Gen4 outback - ABS problem

mAJORD2 · Post by **mAJORD2** » Sun Jun 30, 2013 10:52 pm

Hi Guys, long time no see

I have an ABS issue with a Gen4 H6 outback. The ABS and Traction-control- disabled Light's both come on continuously. Plus, during brake application the ABS sort of 'activates' under foot, with a clicking sound, and some pulsating of the brake pedal. There's also another ticking sound when you lift off, that goes for a second or two. All emanating from the ABS unit area.. and similar in sound to the clicks you hear when you brake for the first time in any ABS car.

This started suddenly with no incident prior.

I also noticed occasionally the warning lamps don't come on until the car has moved slightly.. other times they stay on from the ign on.

So, after diagnosing all this, I've since pulled the ABS fuse, which as restored 'normal' braking no probs, (albeit with an additional brake warning light on top of the others!) but now to try and fix it..

- Are these symptoms accompanying the warning lights typical, or an issue anyone else has had?

Any idea how I can diagnose this further myself? I have an OBD II scanner, but AFAIK it is useless for ABS system,

Without diagnostics though, I have no way of telling what it is, unless anyone else has an idea.

any input appreciated, before I take it somewhere and spend the big $$

Cheers!
Jimmy

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon Jul 01, 2013 7:44 am

A visual inspection of the ABS sensors, their trigger wheels and wiring is a start. All wheels off to view. Have seen things like brake crud from pad backing plate to disc wear like little metal filings attracted to pick up. Somone may need to tel you how to test at each wheels connection for volts or resistance.....

mAJORD2 · Post by **mAJORD2** » Mon Jul 01, 2013 7:17 pm

arghh.. How stupid.

It was just the brake lights.. both had popped! . Just lucky I remembered reading something along those lines once before, and did a search for it. Sure enough others have had the same thing with similar age subi's.

Why doesn't it just illuminate the brake (!) icon

Thanks for your suggestions though, my next step was going to be taking the sensors off

Kustomchris · Post by **Kustomchris** » Mon Jul 01, 2013 7:20 pm

Check ya brake lights, easy place to start as that warning light comes on when the globes are busted.

Other than that.. good luck

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Mon Jul 01, 2013 7:45 pm

aha, now, if you had added that ya cruise control did not work either - screams out brak lights circuit ! Er....??? got cruise control ???

Rumour is that the light out circuit works when one blows, won't work once both blown ???

Kustomchris · Post by **Kustomchris** » Mon Jul 01, 2013 10:10 pm

I have a theory that its one light each side, abs for left and cruise for right. Probably wrong but it seems plausible