ABS DIAGNOSTICS & TROUBLESHOOTING

ABS diagnostics is second important function of ABS ECU

ECU does diagnostics in following two ways:

1) System Static test - On every Ignition ON cycle, ECU checks wheel speed
sensor resistance, Modulator valve operation, retarder relay operation, etc.
If any of these parameters are out of limit then ECU turns ON warning lamp
continuously. Also ECU stores Error Code in Active Code memory
Else lamp goes OFF after self test.

2) System Self test - After power ON self test, ECU keeps close watch of sensor
resistance/sensor signal quality (signal strength, distortion, etc). Also it keeps
on sending small current pulses to all modulator valve coils on regular time
intervals. The strength of pulse is very less which cannot actuate valve but
ECU understands the health of Modulator valve & electrical circuit.
If any fault is detected, ECU turns ON warning lamp & ECU stores Error Code
in Active Code memory

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Operation of Warning Lamp
Once the system is switched on, warning lamp will light, while ECU is checking
the peripherals, and sends test-signals to all valves.
If no failure is found, the lamp goes out indicating that the result of the static test
is good. Warning Lamp will only light when a new failure is found.

In case of dynamic failure (sensor related), after correcting the defect, vehicle
should be driven at the speed of 10KMPH. This will automatically erase the error
& warning lamp will go off

Warning Lamp indicates Active failure of ABS

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Blink Code
Blink Code is a two digit number that gets stored in ECU Error
Code memory and indicates a particular failure.

These codes can be accessed either through warning lamp & blink
code switch or through PC interface

Code representation
XX _ XX
First part Second part
(Component NO) (Probable Reason)
e.g. Sensor Front left 2 Pole Wheel damage -3
Sensor Front Right 3 Air gap - 1

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Reading Blink Code

Blink Code
Reading
Methods

Blink PC
Code Based
Switch System
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Reading Blink Code
Blink code Reading with Blink Code Switch

1. Turn ignition to the ON position.

2. After self test, press and hold the blink code switch for one
second, & release.

3. Record number of blink code flashes

4. Recording number of the fault code

5. Decode blink code using Blink Code Table

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Reading Blink Code

Blink Code Without any System Errors

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PC based Diagnostic System

ECU
RS 232
under
K line to RS232 Test
Converter K Line
OBD
Cable

TML System
Features :-
Windows based interface using portable Laptop PC. KB System
Error Code display in test form
Help for Diagnostics & trouble shooting
Supporting documents in Soft form
Support for reading & resetting errors for field use
Support for writing Vehicle Info for assy line operations.
Data base management
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TML Software Screen for KB ABS

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Error Storage
If any error is detected, ECU turns ON warning lamp & the error code
gets stored in ECU memory.
ECU has two error storage memories

1) Active Error Memory

2) Stored Error Memory

Active Fault Stored

No Fault
Error Error
Errors
Detect Memory Rectificati Memory
on

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Function of Stored Error Memory

Stored error memory keeps record of ABS failures which

can be used for analysis & database generation in
workshops

In few cases of loose contacts in the harness, the warning

lamp will glow during one driving cycle
Driver may not notice it.
In next driving cycle if loose contact is not detected, the
warning lamp will not glow
In such cases, the failure in previous drive cycle gets
stored in stored memory which workshop can read & take
required preventive action

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Sensor & Modulator Valve Testing

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