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MG MGF Technical - ABS Light

Hi Folks

I've searched the archives on this but only threads seen to relate to SRS lamp.

I haven't got a original car manual as it was a import.

I had the ABS lamp come on last night. It cleared on a restart but its got me wondering.

Apart from low brake fluid what else is this indicating if anything? I don't think we have pad sensors do we?

I know the front pads are ready to be changed but I haven't seen this light up before.

What does the oweners manual say?

Stu
Stu Dickens

I had this a few times a couple of years back and it turned out to be a low battery reading - since fitting a new battery it has been OK.
Ted Newman

Stu

Could be battery as Ted suggests but I favour the low pads option.

The manual says:

Brake system warning light
If the warning light on the instrument panel
illuminates while you are driving and the
handbrake is fully released, a fault with the
braking system is indicated. This is most
likely to be caused by a lack of fluid in the
brake reservoir or worn brake pads; stop the
car and seek qualified assistance before
continuing.
John Ponting

Is this an F or TF? As the F certainly had no pad warning - other than visual check at discs. And remember we are talking ABS warning light which from experience had no effect on the braking other than switching off the ABS system.
Ted Newman

Ted, it was from the F User manual. I agree there was no front pad warning on the F; however the comment in the book about worn pads is still correct : worn pads = low fluid = warning light.

However, you are quite right - it should have been the ABS page from the book:

ABS Warning light
The ABS incorporates a monitoring system
which checks that all the electrical
components are in working order as soon as
the engine is started and also at frequent
intervals during your journey.
The ABS warning light on the instrument
panel is an important part of this system. The
light should illuminate when the starter
switch is turned on and extinguish very
shortly after the engine has started. If the
light fails to extinguish or illuminates again
whilst driving, there is a fault in the system.
On completion of your journey, seek advice
from your dealer before further vehicle use.
In addition, when starting the engine, a single
"knock" may be heard and very slight
movement may also be felt at the brake pedal.
Both are normal symptoms of the ABS
self-checking process.
NOTE: Even if the ABS is faulty, normal
braking performance will still be available.
John Ponting

The pads and/or fluid level do not effect the ABS warning. The pads originally had 'squeal pins' to indicate thin pads. The low fluid level is integrated with the 'Hand Brake On' Light.
Each wheel has a Speed sensor. Inspection of the sensors and their associated wiring and connectors would be a good starting point.
Geoff F.
G. Farthing

Hi All

I spoke to Techspeed today and I think your on the right lines there Geoff ! Thanks..

I am going to pop in and see the chaps early next week..

Cheers folks

Stu
Stu Dickens

>Inspection of the sensors and their associated wiring and connectors would be a good starting point.

Btw, not sure whether this easy ABS test is known.
- jack up the car (one wheel is OK)
- turn ignition on (position II)
- turn the wheel by hand .... and ...

... after a some degrees of turning you should hear the ABS modulator _rattle_.
You could check all four sensors in this way.

Found this by coincidence at any time.

Notice, if you lift the both rear wheels at once, due to the differential gear the opposite wheel will take the other direction. So block the other to get a _reading_ for the speed sensor you like to test.

However, a modulator electronic failure is rare but not uncommon. I hope it works out for you with low budget. The part is horrible expensive from new.
Dieter

This thread was discussed on 07/12/2005

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