ABS Not Engaging... :-/

[Jacob_Neal12]

Okay, so I never really paid any attention to it, but I fuly realized recently that my car's ABS does not engage. I tested this last night in the rain, and absolutely not. I was locked up at all four corners for like 50 feet.

There have been no lights, except during the summer it came on once... And that was because I accidentally unplugged something in my trunk when I removed my power antenna. But once that got plugged back in the light turned off.

My question is this: Does anyone have a clue where I should start checking things?

I looked through my Haynes manual and didn't see anthing that really helped in the troubleshooting section...

Thanks a lot, I don't really mind not having ABS, but if that crap is weighing my car down and not even working, that is what pisses me off!

[Maple50175]

bro I have the same problem. Mine has not worked since i owned the car. I guess the guy that worked on the womans car when she had it DIDNT like abs so the mechanic disconnected it. hah, I looked and dont see anything disconnect. so it's a mystery

Someone post an answer!

[SteveB]

http://media.honda.co.uk/car/owner/m...00/22-400.html

[HondaFan81]

There are many components to the ABS system, you have to narrow it down to an area at least. These questions are useless unless you do some more investigating and at least find out what works, what doesn't...something. It's like me saying my engine don't run and posting nothing else to help. VERY vague...

[Jacob_Neal12]

There are many components to the ABS system, you have to narrow it down to an area at least. These questions are useless unless you do some more investigating and at least find out what works, what doesn't...something. It's like me saying my engine don't run and posting nothing else to help. VERY vague...

Yes, I'm aware that my question was vague, but as my simple question states, I was asking for advice on where to begin, because there are so many components to the abs system. I don't need someone to tell me what is wrong with it, I just want advice where to start checking.

I have searched and haven't found squat on the subject, and my repair manual hasn't helped much either.

Also many times there are people that are actually helpful and share their experience and point out common failures and easy tips to narrow the failure down.

THANK YOU SteveB for that link, that should be helpful.

[DFresh19864]

My ABS isnt working either and thats only because my right rear sensor has gotten a little bit rusty... Its like $150 plus from the dealer for the sensor I think. but anyways check all your sensors and make sure they arent rusted or have debris on em' because these things are very sensitive or you may have a bad main relay or motor or there could be air in the system that would cause it not to work. Could be a lot of things...hope this helps!

[JaiBeezy DnB]

I thought our cars didnt have ABS, i think that was standard on the 93 + models, not sure really but i remember seeing it on the thread with the Top Gear episode. I guess check it out

[bruno8747]

Why dont you try the abs again on dry pavement and see if you are still locking up. And if there is a problem you should get the abs light. Is the light still working? does it light up when you turn on the ignition?

[Jacob_Neal12]

Alright, I'll have to check the sensors and relays... And yeah, it definitely does have ABS, I think that is standard with all 92+ EX and SE's, maybe earlier years too.

The light does work, and it comes on if I unplug one of the rear sensors (I think thats what it is, its a connector that goes to out of the trunk by the antenna).

I tired it on dry pavement earlier today and it still locks up. After thinking about it I have never felt the ABS kick in.

Thanks for the input, I'll check and see if any of that does anything.

[Maple50175]

There is a abs unit in the trunk make sure everything is connected etc.

Id look at fuses and wires. Make sure everything is right. hmm i might look into it tommrow on my car

[Jacob_Neal12]

Why dont you try the abs again on dry pavement and see if you are still locking up. And if there is a problem you should get the abs light. Is the light still working? does it light up when you turn on the ignition?

Actually, no it doesn't... About a month ago when I was last investigating this problem it definitely did, but it isn't working now. Does anyone know what bulb it is and have any kind of instructions / tips for replacing it? I assume you gotta pull the whole dash trim off and then pull the guage cluster out, or something like that right?

And I checked all my trunk wiring and all the fuses for (I bleive) the whole ABS system, and that all checks out. I took a peak at the rear wheel sensors, but i'm not really sure if I will be able to see anything... What should I be looking for at the sensors?

Thanks again.

[bruno8747]

First thing I think you should do is replace the bulb if its blown. Then you can get the code from the flashing light and it will tell you whats wrong. And the abs system should be really sensitive, so any faults in the system should trigger the abs light and since u said that you didnt have ANY abs at all then I would automatically think that the light is blown.

[williamsvt]

Alright, I'll have to check the sensors and relays... And yeah, it definitely does have ABS, I think that is standard with all 92+ EX and SE's, maybe earlier years too.

The light does work, and it comes on if I unplug one of the rear sensors (I think thats what it is, its a connector that goes to out of the trunk by the antenna).

I tired it on dry pavement earlier today and it still locks up. After thinking about it I have never felt the ABS kick in.

Thanks for the input, I'll check and see if any of that does anything.

10th aniversary's also had the ABS...

mine doesn't work as well, but i seem to stop just fine, a little tougher in snow, but who cares...the expense of getting the sensors fixed isn't worth it to me...

ABS isn't a necessity but rather a helpful braking method...


good luck

[Jacob_Neal12]

Yeah, I'll replace the bulb this weekend and figure out what code its throwing. Do you know what replacement bulb it uses?

I was gonna do it today, but my distributor just went kaput late last night and I have to get that resolved. I think I might be able to get a used one locally, we'll see. Thanks.