ABS malfunction

Greetings all,

3 or 4 months ago my ABS light would come on intermittently and then go out again. As time went on it would stay on for longer periods of time, now it's pretty much on all the time. However, a couple of days ago I was rolling up to a stop sign and kinda hit the brakes a bit harder than I normally do when I heard a single click from somewhere. I looked at the dash and the ABS light was off and has now been off since then. I've been putting off trying to find the problem because I don't really know where to start.

But now I think this click I heard was a clue as to where the problem lies. Could be wrong though, wouldn't be the first time. Any thoughts on this or where I should start looking. Thanks

 

Remove your ABS all together as I did. 13 pounds of crap if you ask me. Far too many issues to deal with... plus it sucks while doing some serious off road stuff.
There is a write up on TW to assist you.

Good luck.

 

While many people are going to suggest that you remove the ABS, that wasn't a path I wanted to take- and if you don't either, there are some resources out there to help diagnose the ABS system.

Being that you say you heard a click- I would first check the fuse/relay (I forget which). IIRC it's not located on the top of the engine bay fuse block, but on the bottom, and you have to remove the fuse block to expose it.

If that passes inspection, then here's what's next:

https://youtu.be/dGQtEDfnATM

That video pretty much details the process listed in the FSM.

 

As stated above, check to see what ABS codes pop up and go from there. I had an ABS code due to a speed sensor before.

 

Thanks for some insight on this. Still think that click I heard had something to do with it since the ABS light went out immediately after I heard it. So checking that relay makes sense. Got to watch that video on ABS codes too. My OBDII cheapo bluetooth reader didn't detect any codes nor did O'Reillys when I stopped by to have them check.

 

Yeah, the ABS codes won't show up on the readers- I think the video explains why...

I'll also throw out there- If you do get a speed sensor code, it doesn't necessarily mean it's time for the new speed sensor. I removed the rear speed sensors and harness all the way up to the frame rail where there is a connector. I cleaned that connector with electric contact cleaner, applied a small amount of dielectric grease, and retested and it worked. So just take the troubleshooting patiently and methodically and you'll likely be able to pinpoint the issue.

In the past, on a friend's truck- we found a nick in the speed sensor cable (from pinching the cable during a leaf spring install on the u-bolt). At the time he taped it up and moved on. While trying to fix it later, we cut the cable cleanly and soldered a new section of wire in, finishing off with water-rated heat shrink tubing. He hasn't had any issues since and saved a ton of money vs getting a new rear speed sensor. The water-rated heat shrink with the adhesive in it is key to keeping the new section watertight.

 

a click noise when hitting the brakes hard, does it sound like its coming from inside the cabin or outside.

 

Do you have a code reader? I recommend the BlueDriver.

 

I would simply suggest that your shoot over to Autozone and have them plug their code reader into your plug under your dash and simply tell you what is is free of charge and fix it yourself and save some $$. But now you owe me a 12 pack of Pacifico for saving you $$. . . . Lol. Lol. Good luck bro. I’m sure it’s an easy fix

 

Outside and I only heard it once.

 

I have a bluetooth reader synched to my phone with the Torque app.

No codes showed up on mine, the one at the auto parts store or my buddy's at his repair shop.

 

Hmm... well the only thing I could think of click noise outside causing the ABS light to come on is maybe the ABS actuator itself going bad. I just did a quick google search and found this post on the forums, and I've personally replaced a few toyota ABS actuators due to noises while the brake pedal is depressed. But yea getting the actual ABS code would help out a lot, dealership scan tools can easily figure out what the code is, but for now it just seems like we are guessing.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/loud-abs-noise.185211/

 

I'll keep that in mind, good sir

 

Follow up to my problem. Thanks to Andy01 for posting that video, it showed me how a simple jumper could be used to read ABS codes.

I found 2 codes, 32 for LF speed sensor and 44 for deceleration sensor. A little googling told me that if you can get the wheel sensor code fixed most likely the deceleration code will clear as well.

So having a place to start I first looked at LF wheel sensor, all wiring looked fine and went to remove sensor. It didnt want to come out easy but finally got it. There was a fair amount of rust around sensor and down on the tip. Cleaned everything up and noticed the O ring was damaged, hence letting moisture in there. I or the previous owner had never removed the sensor but a year ago I had a shop install some new SPC uppers and for what ever reason they probably removed sensor and buggered up the O ring.

Had to order a new O ring from dealer but I've been driving around without it for 3 days and ABS light has yet to return.

Pretty sure the problem is fixed now.



Edit: disregard that part number for the O ring I ordered. It turned out to be an O ring for rear wheel sensor and was a different size. Parts dept. couldn't find a replacement O ring for front sensor, so it's off to the hardware store I go.