ABS Fault Codes Using Torque App

[Automattick]

Hello all,

Over the last few weeks I have been doing some maintenance on my VXR8.

I've fixed the rear indicator as 80% of the bulbs were blown or very dim, only to find someone had been there previously and damaged the casing and then instead of replacing the bulbs they bypassed the blown ones by bridging the circuits for the bulbs to make them bright. I have one word to describe whoever did that but I probably shouldn't repeat it on here.

Replaced my Starter motor as I was having intermittent clicking when trying to start every few weeks. And while I did the starter motor I replaced the crank sensor as I had a code previously, again it was an intermittent problem and I think may well have been caused by the battery but I had previously bought the parts so did them anyway.

Anyway, onto the main point.

I have recently developed (2 weeks) an abs fault which appears as:
- traction control off
- ABS Fault
On the system check when the ignition is turned on.

My bluetooth code reader using torque app has given me the following codes:

C1234 - Chassis
C1209 - Chassis
B2AAA - Body

After searching I have found a few threads e.g. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=150...

Which stated that it was the front right wheel speed sensor, I went ahead and checked the loom and continuity exists. Just incase, I've checked the rear loom visually for any breaks and checked all plugs.

Me and my brother in law have been in contact with Monkfish quite a few times who have been a great help and checked the codes I supplied and eventually we decided I needed a new front hub. I havn't contacted them any further as I don't want to over do itas I know they are busy.

So new front hub fitted on Saturday and the code was still there and has been all week. I was hoping that because the code has been there for a little while it may be a historic code and need so many ignition cycles (50) to clear. I can not clear it with my torque app.

Now today I called into the petrol station and filled up, started the car up to leave and thought...."great, the abs light has gone off" and then the traction control said it was active about 15-20 seconds after starting.

Drove about 50 meters and the traction control turned off then abs fault came up and I'm back to square one.

PS:
Anyone heard of or used a - LAUNCH CREADER VIII DTC Code Reader Auto Diagnostic ABS SRS Engine Scanner OBDII.
If you put that in google you shuld find them on ebay and a few sites, apparently they can do srs and abs codes and information including graph data etc... but I don't know if it would be anygood for our cars.

Am I stuck with requiring a tech 2?


Any help would be appreciated, I just hope its not the ABS module otherwise the car can go to the scrap yard .

[MyM8V8]

I don't know the exact answer, but if the problem was a latched fault in the BCM (Body Control Module) it would need a Tech 2 to clear the code once the original problem had been fixed.

Some problems only display a light when they have occurred a number of times so maybe that is giving your "intermittent" codes.

Sorry cant be of more help. Good Luck with it. Hope someone more knowledgeable can chime in?

[bearman68]

If I were trying to solve this issue, the first thing I would look at is live data.
Put your code reader on live data, jack the car in the air, and rotate the wheels. Check the wheel speeds one by one on the code reader.
If this can't be done because the reader is not capable, you will be able to get information using an oscilloscope. Plug the leads into the WSS in turn, and check the trace.
If this is no good, you can possibly use a multimeter - looking for about say 0.5v on each with a rotating wheel. 0v and the WSS is knackered, or 5v and it's dead. In between varying with speed , it's prob good.
If you can do these tests at the ABS unit it will test both the wiring and the WSS, though this might not be practical.

This will help eliminate or confirm WSS.

Hope this helps a little.

[sidster]

If you fancy a drive to Wiltshire i have a tech2

[Automattick]

Hi all,
Thanks for the replies and offer but i think that may be a tad far but maybe when i have no alternative.

I've tried today to see if the torque app could provide live data for the wheel speed sensors but all four just dont show up as green and provide no data so im assuming that it cant read them.

Today i disconnected each sensor individually to see what codes came up.

Disconnected front drivers, same code stays, reconnected it.

Disconnected rear drivers, and two new codes appeared plus a contact dealer warning. Codes were C1235 and C1210, reconnected.

Disconnected passenger rear and no nee codes appeared. Nothing, which i thought was strange.

Disconnected front passengers and again no new codes at all.

Ps. A few weeks ago i tested the abs and one of the drivers side wheels did lock which again points me at the drivers front.

Any idea apart from tech 2 any code readers that can get me more info and clear permenant codes once the issue is fixed.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[Wolfracer]

I didn't get a "brake!" Or contact dealer from rear passenger side either. I checked the continuity and V from the wiring.
I have yet to try seeing if there is output from the WSS.
A T2 reset would be handy to see if its a continuous fault or historic - I"ve cleaned the rear two sensors which had a slight rust coating on them. Iron oxide is magnetic, yes?

[stevieturbo]

Automattick said:

Hi all,
Thanks for the replies and offer but i think that may be a tad far but maybe when i have no alternative.

I've tried today to see if the torque app could provide live data for the wheel speed sensors but all four just dont show up as green and provide no data so im assuming that it cant read them.

Today i disconnected each sensor individually to see what codes came up.

Disconnected front drivers, same code stays, reconnected it.

Disconnected rear drivers, and two new codes appeared plus a contact dealer warning. Codes were C1235 and C1210, reconnected.

