[Kenneth]

Problem with ABS, The light comes on when the car moves. ABS self diagnostics is ok when starting engine. I have cleaned all the sensors, tried again and the problem is still there. Seems to be a problem that the ABS is not sensing input from one wheel. Which one? Any ideas how to find that wheel and solve the problem?

kenneth

 

[Chris]

The ABS system is not checked until the car moves so engine start-up is not the correct way to see if it is working OK. As you pull away up over 5mph you will hear a noise like a pump which lasts for a few seconds and is audible within the car and out. This is the ABS doing a self-diagnosis and this is the point at which it decides if it has a problem or not. Because of this you cant assume that because the car is moving the problem is a wheel sensor although it wont hurt to check some wiring around the wheels. ABS diagnostics check at a garage should be fast and cheap enough...

 

[jimybob]

this is a trick of the trade..unplug the abs sensor socket(normally about a foot from the hub) and test the resistance across the two pins with an ohm meter if you get no reading or VERY LOW on any sensor then that sensor has had it!!!

 

[Mike Scarf]

Yes thats the way I found a faulty sensor on a Citroen BX GTi a few years back. I think the connectors are under the back seat for the rears and under the bonnet against the bulkhead for the fronts. The are a white colour with a thin aerial type wire.
It is possible to read the ABS systems self diagnosis set up by counting the number of flashes of the ABS light when pin 1 (blue & white wire) of the diagnostic socket is earthed and then the ignition turned on. Seemingly it does 12 flashes 3 times to say it is starting the test. It then flahes the fault(s) each 3 times and then 12 flashes again 3 times to say it has finished.
If you end up doing that and you get a code,I'll let you know what the fault is. eek!

Mike

 

[richward]

Something that may save you a bit of time - check that none of your brakelight bulbs have gone. The only time my ABS warning lamp has stayed lit, a bulb had gone. Swapped the brakelight bulb, ABS light went out!

 

[wrinx]

yup, m80 of mine had exactly the same with brake light

wrinx

 

[Kenneth]

Finally I managed to access this site! What was wrong anyway for the past weeks?

Anyway, my problem persists coupled with an accident last week. A Malaysian made car rear ended me and shattered to pieces! The 155 bumper is slightly pointing downwards and the boot/trunk is mis-aligned. Not bad seeing what it did to the other car!

However, the ABS light is still there! Some questions:

Mike, where is this diagnostic socket you are talking about with the jumper wire. My ABS is Magnetti-Marelli. The diagnostics computer I borrowed from someone cannot interrogate it.

Doing a 'spin the wheel test', I found that the front wheels require more spins and faster revolutions to light up the ABS light compared to the rear wheels that react almost instantly. Conclusion, the sensor is sensing the toothed hub alright, just better in the rear. Why is this so?

Hope there is help out there. I'll post the diagnostics for Mike as soon as I can get my car back from the body shop. Perhaps you could post or e-mail me the codes. Probably need the exact procedure that it is done.

kenneth

 

[Mike Scarf]

Hi Kenneth

Finally got back onto the site tonight. I'll have a look around and see if i can find the socket.

 

[Chris]

Kenneth,
The connection is located near the shock absorber dome (so say the manual, I havn`t looked).
Also, sorry but I have just fouynd out that the self test on the ABS specifically excludes the wheel sensors. Doh! I`m not sure if thats a good think for you as it would point to a problem somewhere else.
I know its an expense but you could solve the problem quickly by visiting a dealer and getting them to check the system. They can plug into the ABS doagnostics post and find out what problem the ABS has found with itself.

 

[Kenneth]

Thanks guys. I managed to convince a Bosch instruments and test gear salesman to let me use an analyzer that tests a wide range of cars for this purpose. The result is a faulty valve relay. That I could not find from most outlets in Malaysia. Bosch part number 0332 002 411. I need 2 of these. Anybody coming this way for business or pleasure? Mighty obliged if you could buy it first for me and then carry it with you. I'll give you a free ride from the airport to the hotel and some limited tour guiding,lunch/dinner on me? Food here is fantastic but not stock of Alfa spare parts!

kenneth

 

[marlon]

Can you order it over the internet from an Alfa parts specialist. Most will ship worldwide, I'm sure.

Marlon

 

[Chris]

Kenneth,

Marlon is probably right about worldwide shippers. If you have a credit card I`m sure you will find someone to send to you. If you get a problem let me know - i`ll post it out to you if you like. No problem getting the parts here (except the occasional delay).

 

[Spike Q4]

Kenneth,

please tell us where the relay is located. Where is it located and is it easy to change?
I have the same problem with the ABS-light.

Thanx, let's race!!!

 

[Mike Scarf]

Hi Kenneth,
I'm glad you found the fault. According to my info that was code 19. There are 8 solenoid valves in the control unit, pressumably requiring 8 relays, so it was good they detected 2 faulty ones I suppose.

Hope you locate the parts

Mike

 

[Kenneth]

Eight!!! Sorry Spike, it does not appear to be any normal relay but has been described as an actuator, a solenoid valve etc.

My mechanic says it has a total of 2!! I have not had the time to disassemble the ABS unit but Mike, if you have done so, is it possible for you to post the picture itself. This is a rare problem according to most Alfa parts stockist. I am wondering if it is just a contact problem before I have the part shipped half way around the world, installed and then still the problem persist. Can you people help by asking the approximate price for this part - 0 332 002 411 and whether only 2 is required or 8 as Mike has observed.

Thanks!

kenneth

 

[wrinx]

Kenneth

the parts CD doesnt recognise that part number.........unless I've done it wrong!!!

wrinx

 

[jimybob]

that part number is a bosch number not a fiat one.by the way its not against the law to take off the abs if you want to.

 

[jimybob]

the part number for the 2 relays is 9950678 and for the actual conrol unit its 9950679 i dont have the prices my c.d at home wont let me if you want the prices i will do it at work on monday.

 

[wrinx]

Thought I'd save you the trouble Jimybob, let you get on with answering all the other questions on here!!

Prices from 12/99

relay £29.55 each
control unit £745.14 (fek!)

all inc VAT

Obviously out of date but gives an idea.

Does anyone have an up to date Parts CD I could have a copy of........purrrleeeze

wrinx

 

[Kenneth]

£29.55 hmmm, that will be about RM 169.32 so many years ago! I shudder to think what it is now. Guys, any better quotes or better still, has anyone ever attempted to re-condition/rebuild the valve relay?

As for driving without the ABS, it can be fun but it is like having dinner with an intelligent and gorgeous blonde and not being able to talk to her. Then again, an intelligent blonde! Get real!

Another supposition, is there a fuse somewhere that goes to the ABS?

ABSed out,

kenneth