ABS/ Electrical Experts Enter

[TFJ-4runner]

Cliff Notes Below for those who don't like reading...

2003 4runner SR5 4X4 V8

I am currently having an issue where my ABS light comes on taking out the VSC ATRAC and my ABS System with it. This only happens when the steering wheel is turned to the right one full rotation or greater. If I shut the vehicle down and straighten it out the lights go off and there are no problems unless I am turn right far enough right to trigger it.

Since my CV going on the trail I have had a constant ABS light until recently. Last week we Used a Scanner that read ABS codes and saw that the LF wheel speed sensor was not reading. After swapping it with the rear we determined that that the ABS Sensor was fine due to it registering on the rear wheel. It ended up being the wire was shorted during the install of the CV axles by one of my friends. We cut the wire and attached a new one but the LF speed was still not being read.

Sunday I noticed my LF caliper had frozen so I replaced Both sides and rotors. This was after noticing that the CV axle nut was also left way too loose by my friend to where I could shake it. After tightening it is when the caliper decided to freeze on me.

So now all of a sudden my ABS light is gone until the vehicle is turned enough to the right like it magically fixed itself besides wanting to come on when the wheel is turned right. Any clue as to why this is happening? I did a Zero Point Calibration also but no luck there?

Cliff Notes:

New CV axles
New Calipers
New Rotors

A wire was shorted and fixed during install of CV axles and now ABS light only comes on when the steering wheel is turned minimum one rotation right. It goes off after I straighten the wheel and turn the ignition back on.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

You did not specify what year and trim your 4Runner is, I safely assuming it is a 4WD since you talk about the CV Axles.

The problem you are describing sounds eerily similar to a 2013 Scion FRS I recently worked on. It had the same issue with setting a DTC in the ABS system when the steering wheel was turned to 356.4 degrees to the left, everytime you did this the communciation between the module and the sensor would lock up and after a key cycle the system would lock up at 0 degrees with no change. Turned out the steering angle sensor had a bad spot and when it hit that spot it would just logic lock the system for the EPS.

Our 4Runners do have a steering angle sensor in the steering column and while highly rare for it to go bad (you'd be the first I have heard of, though I have another member on the T120 Forums talking to me about something possibly similar after an accident he had), I have a feeling there's an issue either at the sensor or the circuit that is confusing the system.

If you can scan the vehicle again when the light comes on, I'd like to know what the DTCs set are when you turn the steering wheel. The next thing I'd do is pull up the DataList and see if you can find the Steering Angle Sensor input (this would most likely be in the ABS Module) and watch it as you turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and right slowly; I have a feeling you'll see an anomally as you do this.

 

[TFJ-4runner]

Sorry, I updated my model specifications. I will get a hold of the scanner as soon as I can to check on what you're saying. My question in the mean time is why would the system gradually start to improve to where it is now? Could it be that the continuity of the wire we used to fix it is not giving off a proper value? I was installing my rear differential while it was being installed also so I know he didn't know to be careful with the wire. I have low knowledge of the CV install components but I was told there's something on the CV that the ABS is reading? This is also the first system to have not only a speed reading but an angle sensor as well? If so could riding with a loose CV bolt caused any damage to whatever the sensor is reading?

 

[TFJ-4runner]

I also have a Ultraguage that I monitoring the vehicle as well now. I used it to clear my P0420 code before I installed my URD Rear O2 Simulator so I don't know if that could be playing a role in the issue.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Hmm, the CV axle issue could be a problem. Can you post a picture of where you guys spliced the wire in at? I wonder if maybe there's a loose pin in the connectors and/or a kink in the original wiring that when bent and/or stretched is causing a loss of signal? Similar to work hardened wiring in door hinge areas, if you're familar with that. Perhaps a wire was broken internally, while the insulation was left intact?

Can you see on the scantool if the LF sensor is cutting out or not? (I'm sorry I mis read the original post, it's more likely related to the LF area rather than the steering now that I read your statement over again.)

 

[TFJ-4runner]

I got some pictures and a video of what it's doing. I'll try and get them uploaded here soon. There's a chance it's not liking the wire we spliced in or that the short is right near the connector. But that wouldn't make sense to me with how its gradually getting better. So if there's nothing on the CV that could possibly be causing interference with it not being torqued properly then it has to be the wire or possibly the ABS Module? I'll try and get it scanned by a friend tomorrow and see if it's cutting in or out. Anything specific I should be keeping a look out for with all this said?

 

[TFJ-4runner]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-X1O74Haeo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION]