ABS/Brake problems

[wohnson89]

My car has been showing the emergency brake icon off and on now for a couple of weeks, so after reading a post a while back I found out that means my brake fluid was low. So got some DOT 4 brake fluid and put it in reservoir an filled it to the top mark.

I did this at my dads shop and I then drove the car home, and there was an ABS light on all the way home. and when I parked it at home and turned the car completely off, but the ABS module under the hood was buzzing loudly, and it sounded like a little model airplane motor. I turned my car on and off a couple of times, but it still stayed on. So I pulled it into the garage, unhooked the positive battery terminal and have let it sit for the last 4-5 days.

What is going on with my car?

[1986nate]

It's a fairly common problem. Get a replacement abs unit and you'll be good to go.

[Blacky]

Isn't that just a stuck relay that causes it? It shouldn't need the ABS unit replaced.

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Blacky

Isn't that just a stuck relay that causes it? It shouldn't need the ABS unit replaced.

Correct, but it's just as easy and cheap to get a used unit from anyone parting them out. I know I myself have way too many of them and would let them go cheap...

[wohnson89]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Correct, but it's just as easy and cheap to get a used unit from anyone parting them out. I know I myself have way too many of them and would let them go cheap...

You may have a customer in Kansas. How much would you let one go for?

[oab_au]

Originally Posted by wohnson89

My car has been showing the emergency brake icon off and on now for a couple of weeks, so after reading a post a while back I found out that means my brake fluid was low. So got some DOT 4 brake fluid and put it in reservoir an filled it to the top mark.

I did this at my dads shop and I then drove the car home, and there was an ABS light on all the way home. and when I parked it at home and turned the car completely off, but the ABS module under the hood was buzzing loudly, and it sounded like a little model airplane motor. I turned my car on and off a couple of times, but it still stayed on. So I pulled it into the garage, unhooked the positive battery terminal and have let it sit for the last 4-5 days.

What is going on with my car?

Unscrew the black box on the ABS and replace the relay that is buzzing. Pull it out and take it to your local shop. It is just a normal relay.

A bit cheaper than replacing the whole unit.

Harvey.

[wohnson89]

So its just a normal relay? That might be easier than replacing the whole box. Any idea on how much one of those buggers costs?

Also can I still drive the car with the relay stuck on?

[oab_au]

Originally Posted by wohnson89

So its just a normal relay? That might be easier than replacing the whole box. Any idea on how much one of those buggers costs?

Also can I still drive the car with the relay stuck on?

Yes I think it is just as 30amp relay. Pull the one out of the ABS and take it with you to the shop. Cost about $5?

No, it will flatten the battery.

Harvey.

[wohnson89]

Well, its not the relay, I replaced it with another one (the one on the right in the picture) and it was still buzzing. The relay on the left in the picture is not carried by o'riles or auto zone. Does this mean I will need a new box, if so Nate sign me up for one of yours.

[oab_au]

Originally Posted by wohnson89

Well, its not the relay, I replaced it with another one (the one on the right in the picture) and it was still buzzing. The relay on the left in the picture is not carried by o'riles or auto zone. Does this mean I will need a new box, if so Nate sign me up for one of yours.

The one on the right, that you replaced is the motor relay, thats the one that usually, has the trouble. Does the new relay buzz?
The one on the left is the valve relay, that doesn't seem to go bad.
If the ABS light in the dash comes on, you could check for trouble codes ?

Harvey.

[wohnson89]

Originally Posted by oab_au

The one on the right, that you replaced is the motor relay, thats the one that usually, has the trouble. Does the new relay buzz?
The one on the left is the valve relay, that doesn't seem to go bad.
If the ABS light in the dash comes on, you could check for trouble codes ?

Harvey.

Well just as I was going to check for trouble codes, I put in the old relay and re connected the battery and the noise and the abs light were gone! so I let the car run for a while and still no abs light or relay buzzing. My car must be magic....

Anyway, thanks for all the help! if something comes up later I'll ask about it here

[oab_au]

Originally Posted by wohnson89

Well just as I was going to check for trouble codes, I put in the old relay and re connected the battery and the noise and the abs light were gone! so I let the car run for a while and still no abs light or relay buzzing. My car must be magic....

Anyway, thanks for all the help! if something comes up later I'll ask about it here

Plan 2.

Check the ABS motor ground, it is just in front of the ABS unit. A thick black wire bolted to the frame. Pull it off, clean, and coat with grease, and bolt it back.

Harvey.

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by oab_au

Plan 2.

Check the ABS motor ground, it is just in front of the ABS unit. A thick black wire bolted to the frame. Pull it off, clean, and coat with DI-ELECTRIC grease, and bolt it back.

Harvey.

DIELECTRIC grease is your friend!