Disconnected passenger rear and no nee codes appeared. Nothing, which i thought was strange.

Disconnected front passengers and again no new codes at all.

Ps. A few weeks ago i tested the abs and one of the drivers side wheels did lock which again points me at the drivers front.

Any idea apart from tech 2 any code readers that can get me more info and clear permenant codes once the issue is fixed.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

Generic app's like Torque can only give basic generic OBD engine related data.

It will tell you nothing specific, nor will it give any info at all relating to things like ABS, airbags etc etc

You need proper diagnostic gear for that

There may be some PC based stuff which claim to do more, but unless you can find someone who has actually tried and used them....you're taking a risk.

Likewise for even some expensive diagnostic tools.

[wallsjay]

I have a launch reader. Great bit of kit for £35 always reads and clears codes. Also has a monitor function. And is small compact reads vins so perfect for viewing cars to ensure all is ok.

Hope this helps.

[Wolfracer]

wallsjay said:

I have a launch reader. Great bit of kit for £35 always reads and clears codes. Also has a monitor function. And is small compact reads vins so perfect for viewing cars to ensure all is ok.

Hope this helps.

Does it read and clear abs faults?

[wallsjay]

Never tried one. Have done O2 sensors and also traction control after doing a brake change.

[Automattick]

Hi again,

Well I can no further with this until I get the real code because I am assuming that what i'm getting thrpugh torque is wrong. Although I now have a permenant throttle body sensor P code which i can not clear but that's been intermittent since I bought the car. In my two years of ownership, it appeared like 3 times so I did not get a replacement TB.

I'm wondering if that could some how be causing my dodgy abs but I doubt it.

Anyway,
I'm either going to have to go to a garage with tech 2 or cough up for either a clone or a different code reader but judging by comments other readers may not be anygood either.

I did have a look at hp tuners but apparently that can not read abs?

So I still like the look of the Launch CRP129 CReader Professional.
I'm not sure if I can link it on here but if you go to the launch UK website and drill down to the spreadsheet of cars it supports, the VXR8 is listed and states it does the following:

Vauxhall_VXR8
MODULE.........SYSTEM.....SYS Info.....Read Code...Clear Code....Data stream
Transmission....AT..................y.................y...............y...............y
Chassis.........EBCM...............y.................y...............y...............y
Body............SDM..................y.................y...............y...............y

I'd get this if I new it would work as I can use it for all other cars which would be a bonus over a manufacterer specific tool.

PS: not sure what ebcm is hoping electronic brake control module lol

Cheers,
Chris

Edited by Automattick on Tuesday 20th October 21:59

Edited by Automattick on Tuesday 20th October 22:06

[stevieturbo]

If you're going to spend money, take your car to the dealer of that equipment and ask them for a demo first, to prove it works on your vehicle.

That is the only way you'll be sure unless someone can tell you with 100% certainly their product works and a money back guarantee if it doesnt.

HPT etc are all engine tuning stuff. They have nothing to do with the other aspects of the vehicle no different than pretty much all generic OBD code readers.

[Automattick]

Great,

Thanks Steve,
I will let you know what I find out, if I get any new scan tools or what the garages find out.

I think Cardiff or Newport has a VX dealer who work with VXR8's so I'll try and sort something out.

[Automattick]

Hi all,

Just to let you know, i emailed launch uk about what the device can do with our cars and this is there reply:

"The CRP129 will only read/erase fault codes from Engine, ABS, Transmission & SRS.

This tool will diagnose your ABS system, however Chassis & Body modules are not supported on this item."

What do you think?
I have asked them if it doesn't work can i return but that may be a long shot.

Cheers,
Chris

[stevieturbo]

Automattick said:

Hi all,

Just to let you know, i emailed launch uk about what the device can do with our cars and this is there reply:

"The CRP129 will only read/erase fault codes from Engine, ABS, Transmission & SRS.

This tool will diagnose your ABS system, however Chassis & Body modules are not supported on this item."

What do you think?
I have asked them if it doesn't work can i return but that may be a long shot.

Cheers,
Chris

Again, do not buy such an item remotely. Find a local dealer and have them demo the unit on your car before handing over any money.

[Automattick]

Thanks Steve, thats what im hoping to do with the launch but looking at their site i think they are in plymouth.

So anyone local with an ABS problem would be an ideal test

[wallsjay]

Where are you based ?

[stevieturbo]

Automattick said:

Thanks Steve, thats what im hoping to do with the launch but looking at their site i think they are in plymouth.

So anyone local with an ABS problem would be an ideal test

Launch will have dealers all over the UK.

[bearman68]

Automattick said:

Great,

Thanks Steve,
I will let you know what I find out, if I get any new scan tools or what the garages find out.

I think Cardiff or Newport has a VX dealer who work with VXR8's so I'll try and sort something out.

Didn't realise you were in S Wales - we're in Usk, pop up and I'll read codes for you. No charge, just happy to help out a fellow Ph'er. We're pretty good at this stuff - do it all the time.

Cheers

[Automattick]

Hi all,

Thanks bearman68, i'll send you a pm now.

Thanks,
Chris