I have problems with my ABS-brakes which started with the ABS INOP-light coming on sproadically, while the brakes functioned normally. Now though, the ABS brakes doesn't seem to work anymore and of course the ABS INOP light is still on. I have tried most methods except to use a scanner since I haven't got one.

I've searched the forum for help regarding the ABS INOP light and also problems regarding non-functional ABS-brakes. The result is A LOT of tips and tricks but it could be hard to get a correct overview because of the sheer amount of search hits. This is why I thought of a checklist for the ABS problem. I can list some "easy fixes" for the ABS INOP-light and non-functional brakes.

If you find something I missed just cut-n-paste the list and add your fix to the list. Hopefully after a while the list will be quite long and there will be easier for us by following a checklist then wading through all thge topics written on this problem.

 

THE CHECKLIST

1) Check the third brake light and see if it's working.

2) Check the sensors (one on each front wheel and one on top of the rear axle). Cleaning them might fix the problem.

3) Check and see if a plug wire is too close, or touching, one of the harnesses to the front wheel sensor. The high voltage field emitted by the plug wires interferes with the low level voltage that is used in the sensor circuits. This can cause a failure in the ABS-system.

4) Check the ground lug on the RH shock tower area to be sure that it is clean and tight.

 

daft question from a new owner in the UK.... How do you clean the sensors and/or get to the sensor on top of the diff?

 

You can try cleaning the sensors plugs with electrical contact cleaner. The rear sensor is attached to the top of the pumpkin with 10mm head bolt, so you must raise the car to get to it.

 

5) Bad connections. Remove electrical connectors and slightly bend pins to the side then plug them back in.

 

ok this happened to me to. I scanned my Z and the left and right solenoid were not working. Those are located on the abs unit. Hope this helps.

 

The pins on the connectors to the ABS motor pack?