ABS Light 355 1996 Spider

ABS light came on and stayed on. Checked the ABS motor under the front hood and it primes (is running) then stops.

What else could I check before I take it 'in'?


Regards,


Pete

 

Pete,

How are you!

Actually this is not uncommon - Mine actually came on one time after hitting a slight bump. Turned out to be a sensor problem... I can't remember if they cleaned the sensor or replaced it and then reset it with the OBD... However the ABS was working fine even though it read it wasn't...

If you checked the fuses - and the sensors (no idea where they are) - you will have to take it in for a reset anyway to clear the light.

Rich

 

Could be one of many things..............
One of the solenoid valves
Recirculation pump
One of the wheel sensors
Faulty brake pedal switch
ECU

It's no good guessing - could be expensive, my advise is to have it diagnosed on a SD1 to pinpoint the fault.

 

I had a check engine light come on for an O2 sensor and cleared that. But the ABS is still on. Is the ABS light linked to the Check engine .. i.e. would an SD2 clear it? I though the ABS was separate from the central ECU.

Pete

 

It is a separate control if I remember correctly - on the passenger side as opposed to the drivers side...

 

No connection with the check engine light problem, the ECU I was refering to is for the braking system only.

 

Pete, currently experiencing the same problem with my 348 spider. I have the factory workshop manual. In the manual are detailed instructions listing steps to retrieve the "error code". If you have the ability and the 355 allows you to retrieve the codes, you will at least have an idea where the problem originates. Malcolm is accurate in his list of possible causes and then some.
On the 348, if the error is corrected, the ABS light will reset after a specific speed is reached. Don't know if the 355 is the same.

 

I thought an SD2 analysis (it's a '96) would only retrieve codes from the 'check engine' light ECU.

Regards,


Pete

 

Pete

I have had problems with my 1996 355ABS system. It has been a while but this is how you find whats wrong if I remember correctly.

Step 1. On the passenger side of the car in the luggage compartment under the carpet by the firewall your will find a fuse box and it will be missing a 10amp fuse.
Step 2. Put a fuse in this location and turn on the ignition switch and count the light flashes. It will give you a two digit code.
Step 3.Cycle the Ignition on and off and see if any more codes come up.
Step 4. Unplug the fuse and reinstall to reverify you counted to correct code numbers.
Step 5. Make sure when you are done you remove the fuse.
Step 6. The shop manual has the test code in it.(if you don't have that page I can fax it to you)

Good Luck

Love my AC switch cover!!

Aloha John

 

Apologies for the late reply.

Thanks for all the guidence, I'll take a look for the fuse etc. I should have the relevent page as i have a shop manual.

Did you fix your ABS problem... what was it?

Regards,

Pete

...glad you liked the cover. I just finished my center air vent yesterday.

 

Tested my ABS using the flashing codes.

No codes, and the ABS light stayed illuminated.

I'm assuming the MARCIA ignition position is the one that is just after the OFF.. the one that turns on the ABS light and nothing else .. correct?

(In the procedure, it says turn the ignition to the MARCIA position)

Regards,

Pete

 

Hi Pete

I will verify the test sequnce on Friday and get back to you.

No I have not bought a new sensor yet, I have been watching places like Ferrari Service for a used unit ,but none has come in yet.

Mahalo

John

 

John, you reference a sensor problem. On my 348 spider the alarm code pointed toward 1 of the front ABS valves, return if I recall correctly. Is your problem related to 1 of the wheel sensors? I cannot complete trouble shooting until spring. Too much snow here in MA to drive and test! John.

 

My problem is the front left wheel sensor.

 

HI PETE

I just verified the test procedure.

The 10 Amp fuse needs to be pluged into the most forward empty fuse holer on the block.

Then turn on the ignition.

After a few seconds the ABS light should start showing the two digit code.

After the first 2 digit code is read have some one ugplug the fuse (leave the key switch on) then the next code if any will be displayed. (I made a five foot cord so I could do it myself while in the car.

Good Luck
John

 

Thanks again John.

Tried the procedure and I get NO codes ... the ABS light just stays on.

Any ideas anyone?


Pete

 

I have had this problem once before, it was just a dirty sensor on the front passenger side wheel. I used brake cleaning fluid and some steel wool to clean it up and that fixed the problem. I didn't have to clear the code out, the light went off as soon as I drove the car once after cleaning.

An easy way to figure out if it is just one wheel is to go out on an empty road and lay into the brakes from about 40 mph, the wheel with the problem will lock up, just be careful not to let it skid to much or you will get a flat spot on your tire.