Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

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clipper47
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Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by clipper47 »

I took my 1985 635CSi on an errand a few days ago. The ABS light came on shortly after driving off. At one stoplight I shut the ignition key to off and restarted the car and the light remained on. At the second stop I shut the ignition off and restarted the car and the light went out and remained out until I returned home after about 10 mile drive. I am thinking that one of the two relays is malfunctioning. Is this likely to be the case or is it symtomatic of another cause for the ABS to malfunction?
Dave
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jps635
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by jps635 »

i think one of the wheel sensors
'85 635csi JPS (RA2-66)
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clipper47
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by clipper47 »

If a wheel sensor is faulty why would the light remain off for many miles and then shut off and not come on again when the ignition switch is cycled?
Dave
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jps635
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by jps635 »

No idea, but when one of mine crapped out he fault was at first intermittent.
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86_6series
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by 86_6series »

If the pulse generators are rusty, they will intermittently trigger the abs light.
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clipper47
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by clipper47 »

Thanks, I will clean the sensors and rings.
Dave
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Pod
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by Pod »

If one of the sensors or rings is dirty, they’ll often throw up a light when you reach a certain speed, in my memory something like 50-60 mph. Try and clean them all before you start throwing money at it.
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clipper47
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by clipper47 »

Pod and others, Thanks for the advice. I will clean and test the sensors and brush any debris from the rings during my winter layover work.
Dave
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clipper47
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by clipper47 »

Update on my ABS intermittent light issue. Thanks for all your good advice. I removed and cleaned the rear sensors and toothed rings and cleaned the front ones also although they were quite new. I think one of the rear sensors had collected a bit of iron dust. I blew out all the crud with an air gun and washed everything in brake cleaner and a brass brush. It was a good opportunity to careful remove the sensors and apply some never seize grease to them to help the future caretaker of this fine automobile. Bottom line is the light goes out and stays out ! Didn't cost anything other than time.
Dave
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Re: Does this seem like a bad ABS Relay?

Post by hornhospital »

=D>
Ken Kanne
'84 633CSi "Sylvia"; '85 635CSi "Katja";'85 325e "Hazel Ann"; '95 M3 "Ashlyn"
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