Thinking Through False ABS/ESC Activation Events
Electronic stability control (ESC) became a mandated safety feature for the 2012 model year. Along with all of these advancements, false activation complaints have surfaced. Solving them has been a diagnostic conundrum through the years. False activation incidents involve the ABS modulator taking over braking or intervening to restore vehicle stability. The customer may feel feedback in the brake pedal like a pulsation or sudden drop. Some may also experience a drop in power or the vehicle may suddenly pull in one direction.
Matco Tools Introduces Fix Advisor Pro
With the MD100, technicians can graph and record up to four ABS, SRS or powertrain parameters simultaneously and view 20+ pieces of information at once with minimal scrolling, said the company.
Nissan Clunking Or Thumping Noise At Start Up
The above condition is normal and does not need repair. Each time the ignition is turned on and the vehicle is driven at about 16 mph, the ABS/VDC system performs a “Self-Check” to confirm components of the ABS/VDC system are operating correctly.
VIDEO: Can Old Brake Fluid Cause A Brake Pull?
Andrew Markel follows up with a reader question and confirms the brake pull issue from part 1. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
VIDEO: ABS HCU Brake Pull Issues
Andrew Markel addresses a reader question involving a brake pull, showing how the issue could be related to the ABS HCU. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
Wheel Speed Sensor: Understanding ABS Brake Passive Sensors
The passive wheel speed sensor has been around a long time. It works quite differently than the active speed sensors that are found on most cars today. The passive speed sensor creates its own AC signal that changes frequency with wheel speed. This signal is only present while the wheel is turning at a rate fast enough to create the AC signal.
Honda Accord With ABS Codes
This system will set codes when there is high resistance to the ground. Following the diagnostic tree in this case will have you replace the ABS modulator, when in most cases it can be repaired by cleaning the ground G203.
ABS Electronic Line Locks: Show Off Or Stupid?
Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler have taken the showroom track day car to the next level. These automakers have incorporated line lock modes into the software of their high-horsepower models. While this feature is intended for the drag strip, the reality is that it will be used at stoplights for burnouts.
On-The-Car Brake Lathe Precautions On ABS Vehicles
All anti-lock-brake systems (ABS) utilize speed sensor inputs. Some of these systems have very narrow tolerances in regard to wheel speed data. Speed sensor concerns include the air gap that can easily be altered during the course of brake maintenance. When using an on-the-car brake lathe, it is important to prevent metal shavings from contacting, and collecting on, the sensor.
BRAKE JOB: 2004-2009 Mazda3 Pads, Rotors And Parking Brake
The 2004-2009 Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system, but not paying attention to the details can end in a post-brake-job comeback.
Subaru Tech Tip: Error Codes Following Wheel Bearing Hub Replacement
On the hubs for 2005-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback applications, a speed sensor mounts into the knuckle. It’s exposed end extends out behind the bearing to capture pulses from an encoder ring on the back of the bearing.
Preventing ABS Sensor Failure In Pigtail-Style Hub Assemblies
ABS system failures that happen shortly after hub unit installation can cause concern for technicians and dissatisfaction for customers. Several items should be checked during replacement to prevent comebacks.
