When the Antilock Braking System (ABS) light comes on, many troubleshooters find that diagnosing the problem can be tricky while some of the parts like the wheel speed sensors can be fragile if you begin removing components for manual inspection. To make the troubleshooting process easier, just use an auto scanner and plug it in, right?

 

The real story is that the onboard ABS computers are not OBD II compliant like scanners used to diagnose the “check engine” light problems. There is no error code standardization for car models built before or after 1996 (domestic or foreign), and each is actually a separate controller. Getting the data from these controllers is possible with an auto scanner equipped with an ABS scan feature like the Actron CP9580 and ABS Scan Tool.

 

This scanner is affordable and perfect for the home toolbox or the pro, and it includes advanced domestic ABS code coverage, which allows both read and erase capabilities for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles.

Trouble codes from the ABS sensor are transferred to the vehicle’s main computer, but to read these codes you must link to output connectors located around the transmission output shaft area or around the rear differential unit for rear wheel drive vehicles. A special connector is required that is different from the OBD II scanner connectors. The ABS scanner can then diagnose the trouble code quickly.

The savings for this type of scanning is in labor, as no tools or breakdown of the braking system components is required. The trouble codes and a description of the codes are displayed on the Actron CP8580 and may point to a faulty sensor, worn component or low pressure. With the USB uplink capabilities, the manufacturer’s trouble codes and updates to these codes can be uploaded on a frequent basis.

The Actron also has CodeConnect technology that provides over 3 million fixes, not only for regular OBD II code scanner issues, but for ABS codes as well, which is a tremendous timesaver.

If you want to save time and money in the long run, an auto scanner with ABS scan features can do just that, especially when you need to diagnose braking systems.