ABS Light Won't Clear

[SVXx2]

My '92 has an ABS light that won't clear. The ABS appears to be working fine, and it's not the little solenoid relay causing the problem. My mechanic checked it out but can't get the fault to clear. I know I'm being vague, but any ideas?

[1986nate]

Have you checked the ABS codes yet? and how do you know it works? Just curious as on mine, the ABS stops working when it has thrown an ABS code.

[nexus_7]

what is the little little solenoid relay thingy? I havent tried that yet with mine....maybe it will fix it for me...sorry I am no help...lol

Greg

[msvx95]

Below is a how-to for checking the codes on the ABS module under the passenger seat:

How to Check ABS Trouble Codes


The "ABS" instrument panel light indicates the existance of an ABS code(s). However, it does not indicate the code(s) itself. There is an LED on the ABS control unit (located under the right front seat) that will indicate the detected code. Unlike the other codes the ABS control unit will blink the exact code. There is no long/short blink.
The following self diagnosis will show any fault codes for the engine:

1. Drive the vehicle at speeds greater then 30kph/19mph for at least one minute. The vehicle must be stopped with the engine running.
2. If a problem is detected the ABS warning light in the instrument panel will come on. Approximately 5 - 12 seconds after the warning light has come on, the ABS control unit LED will flash the error code.

Note: Both the warning light and the LED remain activated unless the ignition is turned off. Turning the ignition off will erase any codes stored in memory.

Note: Only one trouble code is displayed at a time. If multiple problems exist only the first problem detected is displayed.

List of ABS Trouble Codes are found at www.svx-iw.com

[dannmarr]

You might have a cracked tone wheel. The ABS might not be able to read the speed correctly. This was my problem when my mechanic worked on my rotors. He must have hit it while banging out a seized rotor. Have you done any work on your wheels before this problem? Just a thought.

[SVXx2]

I appreciate all of the input. MSVX95, I have that website in my bookmarks and have checked it. My mechanic says that he can't clear the light using an OSD2 unit. He said that since the car is a 1992, it had an OSD1 format, but I don't think that he has access to that technology anymore.

Dannmarr, the tone ring was checked (plus, I think that one of the codes would point to which wheel was causing the problem). But THANX anyway.

Nexus_7, the little solenoid thing is a relay. If it goes bad, it 'buzzes'. It's a little difficult to find (I was told that I could get one at Radio Shack, but they didn't have one that would fit under the dust cover).

1986Nate, Correct. When the wheel speed sensor can't read the tone ring, the ABS system reverts to the old style power brakes. This happens the 1st time that you exceed 19mph, and will stay that way for as long as the car is running. Once you shut it off, the process has to start over again. But it's actually safe to drive, just no ABS function.

Again, THANX to all for your input. Maybe my mechanic has to get some help with his technology, eh?

[dannmarr]

I did not have a code when my tone ring was cracked. You said you check it, but did you check all of them?

[msvx95]

Are you saying your mechanic doesn't know how to check the codes for obd1 system? Do you know about the two blue leads and 10 pin black connector near the fuse box designed to read the error codes?

[ensteele]

There are instructions on how to do this in the How-To Docs. :)

[NiftySVX]

Yeah find a mechanic who knows how to work on your car. Or at least knows how to get the information to do it.

Ya'll would be surprised at who they'll let work on cars these days.

[SVXx2]

Once again everyone, THANX for your input....very helpfu.

MSVX95, no my mechanic said that he doesn't have any OBD1 equipment (it's a VW dealer, not a Subaru dealer...don't know if that makes a difference), but your point is well taken.

ensteele, THANX -- I found the docs and downloaded them and sent them to the mechanic. BIG help.

NiftySVX -- yeah, you're right, but my local Subaru dealer screwed me the last time I went to him, so I shut him out. This new guy is a distant 'friend of the family'. This is the 1st time I'm trying him out.

THANX all....maybe I'll get it back on the road before the snow comes :rolleyes:

[msvx95]

That black plug and leads are a lifesaver...very helpful. Never need a fancy computer to plug in.

Let us know what he finds :)

[SVXx2]

msvx95,

The mechanic finally capitulated. Basically, they replaced 2 solenoids relays for the ABS pump, and the code that they see is 114469. But they can't get the code to clear. He said that he didn't know how to clear the fault, and that I should take it to a Subaru dealer. So I guess that's what I'll be doing.

[SVXx2]

msvx95,

The mechanic finally capitulated. Basically, they replaced 2 solenoids relays for the ABS pump, and the code that they see is 114469. But they can't get the code to clear. He said that he didn't know how to clear the fault, and that I should take it to a Subaru dealer. So I guess that's what I'll be doing.


That black plug and leads are a lifesaver...very helpful. Never need a fancy computer to plug in.

Let us know what he finds :)

[North Ursalia]

the code that they see is 114469

Um, the DTCs for the ABS are 0 through 10 and 16- you can check them yourself (and clear them yourself) with the diagnostic connectors. Whoever is telling you that your code is 114469 does not know what they are talking about.

0 - Improper line voltage or faulty harness (ABS light on the dash with the ECU not blinking any codes)
1 - Broken/shorted solenoid valve circuit in hydraulic unit LF wheel
2 - Broken/shorted solenoid valve circuit in hydraulic unit RF wheel
3 - Broken/shorted solenoid valve circuit in hydraulic unit RR wheel
4 - Broken/shorted solenoid valve circuit in hydraulic unit LR wheel
5 - Faulty wheel ABS sensor LF wheel
6 - Faulty wheel ABS sensor RF wheel
7 - Faulty wheel ABS sensor RR wheel
8 - Faulty wheel ABS sensor LR wheel
9 - Faulty motor or motor relay, broken or shorter harness circuit
10 - Faulty valve relay or broken/shorted harness circuit or interrupted ABS
16 - Faulty ABS control untion, broken or shorted harness circuit

[North Ursalia]

Forgot to mention, you can use the doc here

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=53999

to check/clear codes.

[msvx95]

worst case scenerio to clear codes if the plug doesn't always do it.....

1) Disconnect negative cable on battery
2) Turn ignition on but don't start car
3) Turn on headlights...wait a few seconds afterwards
4) Reconnect and should be ready to go.

You may want to leave the battery disconnected overnight after step 3.

[Moggie]

I replaced the front left axle and the ABS dash light is on. So more than likely I messed up either the ring or sensor. I was looking for these led code lights under the right front seat. I don't see them - do I have to pull the seat?

[1986nate]

I replaced the front left axle and the ABS dash light is on. So more than likely I messed up either the ring or sensor. I was looking for these led code lights under the right front seat. I don't see them - do I have to pull the seat?

Don't have to pull the seat. Put the passenger seat in full forward position. Then look under the rear of the seat and there is a flap of carpet that can be lifted. That is where the ABS module is with the LED on it.