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4th Gen ABS light
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:03 am
by AndyGDrums
Hello all,
I've just adopted myself an L reg 1993 lude and it would seem I have one of the common faults of the ABS light staying on all the time.
The ABS works fine its just the light I need to get rid of. I'm a complete layman when it comes to mechanics, so if you wouldn't mind going into to detail of a fix that would be great.
I read on here that you can remove the fuse for 10mins or so to reset it? I have no idea where the fuse is.
Also, I'm not against the idea or removing the bulb......
Any help would be welcome. Only had the girl 2 days, she is fully standard 2L i
Cheers

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:35 am
by clarelude23
Hi mate,are you sure your abs works? The light shouldn't illuminate unless there's a break in the circuit.
Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 12:31 pm
by wurlycorner
Yep, the light should only come on if the ABS isn't working.
It's really easy to get the fault codes out of the ECU's on a 4th gen, all you need is a short bit of wire to link out a 2 pin plug near the footwell.
Full details in the service manual, which can be downloaded
here
Or there's a short guide
here
It's very likely to be a sensor, which are also really easy to change and can be bought cheaply used. The most difficult part is that the bolts that hold the wiring support brackets to the suspension arms are bound to snap when you try to undo them, due to corrosion

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 3:53 pm
by Vtecmec
wurlycorner wrote:It's very likely to be a sensor
Unless it's a code 1.

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:26 am
by AndyGDrums
Hi everyone, thanks for replying.
The car was given to me on Monday by my friends. They had mentioned that they took it into a garage because of the light and ABS was working fine so the garage replaced the censor, with one from a breakers yard. Cleared all the codes etc.
Its possible that that censor could have gone too. I guess its also possible the ABS isn't working.
Whats a code 1?
Andy
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:30 am
by Vtecmec
A code 1 is ABS pump motor overrun, which is a pretty massive job, all the other codes are a relatively simple fix.
Just follow the links Wurly posted to read the codes (takes five minutes).
If the light is permanently on, the ABS will not be working.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 9:33 am
by wurlycorner
Where are you Andy? If there's a member nearby they may be able to give you a hand.
Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 10:01 am
by AndyGDrums
I live 2miles from Kingston-Upon-Thames
The light is on all the time

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 11:30 am
by clarelude23
A nice way I use to check abs sensors is to cut the loom side of an abs sensor(if you have access to a scrap car) then plug the connector back into the wheel side. Get your multi meter and check the exposed wire for current while spinning the wheel. If there is no resistance showing,sensor is kaput.
I know it involves checking each wheel,but it had always worked for me. Just a pointer.
Youl have the sensor plug for any futute problems too(if your that unlucky)

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 6:13 pm
by AndyGDrums
Just jumped the 2 pin connector to get a code.
its coming up as one of the rear speed sensors.