ABS active every time applying brakes. 2000 RX300
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: MI
ABS active every time applying brakes. 2000 RX300
ABS code 32. Replaced the front left ABS sensor, reset the ABS light. Now the ABS always kicks in when applying the brakes. I checked the tone ring, it looks normal. If I unplug the sensor, ABS light goes back ON and no ABS stops kicking in. What could cause it? Thanks,
Last edited by glenpointe; Dec 13, 2021 at 09:13 PM.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: NY
I still believe that one of the Tone Rings may be cracked/broken and the sensor can't read/count the teeth.
You can unplug the ABS Sensor electrical connection from the proportional block under the hood on the passenger side fender. The braking system will revert back to standard braking(as without ABS). Codes only come up for the faulty sensors(and other issues), but not for broken tone rings.
And yes, the ABS/VSC light will remain lit in the dash. And no, you won't have ABS nor VSC while it's unplugged...until you get it fixed. But this is better than having the ABS kick in every time you step on the brake pedal. And trust me, you won't like the ABS kicking in on slippery surfaces as our winter will be arriving soon, especially when braking on a down grade.
You can unplug the ABS Sensor electrical connection from the proportional block under the hood on the passenger side fender. The braking system will revert back to standard braking(as without ABS). Codes only come up for the faulty sensors(and other issues), but not for broken tone rings.
And yes, the ABS/VSC light will remain lit in the dash. And no, you won't have ABS nor VSC while it's unplugged...until you get it fixed. But this is better than having the ABS kick in every time you step on the brake pedal. And trust me, you won't like the ABS kicking in on slippery surfaces as our winter will be arriving soon, especially when braking on a down grade.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: MI
I still believe that one of the Tone Rings may be cracked/broken and the sensor can't read/count the teeth.
You can unplug the ABS Sensor electrical connection from the proportional block under the hood on the passenger side fender. The braking system will revert back to standard braking(as without ABS). Codes only come up for the faulty sensors(and other issues), but not for broken tone rings.
And yes, the ABS/VSC light will remain lit in the dash. And no, you won't have ABS nor VSC while it's unplugged...until you get it fixed. But this is better than having the ABS kick in every time you step on the brake pedal. And trust me, you won't like the ABS kicking in on slippery surfaces as our winter will be arriving soon, especially when braking on a down grade.
You can unplug the ABS Sensor electrical connection from the proportional block under the hood on the passenger side fender. The braking system will revert back to standard braking(as without ABS). Codes only come up for the faulty sensors(and other issues), but not for broken tone rings.
And yes, the ABS/VSC light will remain lit in the dash. And no, you won't have ABS nor VSC while it's unplugged...until you get it fixed. But this is better than having the ABS kick in every time you step on the brake pedal. And trust me, you won't like the ABS kicking in on slippery surfaces as our winter will be arriving soon, especially when braking on a down grade.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
You can try moving one sensor to another location [not a good idea as the vehicle ages], but that is one way of confirming the problem and source. I say this as there is a possibility of a brand new sensor to be bad ... specially if it is aftermarket and or from a suspect source.
Scope is needed to really see/observe the shape and size of pulses.
Salim
Scope is needed to really see/observe the shape and size of pulses.
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: MI
But why if I disconnect the front left sensor, ABS light turns back on but ABS activation stops. If I reconnect the ABS sensor, I can clear code, no light but ABS kicks in when applying the pedal. So I left the front left ABS sensor disconnected.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 25,955
Likes: 4,287
From: Alberta
If I reconnect the ABS sensor, I can clear code, no light but ABS kicks in when applying the pedal. So I left the front left ABS sensor disconnected.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: MI
Because that causes ABS to be disabled completely.
1) ---> are you saying I can disconnect any sensor (not necessary front left sensor) and ABS won't pulsating again?
The computer is getting bad data it thinks the wheel is locking when it isn't. If you can't find any mechanical problems next step is watch live data on a scan tool.
1) ---> are you saying I can disconnect any sensor (not necessary front left sensor) and ABS won't pulsating again?
The computer is getting bad data it thinks the wheel is locking when it isn't. If you can't find any mechanical problems next step is watch live data on a scan tool.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 25,955
Likes: 4,287
From: Alberta
Maybe you have more than one problem, or the computer is reporting incorrectly. Either way you have to replace the axle with the cracked tone ring before you can diagnose any other potential issues.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 322
From: nj
Leaving out your specific situation, this is my understanding:
- When the computer detects a fault the code is stored, the ABS light illuminates, and the ABS system is disabled.
- It is also possible there is a subtle, undetected fault that causes the system to erroneously activate the ABS.
I have had this problem, caused by slipping tone rings. I addressed it by disabling the ABS system
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: MI
Your situation sounds a bit confusing because it sounds like you had no issue prior to replacing the sensor. How long was the ABS light on?
Leaving out your specific situation, this is my understanding:
Leaving out your specific situation, this is my understanding:
- When the computer detects a fault the code is stored, the ABS light illuminates, and the ABS system is disabled.
- It is also possible there is a subtle, undetected fault that causes the system to erroneously activate the ABS.
I have had this problem, caused by slipping tone rings. I addressed it by disabling the ABS system
Below is my assumption:
Car has two issues:
1) Front left sensor is bad (set code 32; ABS system disabled)
2) Rear right tone ring also bad (does not set code if tone ring is bad)
After replaced the sensor, code goes away, ABS is enabled and started working but it detects the bad signal from the rear right sensor ---> leads to ABS kicks in.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,298
Likes: 322
From: nj
The ABS light was ON when purchased the car. Read ABS code and it says 32 (front left ABS sensor). Inspected the sensor, and it looked like damaged. After installed the new sensor, reset the ABS (light turned off), but ABS kicks in every time applying the brake. Disconnecting the sensor, brake is normal, but ABS light turns back on. Removed all 4 sensor to inspect the tone rings. Noticed the right rear has a small crack, and other three are OK.
Below is my assumption:
Car has two issues:
1) Front left sensor is bad (set code 32; ABS system disabled)
2) Rear right tone ring also bad (does not set code if tone ring is bad)
After replaced the sensor, code goes away, ABS is enabled and started working but it detects the bad signal from the rear right sensor ---> leads to ABS kicks in.
Below is my assumption:
Car has two issues:
1) Front left sensor is bad (set code 32; ABS system disabled)
2) Rear right tone ring also bad (does not set code if tone ring is bad)
After replaced the sensor, code goes away, ABS is enabled and started working but it detects the bad signal from the rear right sensor ---> leads to ABS kicks in.
The OP tried to replace just the ring but I believe the new one did not stay in place.
There's another long thread where the poster changed the right rear axle.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: MI
Here's a good thread on the issue https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...tone-ring.html
The OP tried to replace just the ring but I believe the new one did not stay in place.
There's another long thread where the poster changed the right rear axle.
The OP tried to replace just the ring but I believe the new one did not stay in place.
There's another long thread where the poster changed the right rear axle.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
syracuse
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003)
2
Dec 4, 2013 07:54 PM