Abs Light Mystery?

[sre2114]

I have a 94 325is and the ABS light keeps coming on. It comes on when you start the car like normal for the check and then goes off. If you drive the car for about 20 minutes it will come on and stay on. When you turn the car off and let it sit for say 10 minutes and then start it again it will come on for the check and go off but come on with in 10 minutes and stay on. So its something that depends on the amount of time the car sits. I was thinking a sensor or something. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks

[Bear]

Check your alternator voltage output.

[007ben]

could be the ABS sensors. I've heard if they get to dirty they will flip out. if you can find them clean em up some and see if things improve.

[bigred318]

alterntor for sure, had it happen to my twice and its due to the pull on the alterantor of the subs, its gay ive had to replace mine twice! take it out now and go get it benched tested for free at a local car parts place, like schucks etc, it takes a few seconds and alternator comes out in about 15 min. PM me if you need help getting it out, out is easier in can be tricky but theres a few things ive learned in my many times, that make it easier! anyways get it tested and buy a new one asap, about 200 before core exchange, or 180ish actaully. do it now before all your power cuts it sucks trust me! having to leave your car in town!

David

[Brian325i]

Is that only if your abs light stays on? I have the problem where my abs light stays on for about the first 2 minutes of the car start up and then it shuts off and doesn't come back on. Bigred, did your abs light stay on or did it eventually go off?

[sre2114]

I dont know if it is the altenater because the car starts really well and it has been going on for a week or two. So far the car hasnt given us any trouble starting and there isnt any other electrical problems like dim lights. Is this common for the altenator or could this be another problem? Thank you for the input. Ryan

[Fadec40]

Aside from an alternator causing the ABS light to come on, have you thought that maybe you could have an actual ABS problem. The light could be due to a bad wheel sensor, control module or hydraulic unit.

BTW, did you change any brake pads recently?

[sre2114]

Actually when i bought the car about 5 weeks ago the dealership put on new pads and rotors. Why do you ask?

[Fadec40]

Sometimes, if the brake piston is compressed too fast to install the new pads, it can cause a problem with the ABS.

[sre2114]

Do you know what that problem might be because the dealership that did the brakes is also going to fix the ABS? Also what is the point of having the manual mode on an automatic transmission? and is it possible to damage the car? like if you dont shift it in time? sorry i just didnt want to start another topic for that question.

[bigred318]

bmw alternators=the worth ever, just the facts, go get it benched tested its FREE

David

[Wurzig-Drei]

My ABS is always on, and abs doesnt work, iv tested it the easy way.

[JonnyM3]

I dont know if it apllys to your year and model but E36 M3s have a switch in your seat belt harness that will activate the abs light if it goes bad. My 2 cents.

[DesmoBob]

Originally posted by JonnyM3@Dec 5 2004, 05:58 PM
I dont know if it apllys to your year and model but E36 M3s have a switch in your seat belt harness that will activate the abs light if it goes bad. My 2 cents.

[snapback]244229[/snapback]

i think you refer to the srs light?

[JonnyM3]

Originally posted by DesmoBob+Dec 6 2004, 09:50 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DesmoBob @ Dec 6 2004, 09:50 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-JonnyM3@Dec 5 2004, 05:58 PM
I dont know if it apllys to your year and model but E36 M3s have a switch in your seat belt harness that will activate the abs light if it goes bad. My 2 cents.

[snapback]244229[/snapback]

i think you refer to the srs light?

[snapback]244431[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
Ahhhhh..... and you would be very right... my mistake