abs light on

[laz]

what can i do my abs light is always on

 

[tx3nc]

When you start the truck, with the key in the start position, does the red "BRAKE" light come on? If it does not, check the 3 (or 4, I'm not sure at this point) connector on the bottom of the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder. On mine the wires were corroded at the crimp on connections. Give a very gentle tug on the wires and see if any come out. Or the connector can be disassembled by removing the red wedge/plug in the connection end of the plug. You can then remove the wires to better inspect them and clean the contacts.

If that is not your problem, you can pull a brake code and we can continue troubleshooting it.

Do you have a volt/ohm meter?

 

[laz]

i don't have a volt/ohm meter, but i will go and check the connectors and get back to you, thanks for the post

 

[laz]

i checked the connectors they look in good shape all plugged it clean, now what?

 

[Hooligan2c]

I had a 93 that had the in park brake light come on with the abs light. I dont know if your is the same issue but I found the two lit up when it was low on brake fluid.

 

[laz]

i checked the brake fluid "full", when i start the truck it turns on then off really quick then back on permanently, same thing every time, i change the abs speed sensor, it was cheap and easy to change but didn't fix the issue.????? i don't know what else to check, any ideas???

 

[tx3nc]

First, pull the codes. Go here:

http://autorepair.about.com/library/faqs/bl583g.htm

Read the instructions very carefully. It's not difficult. The diagram is drawn as if you were at the radiator looking to the back of the truck, but the connector you need to get to is inside the cab near the top of the parking brake mechanism.

Once you have the code post it here and I'll try to help you with more troubleshooting information. If you can beg, buy or borrow a volt/ohm meter of some kind, it will be helpful in the troubleshooting process.

 

[laz]

thanks, i went to the link i saved the instructions on getting the codes , i will check it and get back to you with the codes, thanks for your help

 

[laz]

o.k i think i'am really making some progress here, i cut a short piece of wire and attached it to the black connector with the black/orange cable part of it and the ABS light started to flash, "WOW" that really got my attention...anyway it flashed 12 short followed by 1 long = 13 according to the link you gave me yesterday . that is an "anti-lock control unit failure. i don't know where that part is on the truck ,

 

[laz]

and also is there a way to test the part to see if in fact it is bad???? i guess that's where the volt/ohm meter comes in?

 

[tx3nc]

Ok. The good news is yes, we are making progress. The bad news is that according to the service manual, the electronic control unit is bad. The actual text for the code 13 is:

"RABS II Module Failure
Description
Code 13 is generated when a fault is found with the RABS II mondule. Module must be replaced and Drive Code 16 must be performed."



Test code 16 is basically 'all is well with the rabs system'. The Drive Test Code 16 is the verification of the required repair. The test drive if you will.

Here is a picture of the part the service manual procedure is calling for.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/a1-cardone...=froogle&94FoRaA1 A1121011#prodDetailTabPanel

You don't need to buy it from JC Whitney. You might want to see if it's cheaper locally or available at a salvage yard.

The module is located in the cab, center of the dash, behind and above the ash tray. It is mounted on its side (narrow side on top and bottom) with the electrical connection closest to the firewall.

At this point it is up to you what you want to do. Personally, I would fix the system because I like to keep all systems operational on my vehicles. Many people here don't like the RABS system. I have no complaints about it. Understand that the way the brake systems on these trucks are designed, there is no front/rear proportioning valve. The RABS system performs that function. Some people have disabled their system and report no problems. In a pickup truck with a light rear end, I would not want to run one without some sort of proportioning system. In an emergency situation with low traction (panic stop on a rain slick road) an empty pickup truck can lock up the rear wheels easily and spin around.

If you are certian the prechecks were done:
The red brake light comes on when the key is in start.
The yellow abs light comes on for 2 seconds when the key is in run, turns off for a second or so and then comes back on.
Then the next step would be to change the control module.

You might try unplugging the module, checking the connector is clean and in good shape, and then plugging it back in. This is not indicated in the service manual, and I'm just trying to be thorough before you drop the bux on a module.

Basically, I don't want to say 'put in a new $200 module' and then it doesn't fix the problem. But with what you describe, that is what the service manual says is the next step. Let me know what you decide.

Good luck.

 

[laz]

thanks for all you help. this "ABS light has been on for a long time, really long time, i called around advance auto parts has a re manufactured one for $55.00 with a lifetime warranty. so i think i will spend the money and fix it, because i know this truck is super light in the rear and yes it skids when you sudden stop or slam the breaks, so $55 bucks is not to bad to prevent anything worse. i really appreciate you help with this. maybe you can help me fix my other issue with the truck sometime.

 

[tx3nc]

No problem. $55 does sound very reasonable for the control unit. Good luck, I hope that solves the problem. If not, check the trouble codes again and let me know. It is possible that there is more than one problem and to get to the next one you have to replace the module to be able to see the next problem, but I really hope not.

Sure, if you need help with other issues, let me know.

 

[laz]

thanks

 

[philmorley]

Great thread. Extremely helpful. Thanks guys.