ABS Problems

[ChrisDavies]

It appears that my W124 E280 1996's ABS isn't working. The light in the dashboard doesn't come on at all, even when the ignition is newly turned on. The brakes work OK but there is no ABS noises and the wheels will lock up on the ice.
Two questions

Is it dangerous as it is?

Are there some simple things I can check before I try to find a mechanic who will fix it..ie fuses, leads etc

Chris Davies

 

[ChrisDavies]

Cmon guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

Quite a co-incidence but just mentioned similar experiance in another thread on this forum. Mine was a vauxhall but it cost me nearly £60 to find out both brake light bulbs had blown and this dissabled the ABS! Could be worth checking?

I don't think it is dangerous if you drive safely in the first place. I never used to like ABS and always wanted to disable it (but never did).

 

[television]

Cmon guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will look on Monday.

malcolm

 

[jberks]

I never used to like ABS and always wanted to disable it (but never did).

Its not dangerous in itself as you have normal brakes, but it is an MOT failure and in an accident I guess the police could throw the book at you for having a unroadworthy car.

Having kept me out of a ditch on an unexpected 90 degree gravelly corner, I have to say ABS is one of the best safety devices ever invented. OK, Shumacker and chums may not need it, but mortals like us do!

 

[television]

I have to ask one question, Am I right in saying that you when you bought the car,the ABS lamp never lit up.

Malcolm

 

[ChrisDavies]

Yes that's right Malcolm. I simply didn't notice as I'm a but thick that way. And the car is sooo pretty and the sun was shining off the blue bonnet... Dumb I know, but there you go!!!
Anyway, if the thing has been disabled, how would you do it..take a fuse out, cut a wire?

 

[ChrisDavies]

Yes, I don't think the light has ever come on. Is there a fuse or someting I can check. Also I have had to replace 2 brake lights as they blew, and the little orange light came on in the dahboard. Are they connected?

The mystery deepens

Thanks for your help guys

Chris

 

[television]

What I thought, that's why I asked, the last owner has taken out the ABS lamp, to hide the real ABS problem, first you must re fit a bulb and see what happens. As Jberks said it should not have got through the MOT. All testing stations have a chart showing the duration before the lamp goes out.

Malcolm