How to Troubleshoot an ABS Warning Light in a 1999 Honda Accord

Determining why the ABS warning light is on in your Honda Accord only takes a few minutes, but it requires a special tester. Many auto part shops will allow you to borrow or rent their tester. Once you&039;ve read the code, it is easy to look up what part of the ABS brake system needs work.

Instructions

1

Plug the PGM tester into the port behind the kick panel on the driver&039;s side.

2

Pick "SCS" on the display.

3

Press "Yes" when the prompt reads "Service Check Signal."

4

Turn the key to the on position. Watch the ABS warning light. It will come on for two seconds and rest for 3.6 seconds. A series of 1.3 second flashes will be followed by a series of .4 second flashes. The number of long flashes is the major diagnostic code and the number of short flashes is the minor code. The code will repeat after a few seconds.

5

Interpret the code. The wheel associated with the minor code is listed next to the error code. RF stands for right-front.

1-1(RF), 1-3(LF), 1-5(RR), 1-7(LR): The wheel sensor is open or shorted.
1-2(RF), 1-4(LF), 1-6(RR), 1-8(LR): There is electrical noise in the wheel sensor or its connection.
2-1(RF), 2-2(LF), 2-3(RR), 2-4(LR): There is a problem with the pulser gear.
3-1(RF), 3-3(LF), 3-5(RR), 3-7(LR): The inner solenoid is faulty.
3-2(RF), 3-4(LF), 3-6(RR), 3-8(LR): The outer solenoid is faulty.
4-1(RF), 4-2(LF), 4-3(RR), 4-4(LR): The brake is dragging.
5-1: The motor modular unit should be replaced.
5-2: The motor is stuck on.
5-3: The motor is stuck off.
6-1, 6-2: The ignition voltage is wrong.
7-1: Not all tires are the same diameter.
8-1: The ABS computer failed its self-test.

6

Reset the light after repairs are complete. Plug the PGM tester in and select "SCS" and press "Yes." Hold down the brake pedal while turning the key to the on position. Release the brake. The light will turn off then on. Press the pedal and hold it down until the light blinks twice. Turn off the ignition and unplug the tester.