lambchops

Hello all!

New here and am looking for a solution to a minor problem with my 1997 Lexus ES 300.

Currently, my ABS light has been coming on intermittently for ~ 6 months. Toward the beginning of the 6 months it would come on and turn off randomly (or so it seemed to me). More recently, the ABS light is now always on. The ABS system begins to activate (the same feeling of braking on ice) usually only at very slow speeds -- say, pulling into a parking spot -- and it only does so 1-2 times per month.

I'd like to know what your differential diagnoses are because my mechanic has quoted me $1000 to fix what they believe to be the problem. I've read a few forums on here about this same problem, but I'm not sure any of them fit my situation specifically.

Thanks in advance.

DRACO A5OG

Prior to this event did something happen, or was it all of a sudden starting 6 months ago?

If no significant event occurred, your sensor may have corroded. I would check each sensor for corrosion or severed line.

The sensors are not difficult to replace if they are the culprit/s

Oh yeah, welcome board.

PFB

Go to a garage that has a scanner capable of reading ABS codes. They can pinpoint the culprit wheel sensor.

BTW, are all your tires the same size, and properly inflated?

mmatheny

I wouldn't call that a minor problem!

tomf

Read your ABS error codes by jumping the E1 and TC terminals of your Data link connector with a paper clip. The ABS light will flash. The number of flashes is the error code. There are two numbers in one error code so there are two groups of flashes for each error code. Once you have the error codes you will have a starting point.

I initially had indications like you do. My problem was the ABS tone ring on the right rear wheel had broken loose from the spindle and was rotating freely. (see this link if you are interested. 810532-abs-error-codes-11-33-mil-p0500.html ) I doubt that is your problem. It's likely you have a bad or dirty sensor. They are not too hard to replace.

lambchops

mmatheny: it only occurs 1-2 times per month at very low speeds (< 5 mph)

I was told that garages w/ the ability to scan ABS codes will charge me to do so and a lot of money at that.

Further, my garage (one I trust) quoted me thus: we can replace the wheel speed sensor on the R front, but often times the procedure goes wrong and it is attached via corrosion and rust and we have to replace a lot more. So it could cost over $900."

Does this sound accurate? A video on youtube on a 1997 camry showed a guy doing this and breaking the bolt when trying to remove the wheel speed sensor.

Thanks for your help guys!

tomf

You can read the ABS codes. All it takes is a paper clip. My Haynes manual says to remove the silver short pin. (in the photo the short pin is still in place[lower right])

Then turn ignition switch on (engine not running) and read the flashes.

It is likely the sensor will break when you try to take it out. But you just take out all the pieces, clean it and put a new one in. I've never done a front sensor but $900 seems pretty pricey. You can buy a sensor on rockauto for about $60. Soak the bolt in penetrating oil overnight before attempting to remove it. My favorite penetrating oil is Aerokroil.

This youtube video shows reading the abs codes and talks about replacing the rear sensors

mmatheny

Since it only occurs 2-3 times a month, it is probably electrical. If the tone ring was bent or damaged, it would occur all the time.(I had a new front wheel bearing pressed on my '08 Taco and the mechanic bent the tone ring a bit - constant ABS light and activation until I pulled the fuse - purchased a whole bearing/hub assembly and installed it!)