can drive while I try to fix it?
Thanks for any help anyone can offer!

obayha · Post by **obayha** » 01 Sep 2015, 13:07

I believe it's Matty Moo to the rescue.
Rebuilt ABS with a guarantee.
he's on here.
Shane

Post by **rspi** » 01 Sep 2015, 14:52

Post by **plumsmooth** » 01 Sep 2015, 16:20

Thanks for the Video, I appreciate all of yours!

I did notice that those notorious wires -- the three inches worth -- have some bare exposed wire and fraying outer plastic covering...

Also I am not sure if on my 97 850 Wagon if that air filter and housing needs to come out to work on the ABS module?

The top of the filter seems to be held in by plastic clips as well...

mika · Post by **mika** » 02 Sep 2015, 10:35

multiple questions at this point:

it will be easier to just fix the ABS instead of pealing the dash pad to get the bulb out of the cluster

Yes, a frayed wire/power connector for the ABS will trip the error, but chances are that the ABS unit needs to be replaced. You can "send yours out" to Matty, or pick one at the junkyard or Ebay.

I have remove ABS module without removing the airbox, but more room is better, airbox is not hard to remove. The problem is: you don't want to strip the 4mm bolt heads (E5 actually, external torx, but 4mm also works). Def spray some penetrating oil and be careful with your 1/4th inch ratchet, otherwise you will have to grind the bolt heads down or use a vice grip to remove the 4 bolts if you strip the heads (ask me how I know)

Post by **Matty Moo** » 02 Sep 2015, 11:23

Pop the black cover off with a a flathead and rewrap each wire individually. Put black cover back on.

You can keep erasing codes and they're going to keep coming back the same way they are now. take your multimeter and test each circuit that it is saying is faulty, if that circuit has continuity then you know it's the module.

you're overthinking it. You're on the right track by actually diagnosing it, which few people actually do...but you have a part in your car that is known to fail.

Post by **plumsmooth** » 02 Sep 2015, 13:47

Thanks a lot, I think you are suggesting to test the circuits from the pin board itself -- skipping the check at the individual wheel sites. I believe this is outlined very clearly on your troubleshooting page which is very very helpful... I'm not quite sure what reading on my multimeter means "continuity" but I'll try to figure it out. Thanks...

Post by **plumsmooth** » 03 Sep 2015, 10:09

I just finished measuring the resistance at the Module Pins and these are the readings I got...

LF 1485
RF 0
LR 630
RR 0

Since the 0 readings correspond to the faulty 312 322 314 codes I retrieved,
I guess I should check the wheel sensors next...?

Post by **abscate** » 03 Sep 2015, 11:47

Inspect wiring, or pull the plugs at the wheels and check resistance of sensors directly

mika · Post by **mika** » 03 Sep 2015, 14:19

plumsmooth wrote:I just finished measuring the resistance at the Module Pins and these are the readings I got...

LF 1485
RF 0
LR 630
RR 0

Since the 0 readings correspond to the faulty 312 322 314 codes I retrieved,
I guess I should check the wheel sensors next...?

right. sometimes they pop out, or the clip on it breaks and the sensor does sit as well. take a look. I usually take the wheel off and inspect, but I am sure you can do this without taking the wheel off. It plugs right into the hub/wheel assembly.