Trailer ABS light not illuminating during ignition

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Moose Macy, Oct 25, 2016.

  1. Moose Macy

    Moose Macy Bobtail Member

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    Oct 25, 2016
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    I recently failed a 90 inspection at Speedco. My ABS light for the trailer did not illuminate (come on) during initiall start up of my ProStar daycab.

    I changed the two fuses and the celinoid. Still won't come on. I am not connected to a trailer.

    Any ideas?
     
    popcorn169 Thanks this.
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  3. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    ??? Connect the #### thing see if it lights then.

    I had a ABS trailer too in addition to a tractor back in 2001, there was a yellow light on the left rear of the trailer to tell me the ABS is kicked in when it does.
     
    Kyle G. Thanks this.
  4. Antinomian

    Antinomian Road Train Member

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    You might want to mention the year and model of the truck.
     
  5. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    If you aren't hooked to a trailer, why WOULD the trailer ABS light come on?

    ...and what exactly is a "90 inspection", and why would you go to a lube shop to have it done?
     
    x1Heavy and Snailexpress Thank this.
  6. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    First step you need this tester. Most truck stops have it.
    [​IMG]
    Next, Truck ignition is ON, all lights OFF
    Check the circuit from ABS unit to ABS light. Bulb is good?, bulb socket is good?
    Pull the pig tail out of truck receptacle check 12 volt is present on central pin. The pin is bigger then any other.
    If no 12 volt the problem is in truck
    If power is here check the trailer end of pig tail. If no 12 volt the problem is in pig tail or connection.
    If 12 volt is on trailer side of pig tail check the electrical cable under trailer for any damage. Look for insulation bulging the sign copper inside is rotten. Dont give up if you fixed one but still no blink. On my cable was three damages. Get under trailer tandems area look for the small box ABS unit. Check with manufacturer website for pin out and check power directly on ABS unit.
     
  7. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    ...and what exactly is a "90 inspection", and why would you go to a lube shop to have it done?
    90 points inspection?

    I wouldn't trust Speedco such a big job. They can not grease six points without missing at least three.
     
    NWAF and x1Heavy Thank this.
  8. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    LMFAO. Ok You got me on the why WOULD the abs come on. Story of my life.

    Luckly the others caught up with the 90 point problem.
     
    Snailexpress Thanks this.
  9. Moose Macy

    Moose Macy Bobtail Member

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    Oct 25, 2016
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    It is 2010 ProStar daycab. 90 day inspection per my contract as O/O.
    Yes, you are correct light only comes on when trailer/chassis has been connected with pigtail.
    But, FMCSA has new or recently revised rules about inspector seeing all warning lights when starting vehicle.
    That would be lights on the dash.
    Thank you very much for responding.
     
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  10. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    SIGH.

    I should take myself somewhere quiet and end it. I know what those old trailers with the then new ABS of the 2000 era should behave and DID behave when under ABS honest by god applications with that light. Hence my original behavior here.

    Now you are telling me and all others that they are changing rules AGAIN? To make things MORE complicated up front" Is that it?
     
    Moose Macy Thanks this.
  11. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    If the light is only designed to come on when a trailer is connected, and you went for your inspection without a trailer, NOTHING you do (short of hooking to a trailer) will cause that light to come on. The lights flash on briefly as the system "tests" itself upon startup. If there is nothing to test, it won't light up.

    Take it to a shop that would know & understand this and you'll be fine.
     
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