Why is my ABS light on?

[prochobo]

Just got my axle repaired at Big O Tires (the boot was busted). They told me that they replaced the whole assembly (which I think is BS since a local shop said there was no way in hell that could happen for $210).

Anyways, I've noticed my steering wheel is stiffer than what it used to be, the ABS light is always on now, and the brakes tightened up (need more pressure to get the same result as before).

Is this something I should worry about? BTW, it's a 96 Honda Accord.

 

[imported_LoKe]

I think it might just be something you have to "work in."

 

[middlehead]

If something triggers the ABS light, most cars will shut off the ABS whether the problem is serious or not. Might even be something as simple as a loose wire (which is why my light was on last fall). Get it checked.

 

[Ronstang]

Originally posted by: prochobo
Is this something I should worry about?

Do you really have to ask this question? You may know nothing about cars but logic should tell you something is wrong and your mechanic sucks. Take it to someone else.

 

[OdiN]

Yeah get it checked. Could be something simple.

ABS shouldn't have made your steering tighter though...

 

[Aimster]

ABS light on usually means your ABS doesn't work

 

[Jpark]

Normally I would say the computer needs reset, but from the sounds of it something is actually wrong. I'd get it checked out.

 

[jlee]

You can try getting the ABS light reset - it may not be directly related to your mechanical work. Could be a wheel speed sensor..

 

[InlineFive]

I would take it to a Honda dealer. They will most likely have the expensive software and interfaces in order to correctly ask the computer about what the heck is bothering it.

 

[myusername]

Originally posted by: prochobo
Just got my axle repaired at Big O Tires (the boot was busted). They told me that they replaced the whole assembly (which I think is BS since a local shop said there was no way in hell that could happen for $210).

It is easier to replace the entire axle with the CV joint attached, rather than rebuilding the CV joint. A rebuilt unit is $60 plus a $60 core for your car at Autozone.

And yeah. you need to take it to them (or someone else) and have them fix what they screwed up on the brakes. There should be no need to open the system to change the axle.

And while Big-O screwed up, I would be more inclined to let them fix the problem (they caused) and stay away from the local shop, because if the local shop told you that, they either don't know what they are talking about or are getting ready to rip your wallet a new asshole. Or both.

 

[natto fire]

Honda ABS is self diagnosing. You should find a friend or library with a book telling you how to check your ABS trouble codes. There is usually a harness on the car that needs two pins jumpered, the ABS light will flash a certain number of times, which corresponds to a code. My guess is the shop either
a) replaced your axle with a non-ABS one (They have a toothed ring on them to trigger the wheel speed sensors)
b) while replacing the CV joint damaged the ring or possibly even the wheel speed sensor.

Either way, you can check the code yourself or take it to the shop and demand they do it. I would say it is highly likely that it is a wheel speed sensor issue though...

 

[deadlyapp]

I think you have to plug in the ABS sensor, which they may have forgotten.

 

[Grey]

I had a small leak in my brake lines and the ABS light came on, not even 2 hours later I had to rely on vacuum pressure brakes to stop while I drop to the shop. Its pretty damn scary pumping your brakes and hoping for the best. Take it to a shop ASAP.

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
I think you have to plug in the ABS sensor, which they may have forgotten.

I assume you are talking about the wheel speed sensor? There is no reason to unplug this when changing the axle. If the shop did this then they should not be allowed to touch cars.

Originally posted by: Grey
I had a small leak in my brake lines and the ABS light came on, not even 2 hours later I had to rely on vacuum pressure brakes to stop while I drop to the shop. Its pretty damn scary pumping your brakes and hoping for the best. Take it to a shop ASAP.

The ABS system has no effect on how you regularly brake. Your problem was the leak in the brake system. It is a closed hydraulic circuit under very high pressure, if there is a way for the high pressure fluid to escape (like through a leak, hole, etc.) braking is severly affected. ABS is only activated during a panic stop that would lock up a wheel. Wheel speed sensors tell the ABS computer that it is not moving, the computer tells the ABS unit to modulate the affected wheel. (This is done with solenoids and very high pressure brake fluid which is further pressurized by an electric motor)