Are there any scanner tools (ie Snap On MT2500, etc) that are able to pull and reset ABS Codes? The local dealer says they cant do it. I reworked my SIR Reset switch and cant get the light to stay off. It flashes no codes and the manual is not much help with this without codes.

Thanks,
Doug

 

OK Doug,

In your post, you note two DIC lights. The ABS and SIR.

First, the Snap On MT2500 should note and clear all codes, even ABS. Have used the MT2500 extensively working my 90's ABS. You can also use the Mt2500 to monitor wheel speeds as you drive down the road. The MT 2500 has a pretty good menu for component tests on the 90 ABS. Make sure they use a cartridge with 90 data. Previous years will not work.

The SIR codes can be cleared with the 2500. Much easier than the timing thing. Keep in mind, with a scanner hooked up, the DIC may do some strange things.

The Vetronics (spelling?) Tech 1A will clear all codes. Prefer the MT2500 over the Tech 1A, the numbers are bigger.

If you have an extra $600 laying around, Snap On truck will likely have a good used MT2500 scanner with fairly up to date software. Since I have a Ford, Chrysler, and a Corvette, good investment over single application software.


Let us know.

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks

 

Sorry, What I meant about the SIR is that I had one of those SIR Reset switches that you plug into the ALDL, and I rewired it to cover the ABS instead. It worked for the SIR great, as I couldn't get it reset without it. So I thought I would try moving the pin to the ABS port on the ALDL, and see if I could do the reset that way!
Anyway, I think it reset it, but it wont stay reset. So that is why I was asking about the Snap On accessing the ABS. I have an ABS light on, no Blinking and no codes. Well, I just finally found a local shop that actually has the breakout box for the ABS troubleshooting. Hopefully they can solve it. But I have been thinking about one of these troubleshooters, How do you like the Snap On? It seems to be the best deal versatility wise. Did you need the ABS Cartridge, or does the main cartridge allow access into those parameters? How do you like it overall?
Thanks,
Doug


[Modified by Dougs 90, 11:27 PM 7/24/2003]

 

FWIW ... my '89 has had the ANTI-LOCK DIC light on since I bought the car several months ago. I have checked the usual ... fuse, sensors (which I cleaned), sensor cables, teeth in the hubs, ABS wiring harness, and the relays on top of the ABS pump. No luck fixing it on my own.

I finally took it to a local dealer several days ago for diagnosis only ... I just wanted to know what code was stored, so I could fix it myself. The dealer didn't have the special code reader for the '89, so they called around the entire Phoenix area and finally found a reader at another dealer about 30 miles away. Late in the day, the reader finally showed up at my dealer, and then they were unable to read the code because they didn't have a special adapter required to connect the reader to the ABS system.

They have now ordered this special adapter, and they will be calling me as soon as it's in so I can go back and, once again, try to diagnose the problem with my ABS. The Service Advisor said that there were two yrs in a row that required this difficult-to-find code reader for ABS diagnosis. I don't recall if it was '88 and '89, or '89 and '90. Either way, I'm thinking the $79 that I will pay for the diagnosis is money well spent, considering how difficult it has been to get at the code :smash:

 

Hey Steve - pull the bulb :lolg: Or, maybe a small piece of black tape? :rofl:

May be a dumb question, but have you taken it out to a deserted stretch of road and really slammed the brakes to see if the ABS works? Does it get a code then?

Paul (I EM'd you re Sierra Vista trip next weekend) :flag

 

I found out last weekend in Flagstaff, on the course, that ABS doesn't work ... locked 'em up and wiped out a row of cones. The course workers were cursing me :D

 

Question: From reading the Helm's manual about the ABS System, if you fail the initial test, the ABS won't operate (that was how I understood it??) you will just have normal braking. Is this correct?
I had to slam on the brakes a while back, old lady pulled out in front of me! No codes and no ABS.

The local Buick shop has the breakout box and adapters to troubleshoot the ABS for me, said $55 for the Diagnostic so I am going there Tuesday. Friggin Chevy dealer didn't have the adapter, and weren't going to buy one just to fix my car. They told me to disconnect the battery pos and neg cables and touch them together and it would clear the ABS. That didn't work either, so I know something is wrong, and I cant get to it!! I hate that! :cuss

doug

 

I do believe you are correct in how you understood it. My system fails the initial test fairly consistently, and I got to experience it "not working" in an autocross event last weekend :)

Yep, my dealer didn't have the adapter either, but they ordered one for themselves. But, you got a deal on the $55 diagnosis ... I will pay $79 next week for my diagnosis.

 

Hello Doug,

Had to work this weekend and not been able to anwer many posts.

Your 90 will require the standard Snap On 90 cartridge (or Combination Cartridge including that year)for ABS computer access. Newer stuff may require the special ABS cartridge/software but not the 90.

With several different manufacturers, the domestic combination Snap On cartridge worked best for me. With only one car, other software may be a better value. Keep in mind the Snap ON 2500 is bidirectional and good for checking individual components.

On another note, the 90 was the first year with ABS modulel codes. Previous years required a special test set. That said, the Tech 1A, GM's factory test version, required a special Bosch adapter. If your dealer is using the tech 1A, that would require the special adapter. Had to buy one myself using the Tech 1A on my 90's ABS problem. Another reason the Snap On scanner is my personal favorite. No special adapter required.

Let us know if you have any questions.

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf6 3 speed shocks