ABS Light comes on briefly...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Trophy Club Texas
ABS Light comes on briefly...
This seems to be pretty consistent lately.
When I first start up my car and am backing it out of my driveway or first start to move forward I will see the ABS light come on for a few seconds and then go off. it doesn't do it any more during the day or while driving. It only seems to happen 1X when I first start moving.
ABS is working properly because they have come on once recently while stopping in the rain.
Anyone else seen this? Is this an indicator of "Things to come"?
Thanks for your advice.
When I first start up my car and am backing it out of my driveway or first start to move forward I will see the ABS light come on for a few seconds and then go off. it doesn't do it any more during the day or while driving. It only seems to happen 1X when I first start moving.
ABS is working properly because they have come on once recently while stopping in the rain.
Anyone else seen this? Is this an indicator of "Things to come"?
Thanks for your advice.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
The ABS goes thru a self test as soon as it sees 3 mph rev or forward. That cycles the pump that you hear.
When the lite comes on briefly its a sign that the signals are marginal...usually from dirty or greasey sensors OR a worn out wheel bearing thats allowing the hub to move enough to change the clearance between the sensor tips to the ring. ABS is good for letting you know when a wheel is about to fall off....
Take good care of those sensors...some yrs are impossible to find and they do not interchange with other yrs or wheels...and are not made anymore.
When the lite comes on briefly its a sign that the signals are marginal...usually from dirty or greasey sensors OR a worn out wheel bearing thats allowing the hub to move enough to change the clearance between the sensor tips to the ring. ABS is good for letting you know when a wheel is about to fall off....
Take good care of those sensors...some yrs are impossible to find and they do not interchange with other yrs or wheels...and are not made anymore.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 218
From: Merritt Island, FL
The ABS Active lamp is not a malfunction indicator. The Service ABS lamp IS a malfunction indicator.
it is normal for the ABS Active lamp to illuminate during self-test. it is NOT normal for the Service ABS lamp to illuminate except in initial bulb test with key on.
it is normal for the ABS Active lamp to illuminate during self-test. it is NOT normal for the Service ABS lamp to illuminate except in initial bulb test with key on.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 676
Likes: 196
From: Chester SC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16, '21,'24
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 68
From: Providence RI
My ABS in my 91 does the self test every time, and all is well there. About 2-3 miles into my commute, the abs active lights up for a second, then goes out. This happens at almost the exact same spot every morning. They do work when stompped on and the self test runs correctly. I am wondering what is triggering this? I have checked for play in all wheel bearings, and they are fine. All sensors have been pulled (rears only i think, fronts are part of the assembly AFAIK...) and cleaned with brake cleaner.
I agree with the brake indicator lighting up when the fluid is low.
I agree with the brake indicator lighting up when the fluid is low.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I am going to have to stand corrected in my post #3. It is the brake light as I did check that out.
So I am back to re-think the ABS problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
This is what I am thinking now. I would check for codes and see if it gives you any direction.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
I got to admit that air in the ABS is not usually going to cause ABS lites...unless its air trapped in the control module or pump servo. Thats not very typical unless its been serviced recently. Otherwise, its the brake lite that would come on with a low res as everyone has already stated...