ABS light is lit all the time

[jeffsan73]

ABS lit normally when I started the engine, then went out ( normal) . Put the coach in drive, about 30 seconds after movement ABS light came back on. What are likely possible culprits??

[docj]

With the common Meritor Wabco ABS systems that sort of behavior means that one of the wheel sensors isn't sending data. If the light was on when you first started the engine it usually means an electrical fault in one of the sensors. When it comes on after you've started moving it often means that one sensor isn't sending the appropriate data usually because it's out of position or some other reason.

[jondrew55]

I had a similar issue when I spun my wheels and almost got stuck in Mud in my Excursion.I called Freightliner and they told me all I had to do was drive a short distance and the light should extinguish once the sensors started sending info again.

I'd give FL hotline a call and see if they can diagnose over the phone. Unless of course you have a Spartan chassis. Call them and I'm sure they'd walk you thru it.

[docj]

After having spent ~$1k on trying to get the ABS working, I've decided that I can live with the light. I drove for many years before ABS was invented. I think I can drive my MH safely without the ABS. I know that my brakes are in first-rate condition.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by jeffsan73

ABS lit normally when I started the engine, then went out ( normal) . Put the coach in drive, about 30 seconds after movement ABS light came back on. What are likely possible culprits??

Adding year, model and chassis manufacturer to your post, will help get better info.
But for the most part the problem is most likely that the ABS system has lost signal from a wheel speed sensor , don't know if you coach has 3 or 4 sensors till we have more info.

[jacwjames]

I have an older coach but have the ability to recover the ABS fault codes. I have a small module in my front driver side run bay. I follow a procedure and it will give me a fault code. Last time I had a problem it was the front drivers side wheel sensor. I took it out, cleaned it and reinstalled and the light went out.

Do some checking on your system, being newer I would think you can recover the fault codes.

[AKOne]

ABS issues is common regardless of the brand motorhome. Your brake system is not failing the light means your ABS is offline. Many of us have sunk lots of $$$ in shop labor hoping for a fix. Unless you can find someone who really knows what they are doing, you will find paying a shop will be liken to shoveling money down a rat hole. I suspect shops know that ABS problems are a money maker ... sorry for being cynical. Going forward I will be doing my own ABS trouble shooting. Have the manual, have access to the sensors and the ECM, can read trouble codes, now I just need the time to work on it.

[docj]

Originally Posted by AKOne

Unless you can find someone who really knows what they are doing, you will find paying a shop will be liken to shoveling money down a rat hole. I suspect shops know that ABS problems are a money maker ... sorry for being cynical.

Last year a shop argued with me about which sensor was bad and insisted on replacing one I was pretty sure was Ok. Of course, it didn't fix the problem but they wouldn't admit that the sensor they replaced didn't need replacement.

Several people have suggested that the best fix for the ABS light is a appropriately sized piece of black electrical tape!

[jelag]

so the senors can be tested with an ohm meter... its more likely its one of the front senors as the wiring harness has to not only go up/down but also turn left/right...

Remember that when the key goes on.. the ECM goes through a test mode and lights the dash light to test the circuit... and like mentioned.. the light will come on if one of the sensors isn't working...

Its important that the new senor have the wiring harness connected to the factory connections to keep splash water, dirt, mud from damaging the harness...

In each of the cases I've checked and repaired.. you could easily put an ohm meter across the sensor... and wiggle the cable... and the ohm meter reading would change/jump around telling you it was making/breaking the connection in the bad harness...

Hope this helps...

[jeffsan73]

Yes I did forget the model...2011 Newmar Canyon Star. Ford chassis

[jeffsan73]

Originally Posted by jeffsan73

ABS lit normally when I started the engine, then went out ( normal) . Put the coach in drive, about 30 seconds after movement ABS light came back on. What are likely possible culprits??

Yes, 2011 Newmar Canyon Star, Ford chassis

[PanJH]

I don't know about the 2011 Ford F-53's, but on the 2000 Ford F-53's there is an ABS sensor on the differential that is prone to failure. I think it's about $20 and takes about a minute to install. One bolt holds it in, 10mm I believe

[joe_vol]

I am in complete agreement with AKOne and docj. Be careful where you go with ABS problems. I have an Essex with Spartan chassis. While traveling my ABS came on and was referred to a repair co in Pensacola. First diagnosis was speed sensor. Replaced and did not help, then after two weeks of diagnosis came up with TCU sending errors. I would not pay the $6000.00 for replacement. Was charged $930.00 for nothing but a sensor. Brought it home to my local repair and found out it was in the J1939 wiring harness. I would like to name this "repair" company but I wont because of posting requirements. Enjoy all of the knowledge gained thru this forum and appreciate all sponsors. Keep up the posting. If you would like to know this company, private message me, might save some expense later.

Newmar Essex
2012 Colorado

[Easyrider]

If you've had the brakes serviced lately, the brake lines may have some bubbles in them and need bleeding.