ABS light on after a few miles

D

digimanoc

Contributing Member
Joined
10 June 2004
Messages
155
Location
So. O.C. California
new owner here...

My 91's ABS light has started to come on after a mile or so....I tested it by stomping on the pedal....right rear seemed to lock up. I've just had some new tires put on back there.

I was wondering if there is a common problem that would be a good place to look first. Since the light isn't on at start up, will it still show on the trouble code?

Any help is MUCH appreciated!

Thanks,
Gary
 
Gary,

Do you hear your ABS pump running for 30 seconds or so, then the light turns on?? Also are you getting hard on the brake with your ABS light on??

You will need to get hard on the brake BEFORE the ABS light comes on. If the light is on the system is disabled, stomping all day will not help:). So restart it, with the light OFF, go get on the brakes hard. Repeat a few times and maybe all will be cured. Also check your ABS fluid level.

HTH,
LarryB
 
Larry Bastanza said:
Gary,

Do you hear your ABS pump running for 30 seconds or so, then the light turns on?? Also are you getting hard on the brake with your ABS light on??

You will need to get hard on the brake BEFORE the ABS light comes on. If the light is on the system is disabled, stomping all day will not help:). So restart it, with the light OFF, go get on the brakes hard. Repeat a few times and maybe all will be cured. Also check your ABS fluid level.

HTH,
LarryB
Click to expand...

Fluid level is good....
I can't hear any pump at all...I've read about people hearing...I've never heard it.
I'll try that and see is it helps, thanks.
 
If you do not hear that loud bird chirping under the hood, you need to find out why:). There is little doubt, if the pump does not run, your ABS light will come on.

I would go to www.danoland.com and look up in his NSXDIY section about activating the pump manually. This would be a good place to start.

HTH,
LarryB
 
That is fine, did you check the wires at the wheels( esspecially RR), Maybe you are able to read it out by connecting the service connector under the dash (blue).

I know there is also a red/pinkish one there useed to connect special dealer tool, dont think you have one of those........:p
 
yeah....I was wondering if I could read the code. The ABS light only comes on once I'm driving it, not after I fisrt start it. That's why I asked if anyone knew if I'd be able to read the code.......
 
So if you switch on ignition the lights comes on
After starting the car the light goes off
Idling for 10 minutes does not switch on the light
Driving a few miles gives the problem
You dont have to brake hard to get the light on

This would indicate a sensor problem
 
Cees-Jan said:
So if you switch on ignition the lights comes on
After starting the car the light goes off
Idling for 10 minutes does not switch on the light
Driving a few miles gives the problem
You dont have to brake hard to get the light on

This would indicate a sensor problem
Click to expand...

I'll try to just let it idle and see if it comes on....I've only driven it when it came on and I don't even need to be braking for it to come on.

So if it's a sensor....how would I diagnose which one it is???
 
A bad sensor can be detected with Multimeter or a Voltmeter. Turn every wheel (for the rears you need to take the car on a lift and use the engine) and an experienced mechanic knows where to put the pins and how to read the display.
 
NSX-Racer said:
A bad sensor can be detected with Multimeter or a Voltmeter. Turn every wheel (for the rears you need to take the car on a lift and use the engine) and an experienced mechanic knows where to put the pins and how to read the display.
Click to expand...

I'm trying to avoid going to a mechanic, if I can.
 
You can't do it alone in any case. My mechanic did that procedure at the track when the sensor failure occured but it's a pain to improvise there. An hydraulic lift is highly recommended. If you let do that at an experienced garage it may save you more money than it may cost when you make an error yourself alone.
 
Hard copy or on line, it’s the same text. On that page and on the following pages you will find the procedure to troubleshoot the ABS indicator code. It reads as if it is identical to troubleshooting the check engine light. Give it a shot and let us know if you have any questions and the outcome.

Good luck,

DanO
 
sigh....

I did the diagnostic light check when I got home....
code 1=hydraulic system failer. Rats.
 
Which probably means it cannot hold/build pressure. Could be a fuse, relay, bad connection. Could be a bad pump, since you do not hear it. I would go back to my original advice and go the DanO's sight and see if you can get the pump to chirp:). Find out why it is not running and you will be on the way to fixing it.

HTH,
LarryB
 
digimanoc said:
thanks....I'll do that. Looks like I need to buy one of those bleeder t wrenches....
Click to expand...

If you ask around you might be able to borrow one. I have one that I can send you if you want to pay shipping from Michigan (around $10 each way). Maybe someone locally will let you borrow one. You might want to ask in your region’s regional forum.

Good luck!

DanO
 
yeah...I will be doing that. I've only owned it for a couple of months and have never heard anything like a pump running up front. It had the cats removed until last week and with the Tubi exhaust and header...I couldn't hear anything but the sweet engine sounds.
 
I think the wrench is between $100 - $200. Could be fuse, relay, pump, pressure switch or broken wires. The service manual has troubleshooting procedures for this error code. But I agree with LarryB and Cees-Jan, check the pump first and go from there. I might have a almost new pump sitting in my basement, let me know if you need a new one.

DanO
 

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