Just returned from an East Coast Canada Christmas and New Year's visit with my children. When I picked up and started my 2001 SCrew (which I had left at a Toronto Ramada Inn for 15 days) the ABS light stayed lit on the dash.

I've read the comments in a previous thread but not sure whether the solutions would apply to a 2001 SCrew.

Is there a life-span to the ABS sensor? Is it a regular replacement item (like brake pads)?

FYI: My SCrew has 104,000 kms (62,000 miles) on it. The owner's manual indicates that I can drive with the light on but ABS won't be working. I haven't noticed any problem with the braking but would like to resolve the problem.

Any help in resolving this problem would be appreciated.

Cheers

Johnny Kay
Welland, Ontario, Canada

 

Quick question: 4 wheel abs or rear wheel abs?

There's definately a problem somewhere in the system. Could be as simple as a bad sensor, or a shorted wire gremlin. I don't often reccommend this, but stopping at the dealer and paying the diagnostic fee (usually an hour of labor) will allow them to determine the exact cause of the light simply by hooking it up to the diagnostic monitor. To my knowledge, the dealership is the only place to find this equipment, but it'll tell you exactly what's wrong with the system and save you from throwing good money after bad replacing sensors/modules that aren't bad.

You are correct in that there should be no difference in the braking. The truck will handle normally, however you have no ABS, so beware in panic-stop situations and revert to the "old school" method of pumping the brakes if a lock-up occurs.

-Joe

 

Just wanted to let y'all who might be having a similar problem know that I received some suggestions under my post in the SuperCrew Message Board and, today, got one from Toronto AM740 radio's "Neighbourhood Mechanic". His remarks follow:

“The ABS light on is indicating that one of the sensors operating the system is not functioning. Problem could be as easy as low fluid or a bad bulb.

The right way to approach this repair is to have the vehicle scanned for an ABS codes.

We have seen damage to the tone rings due to rust and this sounds as if it could be your problem.
ABS is actually a non-service item.”

I plan to tackle the problem once the S. Ontario deep-freeze has turned to a thaw.

Cheers, Johnny Canuck