Technical Second Try Help please! Diagnostics ABS EBD failure

[SillyBilly]

Hi
I posted this before (on the Multipla forum) but got no response. Still hoping someone out there can help!
The problem is on switching the ignition on (before starting the engine) I get the messages ABS sys failure, EBD Sys failure, Turn off the engine, and Call garage. This sequence cycles through continuously after start-up and the ABS and handbrake light stay lit. The problem started (I believe) after the car had been left for about 6 weeks and the battery ran down to 11.9V. It went away after a good charge up but has after about 4 weeks it returned and doesn't go away. The battery reading is 12.6V at present.
I am told by a Fiat mechanic that the car's computer might be suffering from amnesia after the battery went low but that doesn't explain why it went away for about 4 weeks after the initial re-charging of the battery.
The brakes seem fine.
Rather than go to a Fiat garage and pay a princely sum for a Fiat Examiner diagnosis test only possibly having to have the problem return I have read messages on two Fiat forums. I have looked on ebay and considered buying one of the scanner or error readers to clear the errors, such a device would also be useful in the future.
I am told I need one with a Can-bus because the ABS system may use a high rate Can-bus signal. When I contact sellers I am told they do not have any ABS diagnosis software, only that for engines. Does anyone have a copy of suitable softeware I could use with one of these scanners?
e.g. ELM327 ELM 327 USB CAN Diagnostic Tool Code Reader item 270224779663
e.g. ELM327 USB CAN Code Reader Scanner ELM 327 OBD2 EOBD item 310036845370
:bang:

 

[The Sultan]

there are a very few scaners that can read abs errors and they will give you a very limited amount of information for the money

you would be better spending your money at the dealer and making sure you get a copy of the printout they provide just ask them for that and don't ask them to diagnose the fault that way you'll pay nothing much just a charge for the print out

the fiat print out ill tell you what faults are present and what is intermittent

then you can post on the forum in the correct section the multipla section your results an we able minded can all have a stab at it

more basic things to check are the fuses to the abs unit clearly marked under the bonnet with the letters a b and s and go from there really

other things to remember wile your abs lights and various warning lights are on you have no anti lock braking effect as it will not attempt to do anything this means you can lock your brakes under heavy breaking

not only that you could also spin out if you brake mid corner

the reason for this is because the abs unit limits the pressure to the rear brakes as they begin to lock under normal breaking the car there for is not fitted with old fashion brake load limiter valves there for without the abs you can very easily lock the rear wheels only even if your not breaking hard

so be very careful wile driving around i would suggest you get your abs faults sorted as soon as before you have an accident

if the errors come back something simple like a faulty sensor or something you can change then so be it but if it's more involved than that you're guna have to have it looked at buy fiat no other garage will have the equipment or background experience and knowledge of fiats to property diagnose it

 

[charris]

Hi
I have a similar problem with mine. Yellow ABS light stays on after start up.
I bought one of those e-bay diagnostic tools. No good for the Multipla found out after it doesn't read ABS!

Local garage said no signal being rec'd from rear o/s sensor. Changed sensor (2nd time) light still on. Next step is a new bearing but I can't find one with a toothed sensor ring on it.

I sympathise with your problem as it's so frustrating. I know that Fiat could probably do it but at what cost?

Good luck with yours - sorry I couldn't be of any help, but at least you know you're not alone....

 

[SillyBilly]

Hi Challis
Thanks for the reply. Which tester did you buy? I bought a U480 which I was told would read ABS errors. It gave no errors! After reading your post I read the list of errors in the handbook and saw no mention of ABS so maybe I was sold one that doesn't read ABS?
Hope you get to the bottom of your fault. Reading the car's handbook if both ABS and the handbrake light stay on (mine do) then it is meant to be an EBD fault.
What puzzles me is that this all started when the car was out of use and the battery ran low.

 

[charris]

Sorry for not replying sooner. Bought the same scanner as you - useless it is for the Multipla. Anyway took it to a local motor electrician, wish I'd done it sooner, he tested everything and traced the fault to the rear wishbone where the sensor sits. Apparently the hole had been drilled out at some point because the locking bolt had sheared off! The sensor which hubby fitted was wobbling around once the car started to move. Bought a complete rear axle from a breakers in the end which hubby fitted, god bless him, re-fitted sensor - light still on! OMG nightmare. Took car for drive and woo hoo the light went out, and has stayed off ever since - marvellous. We had the handbrake light on intermitently so replaced the cable, everything fine now. Hope you've solved your problem too, but just thought to post this update in case it helps someone else at some point.
All the best and thanks everyone for your help
Carin