As of this morning, my ABS & VSA light would not turn off when I start the car. I've taken it to the dealer and they said that a diagnosis would cost $130. *IF* they find out that it's an extended warranty item, then the cost is free...BUT if they can't apply their extended warranty on it, then I'm responsible for everything.

I took it to a non-Acura mechanic and all he did was check to see if the break fluid was full and it was. Funny thing is when I started the car the lights came off. Happy as I was, I decided to test the ABS in a closed parking lot and sure enough it worked ONCE...then immediately after that the lights turned on again.

Normally when you engage the ABS, you would hear the pumps fill back up, but in my case it didn't, and now the lights are remain lit. Does anyone have an idea on what can cause this? This is the first time it has EVER happened and I'm worried that the car is finally showing it's age.


FYI...this is a 2002 TLS with stock brakes.

 

a 2002 finally showing its age... lol.

Shouldn't the obd-2 show a code for this???

 

that sonds like a brake, or abs related problem (sensor/computer). if you are past your warranty and have an extended warranty see if it covers stuff on the braking system, ie electrical compononts. odds are you are going to need to have service work done so you might as well bite the bullet and bring her in. it might end up being something they would cover any way

 

does your car still do the abs selftest at around 5 and 15mph? you know that buzzing vibration thingy.

 

Update...thanks for the ideas guys...but I think taking it to the dealer to have them diagnose it, to tell me it is a minor fix and later get stuck with the bill because they didn't actually do any warranty repair is unacceptable. So *IF* I was to go that route, I would have to MAKE SURE an extended warranty item is at fault so everything would be covered (even the diagnostic bill).

BUT...to update my scenario, the ABS light turns off intermittently. As of this morning it was on...but after a few freeway miles it shut itself off. Then, I tested it out by applying the ABS twice in a row and the light would still not come on, although last night engaging the ABS once would turn the light on. I'll find out more later this evening.

I'm starting to think that maybe it may be a comtaminated brake fluid issue. As in dirt may be getting stuck on the sensor that's in the bake fluid reservoir. Reason why I *think this is the case is because everytime I mess with the brake fluid cap, the ABS lights would turn off a couple of hours later. Does this may any sense?

 

i dont think it would be a problem with dirt. if it was it would start plugging and or causing ohter troubles other than a sensor. your brake pedal feel would be alot different. the abs sensors arent in the fluid. im guessing its a sensor problem though.
how many miles do you have on the car that its not a warranty issue?

 

75k miles...so I'll basically be using my extended warranty. As for the cost...I'm not worried if the expensive stuff breaks...I'm worried that the dealer would charge me for the $130 diagnostic fee if all they found out was a loose connector that apperantly my brackets pulled apart when they broke. That's why I need to make sure everything is in order when I decide to bring her in.

The last thing I want to hear from them is..."It's YOUR FAULT".

 

Is this an Acura extended warranty or 3rd party?

 

The first one....Acura extended warranty

 

I'm at a loss as to why they would charge you. The Acura extended warranty should cover it, just like the regular 4/50 warranty would.

 

I just learned something new today when trying to get my ABS issue fixed through extended warranty (on top of mirror replacement {which probably wont be covered}, full brake fluid flush {which I'm paying for}, driver seat headrest issue & oil jet kit installation).

Apperantly, if you've exceeded your original 4yr/50k mile warranty, you are no longer eligible of receiving an Acura loaner vehicle.

Not really believing the dealer, I went ahead and made a call to the Acura Care service hotline. What they told me was that as long as the service I'm trying to do is covered by extended warranty, I am eligible for "rental car reimbursement". Again, not sure what to make of it, I went and called ANOTHER dealer and explained my situation, since I was really wanted a 2004 TL loaner. ;D

Well, the 2nd dealer verified that the 1st was not BS'ing me and that regardless of which dealer I go to, unless that dealership is willing to take a loss & pay for a loaner, it is not in Acura's policy to ever give out Acura loaners past the factory warranty period. They could however arrange for a rental car, but if for whatever reason they find out that the extended warranty cannot be applied, I would have to be financially responsible for both the rental car & the diagnostic fees.

I guess now I'm starting to realize why people buy new cars every 3-4 years or so just so they can stay within their original warranty coverage. BTW...my appointment is for Saturday since I chose not to get a rental.

 

my dealer could care less if im under warranty. if i were to bring my car in and ask for a loaner they would give me one

 

DO NOT PAY FOR THE REAR VIEW MIRROR.

there was a thread recently about someone going directly to the manufacturer of the mirrors and they sent them a new one for FREE. search the threads from like the past week and you should find it.

 

it was on the first page

https://acurazine.com/forums/motorsports-news-7/townsen-bell-98801/

 

RE: Loaners, my dealer has a fleet of dozens of Acura loaners, and any customer needing more thand an hour of work gets a loaner. They have no '04 or '05 TLs unfortunately, but their TSXs adn RSXs are all fresh. I'd find a different dealer. I changed dealers in large part because of the loaner policy. Vandergriff used old loaners and never had enough, BESIDES the fact you had to arrange a loaner in advance.

I had a question about your brake problem. You said you could usually hear the pumps fill back up after an ABS test. What pumps are you talking about?

 

Just so you know for future reference, your brake fluid cap and your ABS light are no way related. Do yourself a favor and have a dealer you trust diagnose your car. Good luck!!

 

If memory serves, the Acura extended warranty provides for a loaner.

 

yea.i drop off my TL for leaking fuel in engine .And i got a 04 TL with 150 miles on it. and return it with more than 680miles on it after 3 days and 2 night.