PSM/ABS Failure
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 84
From: Venice, CA
Rep Power: 22
Question - when the ABS/PSM light goes off and all the warnings are starting - does the system shut down the ABS system and the PSM automatically? In other words, if it's a MAF sensor problem, is my ABS and PSM no longer functional, or is the computer just warning me to take a look at "something."
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
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Question - when the ABS/PSM light goes off and all the warnings are starting - does the system shut down the ABS system and the PSM automatically? In other words, if it's a MAF sensor problem, is my ABS and PSM no longer functional, or is the computer just warning me to take a look at "something."
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 764
From: Bellevue WA
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Most likely brake switch like others stated. Also you won’t necessarily notice a brake light issue along with the switch failure. I changed them out many times. They are cheap and can be put in without any real tools in around a minute if your good with little clip.
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From: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
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Wow, this happened to me yesterday. I got on here to do a search but it was already being discussed. I turned my car off, when in to have lunch, and when I came back out and restarted the car, no PSM/ABS warning. Does that sound like the switch?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Bellevue WA
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Yes, its probably the switch. It starts to stick because it has automatic adjustments built in to compensate for pad wear. It fools the computer into thinking that the brake is being pressed when it isn’t. The abs/psm relies on that sensor heavily for info.
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From: SoCal (Murrieta/Temecula)
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I had the same problem with my TT that we chased for months. Replaced the MAF(no luck), sensors (no luck) and finally replaced the front right wiring harness to the ABS sensor. It turned out that a wire was broken inside the harness! I ran the car at Bathurst race track lst week and had more than a few worried moments as the car hit 285 kph on Conrod straight before slowing to 230 going through the Chase. Before that it was constantly locking a wheel under heavy braking but after 5 runs of no problems I finally got confidence back in the car.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Bellevue WA
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Shouldn’t have anything to do with the pads. Just the brake sensor, as in the one under the dash on the brake peddle. Not the pad wear indicator, that’s a different light on the dash. The shorting maf wires are a different story that could have a similar effect. Yours sounds more like the switch anyways. If you notice it coming on when you’re coming to a stop then the diagnosis is fairly straight forward. If it comes on during a drive try pulling over turning the car off and rattling the brake peddle abit and also pumping it, Turn it back on without your foot off the brake and it will most times go away,(use the ebrake if your on a hill). Come to a stop again pressing the brake peddle and it will pop up again.
Many wires are very tightly packed together, like for the radio that’s another common one. All it takes is a very tinny split or wearing of the insulation. I have seen more bad sensors then sorts however, and considering how easy the sensor is to replace I usually do that first. This is why race cars don’t have all the fancy abs and computer controls, well the fun ones anyways.
Many wires are very tightly packed together, like for the radio that’s another common one. All it takes is a very tinny split or wearing of the insulation. I have seen more bad sensors then sorts however, and considering how easy the sensor is to replace I usually do that first. This is why race cars don’t have all the fancy abs and computer controls, well the fun ones anyways.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: San Jose
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When the light goes it means it
Question - when the ABS/PSM light goes off and all the warnings are starting - does the system shut down the ABS system and the PSM automatically? In other words, if it's a MAF sensor problem, is my ABS and PSM no longer functional, or is the computer just warning me to take a look at "something."
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
From: San Jose
Rep Power: 0
Upade: My problem was the Turbo Vacuum box!
The dealership found my problem: the Turbo Vacuum box. My car was losing performance as a result. I'm getting the part next week (in Germany) and hopefully that will fix my problem. Thanks CARLSEN'S (in Redwood City, CA)!
Note: I'm not sure that "Turbo Vacuum Box" is a actual part name, it was just in the notes on the service sheet. I'll get more info when it's actually fixed and proven to fix the car. Good luck with your respective issues gentlemen!
Note: I'm not sure that "Turbo Vacuum Box" is a actual part name, it was just in the notes on the service sheet. I'll get more info when it's actually fixed and proven to fix the car. Good luck with your respective issues gentlemen!
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Texas
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Thanks Sharky! My problem was the $18 brake light switch.
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From: Under Your Car
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Usually if the lights clear themselves when you turn the car off/on, but then come on after driving for a few seconds it is due to the brake light switch (and there are brake light issues). It is obviously located down by the brake pedal where the arm will make contact when the brake is pushed. Just pull off the electrical connector, and rotate the switch 90 degrees and pull it out. The switch is very cheap, and takes seconds to replace.
If the light does not clear when you turn the car off/on then I would check your MAF.
If the light does not clear when you turn the car off/on then I would check your MAF.
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