my abs all of a sudden came on tonight...it comes on after about of 15 minutes of driving...is is bad to drive with it and what can i do to find out whats wrong...

 

gonna have to have that code read somewhere. im not sure if autozone can read a.b.s codes. its ok to drive you just might not have use of the a.b.s. you will just have regular brakes.

 

what can cause the light to come on all of a sudden...

 

A faulty ABS sensor probably. It's not a huge problem (your brakes still work) but you won't have ABS...you'll have power brakes.

 

how much is it to fix... and how does that just go out...

 

Not sure on the price (the dealer usually will hold those parts rather than have outside vendors distribute them).

Installation of those sensors is pretty easy....just a quick plug and bolt usually. Sorry I can't be more specific,...just running of what I know from general car knowledge and experience.

 

is what i need is a ABS Relay?

i found them for 17.95 on the internet

 

Possible. I know for a fact Autozone doesn't do ABS code reads (I used to be a manager there for 3 years) so don't waste your time going there.

Almost always, when customers came into the store with this issue, it ended up having them go to the dealer for a full diagnosis of the issue . If you have a dealer you trust or know a shop that you trust, have them diagnose it to be sure. I'd try the shop before the dealer though.

 

i agree. bring it to a trusted shop first. its brakes so you definetely want it diagnosed and fixed correctly.

 

My ABS light suddenly came on a few weeks ago and I replaced the speed sensor on the rear diff. and it corrected the problem and the light went off. You can't just turn the ABS light off. You have to correct the problem.

 

Faulty rear diff sensors tend to fail by going open. They will set the ABS light on solidly at vehicle startup and it will not go out at any time. If you have any other symptom, it's unlikely to be that sensor (possible, just unlikely).

Beyond that, it's a wild goose chase to screw with the system without having it scanned, except to check the fuses.

The 4WABS system requires an ABS-capable scan tool. That means a trip to a dealer or to an independent shop that has the appropriate SnapOn, OTC, or similar tool. These scanners are not cheap, do not expect a freebie such as you would get at a parts store.

An ABS fault light means the ABS system has been taken offline. Your basic power-assisted brakes are still completely there, just the computer-assisted ABS system has ben turned off. Regular braking should be unaffected, you just won't have the regular safety margin that ABS is supposed to provide.

Steve

 

now the light only comes on after awhile of driving...does that mean anything...also how hard is it to replace the sensor and could it maybe be a fuse...?thanks for everyones help...

 

anyone???

 

It won't be a fuse if it comes on and off. It'll be an intermitent response from the sensor itself. I've never replaced one though, but normally, they aren't too difficult. Just hand tools.

 

i just back from meineke and they said that my front right sensor is broke and i need a new one...they quoted me $250 for the part and installation...does that seem a little steep should i shop around different places...