Mk2 ABS Light On

[the mini mole]

Help!
My ABS light came on this morning when I pulled up to a junction (not fast enough to trigger ABS!) and won't go out. I tried turning the car off and back on but the light didn't go out.
Someone suggested it could be worn pads and disks?
I hope this wont be expensive!
James

By the way, the car is a 1999 1.8s MK2

[MX-5 Lazza]

Sounds like one of the ABS sensors might have a fault. You can use the diagnostics port to tell you which one as in the link below:
http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/18064.aspx
Once you identify which wheel is the problem take that wheel off and give the ABS sensor and wheel a clean (make sure the toothed wheel isn't full of dirt/rust and the sensor isn't covered with rust - it's magnetic so tends to pick up a lot of particles) then go for a drive to see if that's fixed it. If not then it's likely the sensor itself has died.

ETA: The brakes will all be working fine. If there was a problem with the braking system the brake warning light would be on instead/as well as the ABS warning light. It's safe to drive as it is but the ABS will be disabled.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Wednesday 20th July 09:15

[Planet Claire]

My experience is, once that light comes on, that's it, it's time to get a new sensor.

[DZ300]

Had the same problem with our '99 Mk2 1.8 last year. At first the ABS light came on intermittently but after a while it remained on permanently. Did the diagnostic which showed the off-side front sensor to be faulty. Initially tried replacing it with a cheap used sensor (which proved faulty as well) and finally had to buy a new sensor direct from Mazda. Wish I had booked the car in as it was a real PITA to get the old sensor off the hub ... Eventually the sensor was changed and all's well again! BTW - the sensor cost me about £170 (late last year) and be aware that all four sensor are different so make sure you order the correct one!

Rgds,

Dan

[MX-5 Lazza]

£170? I can't remember what I paid but I'm sure it was nowhere near that much!

[rdodger]

Last new one I bought was £140.

[breagh]

I have this very issue. Due to the pain of trying to remove a sensor, I'm going to go for a used complete hub knuckle from Autolink, 100 notes + vat and delivery.