Hi all - new to the forum, and new to the world of diagnosing these new-fangled antilock brakes. I have a 2003 Tundra with about 60k miles, and I had the front pads changed by a reputable (non-Toyota) shop about two months back. No problems since then, but today the ABS light came on when I started it up to drive home. Stayed on all the way, and when I got to my driveway (gravel), I found an icy patch to use as a test - jabbed the brakes, no ABS noise, skidded a bit. Read a lot of posts on ABS, and it seems like there's a fair amount I can check before forking over big dough. Can anyone offer an ABS primer for someone who knows how brakes used to work? Thanks!
fuse? sensor? i believe the failsafe mode on an abs is if it's getting what it thinks is bogus input, it stops participating in the game. so, that would explain the light and the lack of pulsation on the slick spot. barring any other symptoms of defective braking like soft pedal or obvious fluid leaks, i would start by checking under the vehicle for a ripped, shorted, or gnawed on sensor wire (thank you rodents....) and check the fuse(s) for the abs system.
OK, thanks. Slight update - the light went out the next time I started the truck, hasn't been on since. Brake fluid level is fine, too. So I'm looking at an intermittent - my favorite! Probably means electrical - loose connections, etc.
I can handle the fuses, but what exactly do the sensors look like? I assume I'll be looking on the backing plates for the rear axle, and on the caliper up front. I suppose anything that doesn't look like a brake part to me and that has wires coming out of it is probably a sensor. I feel like a total dufus for having to ask, but like I said, to me, brakes are nothing but hydraulics and friction.
The ABS system should set and hold a code as long as the power is not interrupted. You can pay someone to scan it for you and this will give you a clue to the problem. Most intermitted problems come down to speed sensors. These are easy to replace.
Mike
__________________
“The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them” (Albert Einstein) Moderator Brake Forum
As MEvang suggested get the DTC read before starting to just replace random parts. An OBDII scan tool can be used or you can read the code by connecting pin4 (CG) and 13(Tc) of the DLC3, turn on the vehicle, the blinking patterns of the ABS light show the code. If 2 or more malfunctions are indicated at the same time, the lowest numbered DTC will be displayed first.
So if I'm getting your drift, I just short pin 4 to pin 13 and watch the pretty lights on the dash? Cool. Where would I find the DLC3 connector? Is that near the ODBC connector under the dash?
So if I'm getting your drift, I just short pin 4 to pin 13 and watch the pretty lights on the dash? Cool. Where would I find the DLC3 connector? Is that near the ODBC connector under the dash?
ABS light on - please help the newbie!
Linear Mode
