Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Inspection And Road Test
-- Visually inspect the ABS for damaged or disconnected components and connectors.
-- Verify the brake lamps are operational. If they are not, repair them prior to continuing.
-- Connect a scan tool to the data link connector located under the instrument panel to the left of the steering column (1). If the scan tool does not power-up, test the power and ground supplies to the connector.
-- Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
-- Using the scan tool, read and record any DTCs. If any DTCs are present, refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
If no problems are observed, it will be necessary to road test the vehicle.
Many ABS conditions judged to be a problem by the driver may be normal operating conditions. To become familiarized with the normal operating characteristics of this anti-lock brake system. Refer to ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WITH ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM .
Conditions that result in turning on the red brake warning indicator lamp may indicate reduced braking ability.
Before road testing a brake complaint vehicle, note whether the red brake warning indicator lamp, amber ABS warning indicator lamp, or both are turned on. If it is the red brake warning indicator, there is a brake hydraulic problem that must be corrected before driving the vehicle.
If the amber ABS warning indicator is on, road test the vehicle as described below. While only the amber ABS warning indicator is on, the ABS is not functional. The ability to stop the car using the base brake system should not be affected.
-- Turn the key to the OFF position and then back to the ON position. Note whether the amber ABS warning indicator lamp continues to stay on.
-- If the amber ABS warning indicator lamp stays on, shift into gear and drive the car to a speed of approximately 25 km/h (15 m.p.h.) to complete the ABS start-up and drive-off cycles.
-- If the amber ABS warning indicator lamp goes out at any time, drive the vehicle a short distance. Accelerate the vehicle to a speed of at least 64 km/h (40 m.p.h.). Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, braking hard enough to cause the ABS to cycle. Repeat this action several times. Using the scan tool, read and record any DTCs. If any DTCs are present. refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.