fallabel

I drove to WalMart this morning, and everything was fine. After shopping, I got back in my 95 ES and started her up. The ABS light came on and stayed on through my whole trip home. I just had my state inspection done last week, so I assumed that they would have found a problem then if one existed. Any idea what would be wrong?

lexusk8

Sounds like at least one of your ABS sensors is malfunctioning. The owner's manual usually tells you what each warning light means and what to do about it. You should bring the car to the dealership to have the ABS system checked out.

fallabel

Yeah, all that the manual said was "Take your car to a Lexus dealer."
Thanks though, I'll be doing that soon. (I just wanted to make sure that it wouldn't just be a malfunctioning fuse or something, before taking it to the dealer.)

cheapsk8

If you have a local repairshop that has one of the newest computer scanners, they can diagnose ABS as well and at least let you know before hand what you will be getting into. If not, theres nothing wrong with taking you car to the dealership, but everything from the diagnostic, to the parts, to the repair will be at a premium price.

-c

fallabel

2 questions:

Should the dealer have checked my ABS system at the inspection? If they were supposed to do that, I wonder if they'd waive the diagnostic fee on the system...

Second, would a shop like Monroe be able to service my ABS?

lexusk8

I can't speak for the first question since I've never done a state inspection on any of my cars, except for emissions systems. FYI, Monroe services only shocks and struts of automobiles, but Midas is a fairly reputable service shop that can handle your brake needs, including the ABS.

fallabel

Hmm...I've definately had my brakes done at the Monro up in town. I'm almost positive that that's what it's called...

http://www.monro.com/HomePage.html

steviej

iTrader: (1)

Let's take number 2 first.
lexusk8, Monro has taken over Speedy Muffler Kings in the New England area.
They service tires, exhausts, brakes, engines, etc. I don't know if they would be able to completely service all ABS needs because there are multiple ABS systems out there. A simple phone call will answer your question.

As for the first question. It depends on your state inspection laws.
In MA, they are not required to inspect the ABS system. They are however required to drive the car into the bay and see if the brakes are working....meaning....see if the car stops and nothing seems out of sorts.
They are not required to run a diagnostics on the ABS. They are required to inspect the e-brake or parking brake function, too.

hope this helps.

steviej

lexusk8

Steve, you're absolutely right, my apologies to all for any confusion I created. It's not Monroe that I originally stated; it is Monro. And yes, MONRO does perform brake services for your car, just like Midas. I wish there was a better way to differentiate from the two similarly named shops...

fallabel

Yeah, sorry, I definately spelled it "Monroe" the first time that I mentioned the shop. It's a Monro that I meant tho.