ABS fault

[Rob Stokes]

Hello there,
Wondered if anyone had ever come across this problem before;
The ABS on my Z engages when braking at slow speeds (under 10mph). Doesn’t matter how gently I brake the abs still engages as if I’m slipping on ice. No lights flash up on dash and no fault codes..
has been happening for around a year now and have decided to get it sorted.

2000W 2.8

 

[NZ00Z3]

What scanner are you using to read the trouble codes in the ABS with?

 

[Synclare]

.

 

[Rob Stokes]

What scanner are you using to read the trouble codes in the ABS with?

not sure what scanner was used, I took it to a garage and they ran a diagnostic on it. Found some misfires from when the battery died and a thermostat error code but nothing to do with the ABS.

 

[Rob Stokes]

Didn't think ABS operated at low speed?

Not sure about the Z3 but every car I’ve ever had will engage ABS at low speed if it feels a lock up, say if the car is braking on ice.

 

[NZ00Z3]

You need a good scanner with BMW software to be able to read the ABS trouble codes. Don't now the capability of their scanner. Might pay to see if there is a forum member near you with INPA that can do a scan and confirm the lack of codes.

I had the low speed ABS operations on my 2000 2.0 L Z3 with the ABS light coming up as a symptom of the ABS module failing. It was code 113 Pump failure and had to solder the two joints in the module to correct it.

 

[137699]

Sounds as though your ABS reluctor rings need replacing.

 

[g8jka]

I had this happening at low speeds, ABS kicked in and there was a buzzing noise. Exactly the same as you describe, can't remember if it was on my old 2.0 or current 2.8 though. The ABS unit had failed and since getting swapped out for a replacement and a recode and all was fine after. You can either replace the module with a second hand one and have it coded to the car or solder the joints in the existing module.

 

[Andyboy]

Most likely corrosion in the ABS sensor pins where the sensor plugs into the car wiring loom under the arches. I had an E36 318i (same thing) do exactly this recently. It's a good idea to disconnect all four, spray contact cleaner into them and give the plugs some exercise.

It could be a sensor, may even be a sticking valve in the ABS block but try the free fix first. I've had this 2-3 times over the years.

 

[Swissmaxie]

Hello there,
Wondered if anyone had ever come across this problem before;
The ABS on my Z engages when braking at slow speeds (under 10mph). Doesn’t matter how gently I brake the abs still engages as if I’m slipping on ice. No lights flash up on dash and no fault codes..
has been happening for around a year now and have decided to get it sorted.

2000W 2.8

Hi you have most likely fixed it by now but I had the same problem. I had replaced a sensor to correct abs light but only on one side. the new sensor was sending a different signal and triggering the abs. Replaced the sensor with OEM unit. Problem solved.

 

[Rob Stokes]

Hi you have most likely fixed it by now but I had the same problem. I had replaced a sensor to correct abs light but only on one side. the new sensor was sending a different signal and triggering the abs. Replaced the sensor with OEM unit. Problem solved.

hi there,

no still not cured it, have tried an eBay sensor and also a new reluctor ring to no avail. Do you mind me asking how much you paid for an OEM sensor?

 

[Andyboy]

Water/corrosion in one or more ABS plugs, as I said about 5 months ago. Very common. Perhaps rain water leaking into the ECU on models where it sits behind the glovebox behind the dash.

 

[Swissmaxie]

hi there,

no still not cured it, have tried an eBay sensor and also a new reluctor ring to no avail. Do you mind me asking how much you paid for an OEM sensor?

£33 MEYLE 314 800 0041 SENSOR WHEEL SPEED Rear LH,Rear RH Ebay
My next step if it hadn't worked was to change both sensors to a matching pair.
I have the 2 sensors one still in box. If you want to collect they are yours. Hilton Bridgnorth

 

[Rob Stokes]

£33 MEYLE 314 800 0041 SENSOR WHEEL SPEED Rear LH,Rear RH Ebay
My next step if it hadn't worked was to change both sensors to a matching pair.
I have the 2 sensors one still in box. If you want to collect they are yours. Hilton Bridgnorth

That’d be grand, I’m only in Bewdley so not a million miles away. How much do you want for them?

 

[Swissmaxie]

The 4 cost me £70. £30 would be fine. Can post for a fiver.