Technical Punto Mk2 2000, ABS always active / always comes on

[icebox]

Hi !

I have a 2000 punto mk2 and it has developed a strange problem...

Lately the abs comes on on the slightest touch of the brake pedal. I didn't gave it much attention because i was about to change the brake discs and drums. Well it's all new but the problem is still there.

does anybody know something about this? Thank you.

 

[MikeSalt]

Check behind the hubs that all four sensors are seated properly. Perhaps one is sitting too far from the toothed hub and so it is not registering that the wheel is turning, therefore assuming it has locked up. However, I would imagine that the system self-test should pick this one up and disable the ABS automatically. If there is nothing visually obvious, the ABS ECU will have to be read by a garage with suitable equipment.

 

[icebox]

on the first look it seems that one of the round magnets in the back touched the handbrake cable and is worn out... I'll keep the thread updated...

 

[MikeSalt]

That may well be your problem then. Still, the system is supposed to shut down if it detects a sensor failure. Possibly the sensor has had a rare failure mode that makes it look like it still works.

 

[icebox]

The sensor seems fine, it's the ring rotating in front of it that is worn. Probably it's so worn out that the sensor no longer detects movement and concludes that the wheel is locked and attempts to release it.

 

[MikeSalt]

The sensor seems fine, it's the ring rotating in front of it that is worn. Probably it's so worn out that the sensor no longer detects movement and concludes that the wheel is locked and attempts to release it.

I would say you were spot on with that diagnosis , any, as you say with no damage to the sensor, the ABS ECU has no reason to believe it is damaged.

Looks like the rear hub/bearing assembly can be had for about £48, including the new hub nut. I assume you have drum brakes at the rear. If you are feeling mechanically minded, you need to remove the drum to access the hub/bearing assembly. You'll need a good breaker bar and a solid 30/32mm socket to remove the hub nut (probably better to do this with the wheel on the ground, before removing wheel and brake bits). Slide the old assembly off, clean up the stub with some brake cleaner, and then slide the new assembly on. Put the hub nut back on, tighten to 280 lb ft of torque (many torque wrenches do not go this high), stake the rim onto the flat spot on the stub axle, reassemble the brakes, put the wheel back on and you should be good to go. Oh yes, and don't forget to repair whatever part of the handbrake mechanism caused the problem in the first place.

Alternatively, a garage should do that for you in under an hour.

 

[rallycinq]

I would say you were spot on with that diagnosis , any, as you say with no damage to the sensor, the ABS ECU has no reason to believe it is damaged.

Alternatively, a garage should do that for you in under an hour.

But charge you for two!

Cheers

SPD

 

[icebox]

Thank you guys, I have arrived to the same conclusions. Until my replacement parts arrive (and I have the time to fix it) I have fixed the problem temporarily by pulling out the main ABS fuse.

 

[Iruhaku]

Just thought I'd bump this as I'm having the same issue can't get new sensor for 2 weeks (payday, damn christmas lol) was wondering if pulling the abs fuse would fix it until I get the sensor obviously I wouldn't have abs until but it's better than the current state it's not like abs is all important any advice much appreciated

 

[Iruhaku]

Also meant to ask if I just take the fuse out will the cabin fuse box f42 do or will I need to remove maxi abs fuse? Thanks

 

[icebox]

The ABS is important, especially if you never driven a car without it. I driven for a week with the main fuse out - it was the one under the hood. I no longer have the good old Punto so I have no ideea what number, etc. Just remember that your car will behave differently when braking especially now that it's winter outside.
I can't state that enough, it worked for me but by no means I advise you to do the same - be sure you know what you are doing, if not than better wait until it's fixed.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

The ABS is important, especially if you never driven a car without it.

Not really tbh. It's not an essential and unfortunately most don't seem to be able to use it effectively when required anyway

 

[Ziggy122]

a good driver knows there car abd can control the lockuo without too much

i know when mine us about to lock i start pumping the brakes like abs to lock and unlock the wheels

ziggy

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

a good driver knows there car abd can control the lockuo without too much

i know when mine us about to lock i start pumping the brakes like abs to lock and unlock the wheels

ziggy

Have you not got ABS then

 

[Ziggy122]

Have you not got ABS then

Nope

Old punto didnt
this one didnt either

I dont mind tbh, im soo used to the wheel lock when im braking hard and its wet of it locking - knowing that a slight wiggle of the wheel and pumping the pedal makes its alot easier to sort

Ziggy