ABS problem

Hello, I have a 93 SC2 and it's been great. but this past couple of weeks
when I first leave the driveway I can hear the ABS clicking away when I hit
the breaks, two day's ago if did the same then the Anit-Lock light litp
while driving. Now when I start up the car the light goes out, and within a
minute I can hear a click and the light goes on. The breaks are working
fine (though I can asume I have not ABS).

Anyone have any idea what might have gone or is causing this, it would be
nice to get it fixed before the winter

thanks
Brent

 

Probably a bad wheel speed sensor or broken wiring to one of them. You'd
need a scan tool to read the ABS codes to find out which one it was..

 

If the idiot light went on, the computer likely stored a code. On your 93,
you can read them with a paperclip. Instructions are at
http://www.differentracing.com/tech_articles/index.html . Refer to
Diagnostic Trouble Code Information, and Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart for
1st Gen Saturns.

Or, people posting here have said you can stop by any Auto Zone and have
them read the codes for no charge.

Lane [ l a n e @ p a i r . c o m ]

 

You can't read the ABS codes with a paper clip, you need a scan tool (and
one that's capable of reading ABS codes, not all are).

 

Lane is so very right. You can use a paper clip, or any jumper, to short
the 2 pins and you count the flashes on the dash. It is all explained in
any Saturn tech book for 93's. The pattern of flashes corresponds to the
error code that exists if the auto has a problem. Really neat feature
and wish they'd do this with all auto's. I know this exists with 93's as
I've done it numerous times on my '93 Saturn. Even essentially told me
when I forgot to hook up a vacuum line. Page 6-5 of Haynes Saturn 91 -
94 manual has Code 81, which is ABS message fault(1993 vehicles only).
Code 81 is 8 flashes, then pause, then 1 flash.

 

There are two levels of codes - the basic one that can be done with a paper
clip & count the flashes of the dash light or with a basic code reader =
such as code 81 for ABS fault or Air Bag System fault.

On the second level - needing a dealer type code reader it can be see what
the fault code is - wheel sensor, driver's air bag unit. Some car can even
tell which wheel sensor is bad.

 

That is only reading the ECM codes, though. Code 81 only indicates an
ABS-related problem, which provides no additional information given that the
ABS light is on. You need a scan tool to read the trouble code from the EBCM
to find out what kind of ABS problem it is..

 

I was at the Saturn shop today and their scanner does no better than
what one would get get shorting the pins himself and counting flashes.
Again, the original post was about a '93. I doubt the repair manager at
Saturn who told me this would be wrong about this. If you personally
know what scanner manufacturer has one that will do exactly what you
say, for a '93 Saturn, then I, and the others, would like to know what
model number scanner that would be. I don't believe there is one myself,
at least not for a '93 Saturn.

 

A GM Tech 1 scanner should certainly be able to read out the ABS codes from
a Delco ABS VI system. I believe there are a few 3rd party scan
tools/software packages that can as well, but don't know which offhand..

 

But according to the Saturn service manager, regarding a '93 saturn,
there will be no more information provided by any scanner than what the
manual shorting method provides. Are you positive in saying that this GM
scanner will provide any more info when hooked up to a 93 Saturn? If so,
then there has to be way more possible error codes than indicated in the
tech books I've seen, Chilton's, & Haynes. No one else seems to be
jumping in to support your statements, not that it isn't possible...

 

I will admit to not having access to too much info about the older Saturn
ABS setup specifically, but on every other GM platform with the Delco ABS VI
system, you certainly can read ABS-specific data and trouble codes with a GM
scan tool. Otherwise the system would be impossible to diagnose. The
Chilton's and Haynes books don't typically list any of the ABS diagnostic
codes. There is another whole set of 2-digit codes for the ABS system which
are read separately from the engine/powertrain codes, which indicate faults
such as a lack of signal, excessive speed variation, or wiring shorts on the
wheel speed sensor circuits, as well as problems with the ABS hydraulic
module.

In my experience, service managers/service writers aren't always too up on
these kinds of things, the mechanics in the back are the ones who actually
know what they're talking about..