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        General >> Problems >> abs and tcs lights illuminated
        
(Message started by: scorp299 on Sep 1^st, 2008, 1:27pm)

Title: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by scorp299 on Sep 1^st, 2008, 1:27pm

Hi everybody.It's been a few months since my last question so there are a few more to be asked.First and most important is the fact that when driving home today and within a mile or so from home the TCS and ABS lights both illuminated.Has it got anything to do with the pads needing replaced as they have started to squeal a bit(probably front and back)for the last week or so.The car is a 95 Cosworth 24V.Many thanks for any help anybody can give.Gary.

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Jonnycab on Sep 1^st, 2008, 3:18pm

If both lights are on then the first place to look is at the rear sensors, as these control both the ABS & TCS. They tend to get quite dirty over time & can cause this problem. Also check the sensor connectors which are located under the flaps of carpet under the rear seat. :)

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Highlander on Sep 1^st, 2008, 7:18pm

Hi, did they stay illuminated? on all the time now?

Was it raining when they came on?? (silly question probably at the moment) :)

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Tompion on Sep 1^st, 2008, 10:10pm

and to answer your question :)
no, worn pads won't make the lights come on.

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Highlander on Sep 1^st, 2008, 10:12pm

Its only a question if it has a question mark ;D

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Tompion on Sep 1^st, 2008, 10:13pm

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Malcolm73 on Sep 2^nd, 2008, 10:38am

Hello Scorpio299

Sorry to hear of your anti lock brake (ABS) problem

May I apologise for not being an expert, however I hope this is more help than a smiley.

As previously mentioned the lights do not indicate the condition of discs or pads which should be visually examined.

Squealing or metallic rubbing needs immediate attention as it may indicate that the brake pads have worn to the steel backing plates, another possibility is that you have a faulty wheel bearing(s) and faulty bearings may also cause ABS failure and the ABS light will come on.

Check that your tyres are correctly inflated as uneven pressures cause uneven wheel rotation and again the ABS light will come on.

Each wheel has an ABS sensor and from experience front sensors seem to give more trouble than rear. Each wheel sensor has a flexible cable terminating in a two pin multi plug.

Beneath the front wheel arch the plugs are in road spray so wipe of dust and mud, open the multi plug and check for water and corrosion. Clean as necessary. Check the sensor for electrical continuity and resistance of about 9,400 ohms. My memory is failing and 9,400 may not be the figure. On reassembly a touch of electrical contact grease could be applied, expensive Ford specification WSB-M1C239-A.

Unfortunately these basic electrical tests may indicate failure but are not foolproof as a sensor may still be faulty.

Similar multi plugs for the rear wheels are beneath the rear seat carpets and can be checked but being dry they are usually less susceptible to corrosion.

If the fault persists I believe that you should have the ABS checked at a small competent garage or perhaps someone with OBD equipment may be able to test. My local three man garage has the necessary computer equipment and has quickly located sensor faults

Sensors contain magnets and can pick up ferrous debris which can stop them working. Rear sensors are more prone to this problem and can sometimes be extracted and cleaned whilst front sensors are usually corroded in place and any attempt at removal usually breaks the plastic and internal connections. Broken front sensors can only be forcibly removed

The general wiring harness may be an unlikely fault but the expensive, but repairable ABS computer control box does fail, usually on the 12 volt input pins to the printed circuit board.. A new computer is expensive but methods of repair have been described on this site.

I hope this helps.

Regards and 73’s Malcolm

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by scorp299 on Sep 2^nd, 2008, 12:12pm

Thanks very much for the replies folks.
In addition to the my question,my son is fairly adamant that when we arrived back home he smelt a slight burning smell which I personally didn't.Don't know if that might be connected to the ABS/TCS lights.
Anyway back to the answers to some of your questions-

Highlander...It wasn't raining at the time and the lights didn't come back on when I started the engine again and also when starting it again this morning and going for a 5 minute drive(during the rain).
Jonnycab...I removed the wheels and examined the sensors which looked ok but I gave them a little clean anyway.The connectors under the carpet looked ok as well.
Tompion...I've got the pads on order just in case but does anybody know where I can locate some instructions on how to fit them in greater detail.
Malcolm73...Wheel bearings are ok as far as I can check them ie noises while driving and play in the wheels.
Tyre pressures were more out than I thought they would be...Fronts were ok but backs were N/S 22psi and O/S 39psi...could that have contributed to the lights?
Many thanks again for the answers and to change the subject slightly...When is the next Badgers Mount meet?
Gary.

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Jonnycab on Sep 2^nd, 2008, 12:15pm

Are the lights still on then ? :)

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Tompion on Sep 2^nd, 2008, 1:58pm

Have a look here:

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/rbrakes.htm

& here:

http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/brakesmanual.htm

I think tyre pressures can be over stated as a cause, but in your case with that variation yes it could cause the light to stay on.

If there is a Badgers Mount meet, it’s due the end of this month – keep an eye on the meetings page.

Dave

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by scorp299 on Sep 2^nd, 2008, 8:20pm

Cheers for the replies guys.I went for another little jaunt in the scorp earlier this evening and was happy to see no lights suddenly appearing.I'll hopefully have the pads fitted in the next couple of days and go for a longer drive so watch this space.Thanks again,Gary.

Title: Re: abs and tcs lights illuminated
Post by Highlander on Sep 2^nd, 2008, 9:06pm

I've had the lights come on the very odd time on various cars, i think its probably just dirt/water then it clears itself