ABS light stays on

primus

primus

Joined
Jan 30, 2011
Messages
44
Age
66
Location
Manchester UK
Bike
2000 ST1100
I've got my eye on a ST1100 that is for sale. The advert states that the ABS light sometimes stays on and that this is normal for Pans and nothing to worry about. I would value a few opinions on this. On the face of it, i can't see how this can be right. I don't want to end up with a pup.

Many thanks (New to the forum)

Paul
 
The ABS light should NOT stay on unless there's an error recorded in the system. In normal operation the light will come on when the bike is first started but will go out as soon as the bike has reached 6 MPH and the system has finished its self check. If it remains on after that, there's a problem somewhere. Also note that whenever the ABS light is illuminated the ABS system is disabled and you have only conventional brakes. Depending on the year, the most common ABS warning is due to low system voltage, particularly with pre-'96 models that had the smaller 28A stator. Usually however the ABS light will blink with that problem until you press the ABS button on the faring which stops the blinking and dims, but does not turn off the light.

The error codes can be pulled without using any special tools or instruments. The procedure is to hold down the ABS button whilst switching on the ignition. Keep the button depressed until the light extinguishes and then immediately release the button. The error code will now blink out. The codes key can be found in the service manual, or possibly somewhere on this forum. They code meanings are slightly different for the pre- vs. '96 and later ABS II models so make sure you have the right list. It might be a minor issue that wouldn't preclude purchase but might serve as a bargaining tool.
 
As a matter of interest what age mileage is the bike you are looking at ? Is it ex police?
 
Brian.Its done 27k and listed as 1997. The advert did say its ex Police. It does seem a very low mileage for a working bike doesn't it. Its a couple of hundred miles away from me so a look-see is out of the question.

Paul
 
Paul

The bike I bought was anon abs and ex Humberside bike, 1997 with around the same mileage. I bought it from a garage in Colne Yorkshire and I paid a deposit by credit card and traveleed down to give it a look.

I would not worry about the mileage, many bikes have been stored for use and run a few times a year, you could maybe get a service printout from the seller which would be available from the respective police force.

The fact the abs is faulty I would put my money on the abs sensors, probably the rear, used, not washed and left sitting, it is an expensive item to replace so if it is that, it is a good bartering tool.

If you are going to give it a look take a mechanic and go prepared with the error code meanings and start from there.

A 2nd hand seat and grab rails can be sourced from breakers, I got my seat from M1 motorway spares, supplied and delivered for ?70.

Let us know how you get on or decide. If it was me and I was in the market for a bike I would be giving it a look at least, it will go quickly once the weather improves.
 
Paul, there's a guy on my-mc.com who is an ST ABS guru. Don't recall his name at the moment. Try to get the seller to read out the codes for ya than carry the info to my-mc.

Agree the situation should be used as a bargaining tool but not a necessarily a deal killer.

Keep us poSTed.
 
Is the Geezer that you have in mind called Norm? There is a huge amount of info out there. Maybe the problem is just something as simple as too large an air gap but I would expect a dealer to pick that one up. That Norm character sure does know his stuff.

Paul
 
Norm is the man to ask on My-MC. I seldom post there but often go on to see what they are noodling on at the time. Norm I impeccable in his methods and very helpful and thorough. As others have said, I would not shy away, use it to your advantage.
 
Low voltage caused by a dying battery of failing alternator is the most common cause of ABS problems. The next suspect is the rear sensor; the fault codes are often not accurate, pointing to expensive modulator replacement when the rear sensor is the actual culprit. If the light is on, you still have brakes, just not ABS-assisted - no need to tell the seller that though! Let us know on MY-MC what you find out.
 
If it does prove to be a rear ABS sensor that is faulty, they are ?145 + VAT +P&P from David Silver.

You sometimes get one appearing on ebay, one went recently attached to the rear hub for ?30 buy it now but someone got there before me.

I have just picked up a front ABS sensor for ?10 and going to see if it will work on the rear, may need a bit of soldering if the wire is not long enough, although the David Silver site has the front at ?222 +VAT etc so there must be some difference, cannot see it apart from it has shorter wires.
 
I've knocked that one on the head. I spoke to the dealer who is flogging it and he will not budge on the price. He reckons he has seen this on lots of Pans and there is nothing wrong. He said it shows its working. Its too much of a risk and there are plenty to choose from out there. Many thanks to all that have offered advice/info. What I great forum I've stumbled upon:bow1:

Oh well I'd better go and give the telephone some hammer.

Paul
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom