1997 Acura legend 3.5 l abs check light stays on

keithy6 · 11-12-2009, 02:09 AM

On restarting my acura legend after being parked up and not being used for 4 months ABS check light goes out as per normal but then comes back on after sitting idling for about 30 to 60 seconds and stays on. Check light extinguished normally before car was parked up. Could this be a moisture problem in circuitry or micro switches?
What equipment will i need to test this diagnostically to locate the fault or would i be best to leave it to a professional.
I have heard of others who have had trouble with faulty micro switches on these and other Hondas finding faulty micros after many exhausting hours of work.
Have physically checked brake sensors for corrosion etc and they looked fine have not tested these.
Thanks in anticipation for any help i receive.

**octaneman** · 11-12-2009, 08:05 PM

Hi keithy6

Check if you are not leaking any fluid from the master also check the sensor wire, seals tend to dry out after sitting for an extended period of time. The ABS codes have to be extracted to locate where the fault lies within the system, and that would require a scan tool. Wheel sensors act as inductors, which means they generate a small amount of voltage when the wheel is spun. A quick way to find out if a sensor is faulty is to first erase the codes from the ABS computer, then with ignition on (engine off) you manually spin one wheel at a time and watch if the ABS light goes on. Once the light goes on you can determine which wheel side of the circuit needs attention.

Note: On some vehicles, spinning the wheel manually will require considerable force to get the wheel sensor going. So exercise extreme caution if you attempt to do this on your own. Remember, Safety First !

Wheel sensors do get the full brunt of the elements and corrosion does play a key role in their demise, but it's the wires that get damaged first. Wires for the sensors go through rocker panels and the front door harnesses where they are most exposed to water , humidity, and breakage from constant motion of opening and closing doors. So if your up to it, use a DVOM to test for continuity.

Please post the ABS codes.

post back your findings.

11-12-2009, 02:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
keithy6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1 OS: windows vista	1997 Acura legend 3.5 l abs check light stays on On restarting my acura legend after being parked up and not being used for 4 months ABS check light goes out as per normal but then comes back on after sitting idling for about 30 to 60 seconds and stays on. Check light extinguished normally before car was parked up. Could this be a moisture problem in circuitry or micro switches? What equipment will i need to test this diagnostically to locate the fault or would i be best to leave it to a professional. I have heard of others who have had trouble with faulty micro switches on these and other Hondas finding faulty micros after many exhausting hours of work. Have physically checked brake sensors for corrosion etc and they looked fine have not tested these. Thanks in anticipation for any help i receive.

11-12-2009, 08:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 548 OS: WINXP	Re: 1997 Acura legend 3.5 l abs check light stays on Hi keithy6 Check if you are not leaking any fluid from the master also check the sensor wire, seals tend to dry out after sitting for an extended period of time. The ABS codes have to be extracted to locate where the fault lies within the system, and that would require a scan tool. Wheel sensors act as inductors, which means they generate a small amount of voltage when the wheel is spun. A quick way to find out if a sensor is faulty is to first erase the codes from the ABS computer, then with ignition on (engine off) you manually spin one wheel at a time and watch if the ABS light goes on. Once the light goes on you can determine which wheel side of the circuit needs attention. Note: On some vehicles, spinning the wheel manually will require considerable force to get the wheel sensor going. So exercise extreme caution if you attempt to do this on your own. Remember, Safety First ! Wheel sensors do get the full brunt of the elements and corrosion does play a key role in their demise, but it's the wires that get damaged first. Wires for the sensors go through rocker panels and the front door harnesses where they are most exposed to water , humidity, and breakage from constant motion of opening and closing doors. So if your up to it, use a DVOM to test for continuity. Please post the ABS codes. post back your findings. __________________ Last edited by octaneman; 11-12-2009 at 08:08 PM.