ABS assistance please....

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by SHC, Feb 27, 2013.

  1. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Feb 26, 2011
    Westville, IN
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    I recieved a violation for the ABS light not functioning on my trailer. Today i took it into a TA (yeah i know) and had them check it out. Aparently the light is fine, but the ABS system was not getting power. After doing some digging, it turns out that my tractor ABS system is not working at all. All the relays are good, and fuses. There is no ABS power coming out of the pigtail connector to the trailer. When i cycle the key, there is no clicking of the ABS doing it's check. I know the ABS used to work, but not sure how long it's not been operating correctly. Is there any way to hunt down the issue... and test the ABS module???

    It is a 2004 Western Star, as I stated, no ABS lights on in the dash at all, but it also does not come on when I cycle the key (should it?)
    all the fuses for the ABS and relay are good (I swapped them around just to check)

    Thanks for any help.
     
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  3. sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    You check the center prong at the back of the cab? Know you have. Could be it the pigtail? Make sure the prongs are spread good. Good luck .
     
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  4. red semi

    red semi Bobtail Member

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    Nov 13, 2012
    new york
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    i had a similar issue with my freightliner. had broken wire along truck frame where green power cord fed truck connector box for pigtail to trailer . leave your key on and take test light on center pin and keep going back towards truck and keep testing.
     
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  5. red semi

    red semi Bobtail Member

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    you could do quick check with jumper wire off battery to center pin on pigtail and see if abs light flashes with sensor clicks and be sure its on tractor or have somebody else plug in your trailer and see
     
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  6. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Westville, IN
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    There is no power at the pigtail on the tractor side (line removed) so I'm guessing it must be farther back somewhere. It will have to wait till I get home next week to mess with it.... and hopefully it warms up some because i hate working on a truck in this cold weather UGH!!!!

    And for reference, the tractor ABS does not cycle either. No clicks, no light on dash, nothing. When I turn the key to the "ON" position, the CE light and STOP engine light comes on but not the ABS lights... So I'm thinking the ABS module either has no power into it, or it's bad and sending no power out. I believe the module is located under the cab of the truck, under the drivers seat area??? I also know there's a control box for my dash in there somewhere I think.
     
  7. red semi

    red semi Bobtail Member

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    new york
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    sounds like a weekend project pulling your hair out type of job lol. i have a daycab classic and abs module is behind passenger seat, it has a test switch on the side. if i remember right when i pushed that it cycled the light and sensor check. ABS is like egr ,both a pain in the butt when they act up
     
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  8. SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Westville, IN
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    Shouldn't be a problem fixing it, it's just the fact it's still winter back home and my shop is halfway torn down doing the pull-thru addition. So I guess it will be me laying in snow trying to figure it out lol
     
  9. red semi

    red semi Bobtail Member

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    have fun my friend time for me to catch up on honey-do list 73's
     
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  10. localmack

    localmack Bobtail Member

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    Dec 12, 2010
    Illinois
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    "no ABS lights on in the dash at all, but it also does not come on when I cycle the key (should it?)"

    it should come on momentarily then shut off as the tractor abs system does its self check, just like the abs light on trailer should.
     
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  11. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    ABS module should be under the cab right below the drivers seat area attached to the cab floor. Pull off your drivers side light bar and it's easy to get to. I'm guessing you have a bad relay or and unplugged module, but it's just a guess.
     
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