Code Reader Problem with Workhorse Chassis

[jjonas9019]

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting a code reader to connect to the ABS brake system and down loading the faults? I have a 2004 Holiday Rambler Admiral Gas Rig on a Workhorse W22 Chassis. I have the ABS light on and was unsuccessful eliminating the problem by cleaning the sensors as suggested in numerous other threads. So I bought a Innova 3130 Scan Tool, CanOBD2 with the ABS software upgrade to try and read the faults. The scan tool reads the engine codes fine. When I select the ABS mode, it says it cannot connect. It says the vehicle is not compliant. Is there an alternate connector to use for the brake system? Any other ideas?

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjonas9019 Any other ideas?

My best idea is to go to a service center that has a Tech II. Problems with my ABS sensors were identified using this instrument.

[jjonas9019]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I am very familiar with taking my Workhorse brake problems to service centers. I have had experience with my ABS light coming on since the first weekend I used my motor home and it continues to do so for three years now. I have had all for brake calibers replaced. I have had to replace all the brake lines due to corrosion problems and failures of the brake lines. I have burned up the ABS speed sensors numerous times as my brake calibers seized. And I have had sensors just need cleaning. So I am trying to learn to diagnose the problems myself using a code reader. In this case, I suspect I have a simple problem with one sensor, but which one is it. I pretty much wrote the same question to customer service at the code reader manufacture. I hope they can explain why it is not reading the ABS system. The reader I bought is compliant with all GM vehhicles since 1997. I thought it would work on the Workhorse chassis but it is not. I appreciate your help. I plan to keep poking at it until I figure it out.

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

jjonas9019... keep us posted please, if you get if figured out. I too, like doing things myself because it's too far to any reliable service centers. I'd like very much to upgrade my existing generic code reader to something that will work on my chassis.

[jjonas9019]

OK, Here is the update from the manufacture of the code reader. I bought a Innova 3130 Scan Tool, CanOBD2 with the ABS upgrade in the software. It was advertised as compatible with all GM vehicles since 1997. The manufacture replied today simply that it was incompatible with the ABS system on my Workhorse chassis. No additional details. So it looks like I will have to take it back to the service center for diagnosis again. I can use the code reader on all my other vehicles and I can use it on the engine and power train of the Workhorse chassis so it is not a total loss. I have already checked the engine and it came up with a clean bill of health. Yeah!!!

In my other vehicles in the past, there has been a way to get the ABS system to communicate without a code reader. Usually, it is via the ABS light flashing on and off and counting pulses. If any one has experience with an alternative method to get information out of the ABS system, I would appreciate hearing about it. I still think this is a simple fix if I could just get pointed in the right direction.

[kcir]

Just a thought , have you tried to bleed the ABS unit, possible air in it from bleeding wheel cyls.

[jjonas9019]

OK. You got me on this one. I am not familiar with "Bleeding the ABS unit". I know the brake system has been bleed properly after the last round of replacing brake lines. It is currently leak tight. I am for the moment not loosing brake fluid. I just checked the master cylinder reservoir, both sides today after a 250 mile trip. The brake pedal feel is normal. I suspect I have a single wheel ABS sensor out. This has occurred repeatedly on the vehicle. I am familiar with the ABS sensors and have removed and cleaned them. They all appear normal. Can you give me some clarification on bleeding the ABS unit.