ZX ABS

Post by **RichardW** » 15 Jan 2007, 16:30

I know it's not exactly common, but.... does anybody know if you can get error codes out of the ZX ABS system without a diagnostic machine (eg paperclip) - and what the codes mean? Ours has been flagging a fault occasionally for a while but it's got worse recently, and now the light comes on almost as soon as you set off. I guess the cable is breaking up on one of the sensors, but which one? There's a pin out in Haynes, so measuring the resistance should be easy enough, but obviously the sensors are passing the initial resistance test, and only going cuckoo when the steering is turned. Not having had to diagnose one before - is it possible to put the meter across a sensor then waggle the cable and see if the reading changes to diagnose the duff sensor?

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 15 Jan 2007, 16:39

I know that on the Bosch 2E ABS system you can get dash flash codes out.

I know some very late 405s & a lot of 306s had this system.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 15 Jan 2007, 18:10

Yes you can connect it up then waggle the lead to see if you can find the fault. I use a nice simple method of connecting the thing to an audio amplifier (I happen to have a radio with a separate input) and listen for crackles. You could use a cassette recorder with a microphone socket. The sensor will produce a hum while its working - with thumps for bumps - but its crackling that you are listening for.

If you're handy with a soldering iron you may even be able to replace the damaged section of cable. (Make sure the coax you use has a flexible centre conductor.

You may be able to find the sensor visually - look for sharp bends or perished outer insulation. (Moisture gets in and corrodes the screen)

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 15 Jan 2007, 18:54

the wire usualy fractures were it is flexed,on fronts it were it flexes around the strut and rears were it flexes at the arm pivot point,just unplug one at a time and mesure the resistance with a meter
regards malcolm

Post by **RichardW** » 15 Jan 2007, 19:44

I'm pretty sure it's a Bendix system. If it is the same as the one depicted in Haynes, then it only has a 2 pin diag plug, which suggests flash codes. So all I need to do then is find the plug, find the codes, and work out how to make it tell all

Or get the meter out.... I'm around at the weekend for a change, so will try and make some inroads into it

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 15 Jan 2007, 23:16

Richard, the meter approach is always working. You are looking for a good reading of some 1000 OHM. Its not the exact ohm's figure thats important - its a vast deviation - i.e. the meter reading flicking towards an open circuit or shortcircuit reading, when you wriggle the sensor cable.

Post by **RichardW** » 16 Jan 2007, 07:47

Given that I can't even tell the difference between ABS and BENDIX writ large on the top of the modulator, there's not much hope for me is there? Dunno, why, but I was sure it said Bendix on the top, but it's a Bosch system. At least the wiring diagram seems to match what's on the car, so I should be be able to get the meter on it.

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 16 Jan 2007, 15:07

Hi

Look on top of the hydraulic modulator, should be a sticker / plate (maybe blue) with BOSCH on it & a 10 digit number X XXX XXX XXX

Post up this 10 digit Bosch ID number & you may be lucky & find its the 2E ABS system that can flash out dash fault codes.

If its the same system my 405 had fitted I have the 4 pages of diagnostic information that Bosch faxed me somewhere

Post by **RichardW** » 16 Jan 2007, 18:52

The plate's got 0 285 208 021 on it. Couldn't see a diag socket anywhere, but I suppose it must be there somewhere!

TBH I expect it will be the FNS sensor - the road my wife goes to work on is pretty rough and it needed a track rod end, bottom ball joint, and rear damper mount on that side for the last MOT...!

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 16 Jan 2007, 21:31

Not the same 2E ABS as the 405 & 306

Post by **RichardW** » 17 Jan 2007, 10:15

Oh well - thanks for trying anyway. Out with the meter this weekend then. If it's not snowing!

PowerLee · Post by **PowerLee** » 17 Jan 2007, 15:10

If you get in touch with Bosch automotive & ask the technical guys nicely they may be able to fax / email you some information that maybe helpful.

All they will need is that 10 digit Bosch ID number you have posted up

I have done this twice before & they will always help you if you give them the 10 digit Bosch id number.

Post by **RichardW** » 17 Feb 2007, 14:50

I tried to look at this today, but was beaten at the first hurdle - I cannot even get the connector off the ABS unit

It's got an arrow on it pointing away from the hydraulic block, so it seems it, or part of it, needs to slide first. I did try giving it some grief with a screwdriver, but it wasn't for easily budging. Anyone know how it comes off?