I've got a 2006 RX300 (yes 2006, I believe after 2004 in the USA this was changed to the RX330 but here in the UK it was the 2nd Gen RX300.

I've just done a full brake change all round the vehicle, including rebuilding the horseshoe brakes because they had completely seized. Everything seemed fine. But given its my MILs car I plugged an OBD2 scanner in to check if there were any other issues.

I will note there was no light on the dashboard. At all. But the scanner has come back with the following.
C0274 +B Short Circuit in the abs motor relay.
C1223 ABS control system malfunction (this I believe is just a generic code that runs alongside the C0274)

My understanding is these codes are likely because of either 1) an issue with the ABS relay. 2) an ABS fuse issue. 3) and ABS motor issue or 4) an issue with the ABS motor relay circuit.

I did clear the code and rescanned incase this was a historical code. But theyre still there.

So Ive checked in the fuse box in the engine bay. The 30amp fuse looks alright. But where I presume the ABS relay should be, is just empty (see circled image) that slot is labeled "brake'. It's not even wired up, so even if I put a relay in there it won't connect to anything.

Is this common and could this be the cause of these codes? Like I said, there is nothing showing on the car dashboard and surely if there was an actual ABS issue this would illuminate the ABS dash warning light.

Any suggestions on how to proceed?

Thanks

 

Mate, so to be clear, are you using an OBD2 scanner with ABS codes set to UK, or is it the US (e.g. should be the UK)? Further, it would probably be best to run Techstream using a Mini VCI cable to ascertain the exact error, but rest assured it would throw some serious errors should the ABS truly not be working as expected. I suspect it is an erroneous code based on a US-spec ABS system not present in the UK-spec of the car, hence the concern.

 

You Sir, have hit the nail on the head here I think. Whilst the settings on my OBD2 are set for "europe" not USA or Japan as they were the options. I do think the scanner is expecting there to be something, and because it isn't there it's throwing a fault. Especially as like you said, if there was a genuine abs issue it would show on the dashboard. Hence my initial complete confusion.
My biggest problem with this car here in the UK is, it wasn't very popular. So there is limited information out there. And whilst I have the user service manual for it. Much of the diagrams are wording are quite limited. I've also noticed they don't necessarily match up with is actually fitted to my car. Videos online will show the RX300 up to 2003. But then in the USA from 2004 it changed to the RX330 and most video's online showing these, also don't match my set up.
I try to be as self sufficient as possible with vehicles I and my family own. But I have to admit, this particular vehicle for me has been a challenge.
I'm slowly working my way through a whole host of problems. But I appreciate your comments here because I think what you have said is bob on. So cheers for the input

 

No worries mate. Just to let you know, I am a Brit living in the States now, so I am quite familiar to how rare this car is in old Blighty, having just made the move last year.

Yes, the old adage of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' probably applies here. At any rate, I'm glad to be of assistance.