ABS light came on...

[Mongoose]

My ABS light came on a couple days ago. I'm wondering if it has to do with me using my parking brake after i put my truck on ramps to change an O2 sensor. I RARELY use my parking brake.

I crawed under the back end to check the parking brake cables going to the drums. I used PB Blaster on the parking brake parts going to the drums.

I looked around the front disc brakes but can't tell if the Parking brake engages them or not. It didn't appear to.

Sometimes the light goes out and then when braking I her and feel a clicking-popping sound and the ABS light comes on.

The truck's brakes seem to be working fine.

Has anyone experienced this problem or know what I can do to correct it?

Thanks...

[kanaduh]

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. More than likely, your fluid is low.

[Mongoose]

The brake fluid level is fine. I'm thinking that if it were low the "Brake" light would be on, not the ABS light. Thanks for the reply.

[kanaduh]

ABS light on - please help the newbie!
Mongoose, I found this thread which may help some. You may want to check and see if there are any stored codes. You may have a faulty speed sensor.

[Mongoose]

Well I FINALLY got around to taking my truck to a shop and have a computer hooked up. Sure enough, my rear right speed sensor is bad. I checked with two part stores and they cost about $200. Neither store had one in stock. I think I'm just going to keep driving my truck. The brakes work fine and I can't justify spending $200 to make the ABS light go away. Wonder how hard it is to unplug the ABS light bulb?

[Highwaylizard]

Well I FINALLY got around to taking my truck to a shop and have a computer hooked up. Sure enough, my rear right speed sensor is bad. I checked with two part stores and they cost about $200. Neither store had one in stock. I think I'm just going to keep driving my truck. The brakes work fine and I can't justify spending $200 to make the ABS light go away. Wonder how hard it is to unplug the ABS light bulb?

Before you go to replace the ABS sensor spray the bolt with PB blaster for at least a week. The bolt that holds it in is very soft metal and the head will shear off the bolt with very little torque and you are left with a shaft you cannot get out. Using vice grips on the remaining piece will only break it off even further. It cost me $150 to have the dealer get it out.

[Mongoose]

Trust me, I know what you mean about dealers tearing up as much as they fix.

I'm just going to leave it alone. The truck stops fine. I just get sick of looking at the ABS light.

[Remmy700P]

Trust me, I know what you mean about dealers tearing up as much as they fix.

I'm just going to leave it alone. The truck stops fine. I just get sick of looking at the ABS light.

I'd strongly recommend against that. Your brakes are one of the most important subsystems in your vehicle. When they are not operating properly, you are looking at all kinds of potential problems.

An improperly functioning ABS speed sensor, especially on the rear wheels of a pickup, WILL cause that side to lockup under heavy/emergency braking due to imbalances in applied pressures. Next thing you know, your ass-end is now preceeding you down the highway. Not good.

Get it fixed. You can't skimp here or wait it out. You owe it the other drivers on the highway.

[kerryman71]

Go to Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Toyota Auto Parts and Accessories for the OEM sensor. For my truck it's $165.00. I agree with Remmy about fixing it sooner rather than later. If the light is coming on it isn't just telling you there's a problem, the ABS brakes probably won't work properly when needed.

Great advice from Highwaylizard also. You definitely want to lube those bolts up. Breaking one off really blows.

John

[Mongoose]

Regardless of where I look, the speed sensor for my right rear is between $190 and $230. I will crawl under it tomorrow and look for the the bolt that holds the sensor in and keep it sprayed with PB Blaster (thanks Highwaylizard).

I'm really starting to think that my truck was made on a Friday or Monday.

[Mongoose]

OK... I sprayed the bolt twice today (While under there I even sprayed my rear O2 sensor bolts since they will probably be the next thing that goes wrong). I swear my truck was built on a Monday or Friday.

I searched the forum for Speed sensor only to get a bunch of Threads for 02 Sensors. I'm assuming that if I am able to get the bolt out I will unplug the old sensor, pull it out, stick the high dollar new one in and plug it up, and reinstall bolt with some anti seize stuff on the threads.

This must be a rare occurance or I would have found more threads.... But hey, my Fuel pump crapped out at 63K miles. My Tundra is the only one i've known of for the fuel pump to fail so sooon.

[kerryman71]

Sounds about right. I'm not sure how far you have to go back to reach the connector. Good luck.

John

[JHH]

Sometimes it is just a dirty speed sensor . Try cleaning and reinstall , clear codes and see if it returns . You will only be out your time to do it .

[Mongoose]

I just took the sensor out and cleaned it. Luckily I didn't have a problem getting the bolt out that holds it in. I have been spraying it with PB Blaster for a while.

After reinstalling it, I disconnected my Negative Battery Cable to clear the codes. Unfortunately, my ABS light is still on.

Guess I'll have to order a new sensor.

[Mongoose]

I have a new sensor ordered. After I install it and disconnect my Negative Battery cable, should the ABS light go away or will I need someone with a computer to reset it? Or should I disconnect the battery, change out the sensor, then reconnect the battery?