Fixed my ABS too!

[Davemc1963]

A bit long, but I just wanted to add to the following post, which is now a Sticky.
http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=75060
I wish this was posted a couple of weeks ago, it would probably have saved me hours.
It must be Fix ABS week, because I have been looking at mine for the last few weeks as well.
I also found the post below useful, covers similar things:-
http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=61960&highlight=abs
Thanks go to DaveP for the bulk of the help and knowledge on this subjectwith respect to SyTys!

My ABS came on about a year ago, following a bit of work I carried out on the Ty.
I posted a few questions, and was pointed to the Brake light switch as I also had a syptom with the TCC 'not feeling right' However, the switch was correct, so this was not the solution for me.
Now this last year, I just haven't had the time or opportunity to do any work on the Ty, I have just had to drive it (albeit infrequently).
However, I decided it was time to do something, as it is time for our Annual MOT. (roadworthyness test) and the ABS is part of it. Last resort was removing the warning light bulbs!
To cut a long story short, after a lot of 'Searching' I decided to make a start at diagnosing the problem.
Thought it was 'White mans magic' teritory (no offence meant to anyone)
Like most things, it was a 'Back To Basics' solution, No Power = No Work
Turned out to also be the 12v feed near to the battery that feeds the BPMV or ABS unit. It had a break in it. It looks like at some time, it had been rubbing on the battery tray. This, also has a fusible link in it, but for some reason this was OK. I managed to splice it back together after cutting out the damaged bit.
I then tried to clear the codes I had got to 10 and stopped counting!
However, this took a few attempts and ignition switch cycles. ( Ignition on, Short terminals A&H for 2 seconds, Off for 1 second, Short again for 2 seconds. After the first attempt and thinking I had further problems because the codes were still there, I persevered and they all cleared, i needed to cycle the ignition switch again, not just the A to H short. then, just code 14, which as DaveP has noted is a normal code for the ABS - Yeh.
I had also looked at bleeding the ABS, seems to be a bit of mystery in this and I have been unable to ascertain if there are any risks to this. The factory manual is a little vague in this.
some info here;_
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3828/is_199806/ai_n8787970/pg_4/
and they have been referenced by DaveP previously as well.
I would like to do this as preventative maintenance, but now its working again feel a bit reluctant, in case it breaks again.
A tool (2 off) to open the accumulators is identified one outlet of many is:-
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/otc7853.html
As for bleeding, found this, but not specific to us:-
http://www.cardone.com/English/Club...KES/Protech/Install_Instructions/93058412.asp

Also, I have come across several references to NOT vacuum bleed the ABS unit - haven't found out why though??
Bleeding the ABS is in my future though, cant be good to have old fluid in there.

I also had it in my mind that I may have to pull the unit apart and check out relays etc. Not a lot of info around for this, but it turns out the units aren't rocket science. the link below looks at a Kelsy-hayes unit on a Fiat. Not ours, but gives an insight to whats inside these units if your is dead.
http://www.fiatforum.com/bravo-brava-marea-guides/94836-how-repair-abs-central-unit.html

Just sharing what I found, Thanks to DaveP and the community.

 

[Static]

Re: Fixed my ABS too!

Congrats! Its not that hard to work thru stuff when you have the info and a place to start from. Thanks again DaveP.

 

[Davemc1963]

Re: Fixed my ABS too!

Great post, Dave. There are some good links in there. Thanks for those. I learned something from every one of them. Well except perhaps the last. QUOTE]

Hi Dave, Yes, maybe I should've left the last link out, it didnt add much (any) value. I was really just trying to make a point that there will be ways to open up the unit and replace bad relays or electronic components that have failed if it is proven the unit is terminally ill or even completely non functional. Obviously, this is part of the Brake system and needs to be treated accordingly - with the respect it deserves. If seals in the hydraulic system are disturbed for example, I suspect that they should be replaced and not reused. I couldn't find any internet information showing 'our' units internally, but know as many probably do that remanufactured units are offered by several companies. So some parts, relays particularly must be available to fix them.
Dave

 

[RScal]

Re: Fixed my ABS too!

It must be Fix ABS week, because I have been looking at mine for the last few weeks as well.

Looks like it's my turn to troubleshoot and fix my ABS, apparently the light came on a few days ago when my dad was driving my Ty.

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: Fixed my ABS too!

I will definately use this info, thanks ---

 

[RScal]

Re: Fixed my ABS too!

Thanks for the info guys...Turns out all that was wrong was the power cable corroded away where it sat behind the battery. Just a quick fix and I was able to clear the codes.