I have a 1999 4.6 HSE that has an ABS problem. The traction light stays on as does the ABS light. When I break the pedal sometimes kicks as it would if the abs was kicking in. Also if I leave it for a while the rear suspension drops. Any ideas/advice much appreciated. Its only done 70k miles.
P38 4.6 HSE ABS and suspension problems.
- Thread starter Pradaman
- Start date
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First thing is to get the codes read from the ABS ECU (the ABS and Traction Control are the same system!!)
If you can get under the car and check the seating and security of the ABS sensors, as the most common fault is the Sensor Air Gap......just push the sensors all the way in, they will self adjust the gap once the wheels are rolling....
If they are good, check the wiring for signs of splits etc.
But get the codes read....
Also check to make sure you have a good strong battery, the P38 hates weak batteries, the wavering voltage causes havoc with the ECU's.
Check the under bonnet fuse box for signs of over heating, as this has been known to cause odd faults, and the most common is the ABS system and the Diesel Injection system...
Check the operation of the Hydraulic Boost pump, it should come on after about 5-10 Brake pedal pushes, if it comes on after each one or 2-3 it could mean the Hydraulic Accumulator is U/S....
As for the Rear Suspesnion....8/10 it is old bags, they have a life of around 70-80k miles, so if they are original they are no doubt shagged out....leaks aren't always obvious as it can sometimes come from under the fold where the air bag rolls up into itself.
:welcome2: btw.....
If you can get under the car and check the seating and security of the ABS sensors, as the most common fault is the Sensor Air Gap......just push the sensors all the way in, they will self adjust the gap once the wheels are rolling....
If they are good, check the wiring for signs of splits etc.
But get the codes read....
Also check to make sure you have a good strong battery, the P38 hates weak batteries, the wavering voltage causes havoc with the ECU's.
Check the under bonnet fuse box for signs of over heating, as this has been known to cause odd faults, and the most common is the ABS system and the Diesel Injection system...
Check the operation of the Hydraulic Boost pump, it should come on after about 5-10 Brake pedal pushes, if it comes on after each one or 2-3 it could mean the Hydraulic Accumulator is U/S....
As for the Rear Suspesnion....8/10 it is old bags, they have a life of around 70-80k miles, so if they are original they are no doubt shagged out....leaks aren't always obvious as it can sometimes come from under the fold where the air bag rolls up into itself.
:welcome2: btw.....
Datatek
Well-Known Member
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- Near Poitiers SW France
The ABS/TC is quite likely to be the accumulator failed.
Suspension dropping 90% certain to be worn airbags.
Cheers for the reply lads. I got it started today as its been lying idle for months and worked the suspension up and down and it seems to have sorted itself out! I have removed the battery and pit it on charge as its low. Once I have the battery charged I need to investigate the abs problem. Not sure weather to get it mot'd or sell as is . Probably be a shame not to mot it as its a good honest looking car . Interior is mint as is exterior , it only has one minor dent on it. Wheels were refurbished not so long ago too. My mother in law had the car since being a year old so has never really been hard worked. But it's the reliability of these things nowadays that is putting me off. We will see what a freshly charged battery brings to it!!
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Which code reader were you using as the P38 doesn't use the Standard OBDII protocols...so may not connect correctly...
Or (and this is common) the OBDII port wires get corroded and break....
The accumulator is fairly cheap (£80 I think) so may be worth trying that!
Or (and this is common) the OBDII port wires get corroded and break....
The accumulator is fairly cheap (£80 I think) so may be worth trying that!
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Yep, they are just a push fit....
Take it out clean, new bit of copper grease, and slide all the wau home until it touches the reluctor ring....it will then self gap from there...
Take it out clean, new bit of copper grease, and slide all the wau home until it touches the reluctor ring....it will then self gap from there...
