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[Brynjaminjones]

I have a feeling I've asked before, but can't find it.

As well as its other problems from me taking the dashboard out, my XJ has had the ABS light on for months. Diagnostic tool says that it's the front left (IIRC). I knew something was wrong before the light came on as the ABS would activate when even when braking normally. It eventually figured out that that wasn't right and threw the light.

What should I check? By the time I get the XJ back on the road it's going to need an MOT, so this needs doing!

[bgbazz]

First thing to check is to make sure the sensor is squeaky clean...they dont like any gunk, mud or crap around them.

[Brynjaminjones]

I'd love it if that was all it was... It started immediately after some fairly hard off-roading. 

[bgbazz]

....which could be where you picked up a load of gunk!

[Brynjaminjones]

Let's hope so! I had been assuming this whole time that I'd broken or dislodged a rear sensor - whilst off-roading I ripped my cat-back exhaust off, so I thought this might have knocked something. The computer says front though so I won't argue with it...

[bgbazz]

My KJ was very prone to this problem after driving in deep snow...two minutes with the pressure cleaner and everything was back to normal.

[Dave69]

if the sensor has moved it may throw an error

[isle of man]

Change all 4.

[Dutch]

Change all 4.

http://www.birtydastards.com/frm/index.php?topic=27785.msg322518;topicseen#new

[Brynjaminjones]

Thanks Curator 
It was actually reading that that reminded me of my ABS problem!

[Brynjaminjones]

Sorry to resurrect, but I've just had the ABS sensor off, and the end of it looks like it's been hitting the tone ring. As far as I know the ring looks fine, but the sensor is probably knackered. I put if back on and turned the wheel, and it was making contact. After removing again and cleaning rust from the area it went back on without hitting the ring, but I assume I will be needing a new one?

Also, should the ABS light go out by itself or will I need to reset it somehow?

[Dave69]

ABS light will or should go out when you fit a working sensor

[sam16v]

To check ABS sensors I always do a continuity test between the 2 pins, if there's none the coil inside has broken and no amount of cleaning will get them working, also if there is continuity, you can check resistance of a known good sensor and compare the two. Obviously if the end is mangled then you've found your problem.

[JamesH]

You normally have to drive a few metres so the new sensor sends signals.

[Brynjaminjones]

You normally have to drive a few metres so the new sensor sends signals.

I wondered if that was the case... I'll give it a drive around the block once I've got the new part. When the ABS was malfunctioning, it seemed to take quite a while to learn that there was a problem, so I thought it might have to learn once it was good. The ABS would activate for the first few slow stops on every journey, then the light would come on and it would brake normally.