Sticky ABS relay(s)

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 5:06 am

I've had my 94 for a couple of months now and I'm sooo happy it has none of the problems my 93 did (knock on wood). I do not miss the cooling system issues one bit. But I have experienced something completely new. One day after driving for a while the ABS light came on. I was only a couple blocks away from home so I rode it out. When I shut it off, I noticed that there was a noise coming from the ABS unit. Sounded like it was constantly cycling the ABS pump. I tried to disconnect the battery to make it go away, but it came back as soon as I reconnected it. I decided I had to try something, so I started knocking on the black plastic box with the ABS sticker on it. It shut off after the fourth knock. I opened up the box and found a of couple relays. I presume one of them was sticking. It has happened a few times, Saturday being the most recent. The quick fix works every time, but I hate looking like a jag pulling over just to knock on the box. What can I do to fix this, and furthermore, what causes this?

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:12 pm

I think just replacing the relays would be the first thing to try... Look through the Parts Shed for someone parting out a Legacy with the same ABS system as yours (I think you've got the regular Nippon one).

rightandtight · Post by **rightandtight** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 3:08 pm

i just had to replace the ABS module in my car this week. it was leaking fluid. check a local parts depot/yard. i got mine for $150. i think the unit is pretty expensive otherwise.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 2:21 am

Would the relays be swappable with the ones in my 93? I'd look myself, but I lost the keys to it somewhere in my room. I'll probably find them after I turn my room upside down.

It did it again today, too. Glad I wasn't on the freeway at the time.

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 4:13 am

Unfortunately, no. Your automatic 93 has the Nippon 2E system.

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic. ... 3136#53136

Also, realize that when the ABS light is on, your brakes work just like fully functional conventional non-ABS brakes (unless there's a huuuuuge problem). In fact, in the interim you may want to just pull the ABS fuse out (the giant red one in the underhood fuse box) so you can predictably have conventional braking.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:31 am

Pulling the fuse would make the light come on. I'm not a big fan of ABS either, but I'd be screwed if I was ever in an accident and they found out I disabled the system. I live life under the notion of "s#it can and will happen, so be prepared".

But anyways, couldn't I try cleaning it out the relays with some contact cleaner? I don't see why not.

vrg3 · Post by **vrg3** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 5:09 am

Fair enough.

You could try cleaning them, and it may help, but it's not always dirt that makes a relay quit working right.

Why not PM Blackbart to see if he can put a couple in the mail for you for a reasonable price?

LaureltheQueen · Post by **LaureltheQueen** » Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:38 am

My car did this soon after bleeding my brakes. We merely pulled the ABS fuse, and it got better. Hasn't done it since.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 12:59 am

I pm'ed Blackbart and he's sending them out Monday. Very reasonable price, too. Now I know who's got the hook up on factory parts. Thanks!

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:20 am

Okay. I got the new relays today and I noticed they're Bosch and my old ones are Nippon Denso. The new ones fit, but are differently sized. They're bigger, but still fit in the black ABS box. Is this going to make a difference?

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Sticky ABS relay(s)

Sticky ABS relay(s)