Author Topic: ABS Brake Light? Running Temps  (Read 6509 times)

D. Wendal Attig

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ABS Brake Light? Running Temps
« on: July 27, 2016, 04:51:15 PM »
After about an hour in stop and go traffic yesterday, I noticed High front  wheel tire pressure and temperature, (TPMS) then the ABS light came on. Was still on when I started from cold this morning. We're getting ready to head out on a 1500 mile trip. Is this something that will self correct at speed, or should I be concerned. If so, what should I have the shop here check? During the same time period I noticed Transmission temp was up around 220-230 momentarily then steady at about 205. Water temp was just over 200. I don't know what the norms are for those, but oil and transmission fluid levels are good Don't know how to check/service coolant. Thanks in advance for advice.

Edward Buker

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Re: ABS Brake Light? Running Temps
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2016, 07:42:20 PM »
D,

In stop and go traffic try and use neutral while stopped, if the temp is rising. That should cut some of the heat being generated in the transmission. Not sure what kind of transmission cooler you have, if it is by the radiator or part of the radiator then it needs air flow and you may need for the temps to rise, to kick the fan in on high, to get temps down. The fan can lag and temps may rise before they fall from a cold start when you are first on the road. If it is a separate cooler underneath with coolant flow passing through it, it will tend to follow the rise and fall of the engine coolant temp. So if the fan always kicks in and you have temporary higher temps in traffic or when first starting out that may be quite normal for your coach. Manage it as best you can if in traffic.

High pressure on both tires would be possible with a lot of braking heating the hub, then the wheel, then the tire. High pressure on one tire could possibly be telling you about a dragging brake. I would drive a few stop and go brake applications, simulating what caused the issue and use an IR gun to check the drums or rotors, whichever you have, all the way around. They should be similar. You can also verify if all the tires are a similar temp. The TMPS limits are usually something the user sets, if the front temps are similar and the rear temps are similar and no brake issues are observed you could raise the temp limits to encompass what is normal rise for the conditions at hand. Some differences in brake front tor rear temps are normal based on design proportioning of the braking system but within the same axle they should be similar within reason.

ABS, I am not sure what to recommend, but sometimes based on forum info, the sensor position or a sensor plug or wire has been the cause of a false ABS indicator. I have no real knowledge, given I have not had an ABS issue to deal with. It probably means something is up, given it has changed, and should probably be checked out.

Later Ed
« Last Edit: July 27, 2016, 07:48:21 PM by Edward Buker »

Gerald Farris

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Re: ABS Brake Light? Running Temps
« Reply #2 on: July 27, 2016, 11:10:01 PM »
D,
The coincidence of having high temperature and an ABS light come on at the same time usually means that you have an overheated brake that has damaged the ABS sensor, especially if it was only one wheel that was overheating. If you are not comfortable in servicing your coach service brakes, I would have them checked for overheat damage and the reason for the ABS light.

Gerald

Karl Welhart

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Re: ABS Brake Light? Running Temps
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2016, 01:59:52 AM »
D,

The most likely problem is your calipers are dragging and have overheated your brakes...  This could be caused by several issues.  Old brake fluid and old brake lines could be the culprit.  At the very least, as Gerald pointed out, you need someone with experience to inspect your brake system and determine what is in need of repair.  At the least you should replace calipers, pads, service the bearings and replace the brake lines.

Relative to your ABS lights.  The overheating of your brakes probably caused them to come on and they will not go off driving down the road until they are replaced or in some cases the sensor holder can be adjusted and not damaged to the point of needing to be totally replaced.  It is important to understand that you can drive your coach with the ABS light on, but your ABS braking system is NOT working...

I noticed that you have listed your coach as a 2002 Patriot with a C9/400.  Not absolutely certain, but I do not think that engine was offered in that model coach.  If you have the Cat 3126(330hp), your metal coolant tank mounted above the radiator is the place you service and check the coolant level.  There is a glass sight gauge near the middle of the tank and the coolant level should be in the middle of that site gauge.

Also, the temps your are stating for the coolant and transmission would indicate that the dragging of your brakes may be elevating those temps.  Several of the things that folks look when concerned about sticking calipers are elevated temps and increase fuel consumption.

Good luck,
Karl and Nancy Welhart, F36017
2014 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP (2014-current)
2002 Patriot (2002-2014)
1997 Monterey (1997-2002)
Niceville, Florida

Steve Huber

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Re: ABS Brake Light? Running Temps
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2016, 03:01:26 AM »
Karl,
The 02 Pats were offered with both the 330 (3126B?) and a 400 HP (C9?). The temps listed are high for the 3126 but, if my 07 C9 is any indication, the temps are OK for the C9. Another  02 C9 owner could probably confirm.
Steve
« Last Edit: July 28, 2016, 04:12:40 AM by Steve Huber Co-Admin »
Steve
Coachless
2015- 6/24  07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

D. Wendal Attig

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Re: ABS Brake Light? Running Temps
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2016, 07:38:34 PM »
Had the servicing tech check and the ABS sensor just needed to be pushed back into normal position. No problems or lights or high temps on the trip from Colorado to Western NY, so it seems like this problem is solved.  The tech also checked and reported no brake damage and that they looked good at just over 50%.
Thanks for your help.