ABS EQUIPPED VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
Anti-Lock Brakes provide the driver with some
steering control during hard braking. However there
are conditions where the system does not provide any
benefit. In particular, hydroplaning is still possible
when the tires ride on a film of water. Hydroplaning
results in the vehicle tires leaving the road surface
rendering the vehicle almost uncontrollable. In addi-
tion, extreme steering maneuvers at high speed or
high speed cornering beyond limits of tire adhesion
to the road surface may cause vehicle skidding. So,
the ABS system is termed Anti-Lock instead of Anti-
Skid. One of the significant benefits of the ABS system is
that of maintaining steering control during hard
braking or during braking on slippery surfaces. It is
therefore possible to steer the vehicle while braking
on almost any road surface.
ABS SYSTEM SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
The ABS system has been designed with Self Diag-
nostic Capability. There are two self checks the sys-
tems performs every time the vehicle is started.
First, when the key is turned on the system performs
an electrical check called Start-Up Cycle. During this
check, the Red Brake Warning Lamp and the Amber
Anti-Lock Warning Lamp are illuminated. Then
turned off at the end of the test, after about 1 to 2
seconds. When the vehicle reaches a speed of about 3
to 4 miles per hour. The system performs a func-
tional check called Drive-Off. During Drive-Off. hy-
draulic valves are activated briefly to test their
function. Drive-Off can be detected as a series of
rapid clicks upon driving off the first time the car is
started. If the brake pedal is applied during Drive-
Off, the test is by-passed. Both of these conditions
are a normal part of the system self test. Most fault
conditions will set a ABS Fault Code in the (CAB),
which can be retrieved to aid in fault diagnosis. De-
tails can be found in Diagnosis Section.
ABS WARNING SYSTEMS OPERATION
The ABS system uses two methods for notifying
the driver of a system malfunction. These include the
standard Red Brake Warning Lamp and an Amber
Anti-Lock Warning Lamp, both located in the instru-
ment cluster. The purpose of these two lamps are dis-
cussed in detail below.
RED BRAKE WARNING LAMP
The Red Brake Warning Lamp, located in the in-
strument cluster, will Turn On to warn the driver of
brake system conditions that may result in reduced
braking ability. The lamp is also turned on when the
parking brake is not fully released. Conditions which
may cause the Red Brake Warning Lamp to Turn On
include: ²
Parking brake not fully released. If the parking
brake is applied or not fully released. The switch on the
parking brake pedal assembly will ground the Red
Brake Warning Lamp circuit and cause the lamp to
turn on. On vehicles equipped with mechanical instru-
ment clusters, the Amber Anti-Lock Lamp will turn on
if the vehicle is driven above 3 miles per hour with the
Parking Brake applied.
² Low brake fluid. The fluid level sensor in the hy-
draulic assembly reservoir will ground the Red Brake
Warning Lamp circuit if low brake fluid level is de-
tected. In addition, ABS will be deactivated above 3
miles per hour and the Amber Anti-Lock Warning
Lamp will be illuminated. If the vehicle is equipped
with EVIC, a low fluid condition will also cause the
Low Brake Fluid message to appear.
² Low Accumulator Pressure. In the event of low
accumulator pressure, the dual function pressure
switch in the hydraulic assembly will signal the (CAB)
to ground the Red Brake Warning Lamp circuit. This
will cause the Red Brake Warning Lamp to turn on.
Low accumulator pressure also results in the activa-
tion of the Yellow Anti-Lock Warning Lamp. Low accu-
mulator pressure may result in loss of power assist.
² Modulator Or (CAB) Faults. The modulator assem-
bly or (CAB) may turn on the Yellow Anti-Lock Warn-
ing Lamp, if certain faults are detected in either the
modulator assembly or the (CAB).
² Bulb check. As a bulb check, the Red Brake Warning
Lamp will illuminate whenever the ignition switch is
placed in the crank position. Illumination of the red Brake Warning Lamp
may indicate reduced braking ability. A vehicle
that has the Red Brake Warning Lamp ON should
not be driven except to do diagnostic procedures
described in Section 2 of this manual. Most con-
ditions that turn on the Red Brake Warning
Lamp will also turn on the Amber Anti-Lock
Warning Lamp, consequently disabling the Anti-
Lock function.
ANTI-LOCK WARNING LAMP
The Anti-Lock Warning Lamp is located in the in-
strument cluster and is Amber in color. The Amber
Anti-Lock Warning Lamp is illuminated when the
(CAB) detects a condition that results in a shutdown of
Anti-Lock function. The Amber Anti-Lock Warning
Lamp is normally on until the (CAB) completes its self
tests and turns the lamp off. For example, if the (CAB)
is disconnected, the lamp is on. Display of the Amber Anti-Lock Warning Lamp
without the Red Brake Warning Lamp indicates
only that Anti-Lock function has been disabled.
Power assisted normal braking is unaffected.
Ä ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 75
stant velocity joint housings. The rear Tone Wheels
are serviced as an assembly with the rear disc brake
rotor hub. Correct Anti-Lock System operation is dependent
on wheel speed signals from the wheel speed sensors.
The vehicles' wheels and tires must all be the same
size and type to generate accurate signals. In addi-
tion, the tires must be inflated to the recommended
pressures for optimum system operation. Variations
in wheel and tire size or significant variations in in-
flation pressure can produce inaccurate wheel speed
signals.
CONTROLLER ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (CAB)
The Anti-Lock Brake Controller is a small micro-
processor based device that monitors the brake sys- tem and controls the system while it functions in
Anti-Lock Mode. The CAB is located under the bat-
tery tray and is mounted to the left frame rail (Fig.
7) and uses a 60-way system connector. The power
source for the CAB is through the ignition switch to
pin 60 of the controller. With the ignition in the
RUN or ON position. IF THE (ABS) CONTROL-
LER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BE SURE THE
CORRECT CONTROLLER IS USED. THE CON-
TROLLER ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (CAB) IS NOT
ON THE CCD BUS
Fig. 5 Rear Wheel Speed Sensor
Fig. 4 Front Wheel Speed Sensor
Fig. 6 Rear Tone Wheel
Fig. 7 Location Controller Anti-Lock Brake (CAB)
5 - 80 ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM Ä
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
WARNING: SOME OPERATIONS IN THIS SECTION
REQUIRE THAT HYDRAULIC TUBES, HOSES AND
FITTINGS BE DISCONNECTED FOR INSPECTION
OR TESTING PURPOSES. THIS BRAKE SYSTEM
USES A HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR THAT, WHEN
FULLY CHARGED, CONTAINS BRAKE FLUID AT
HIGH PRESSURE. BEFORE DISCONNECTING ANY
HYDRAULIC TUBE, HOSE OR FITTING. BE SURE
THAT THE ACCUMULATOR IS FULLY DE-PRES-
SURIZED AS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION. FAIL-
URE TO DE-PRESSURIZE THE ACCUMULATOR
MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DAM-
AGE TO PAINTED SURFACES.
CAUTION: Certain components of the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) are not intended to be serviced
individually. Attempting to remove or disconnect
certain system components, may result in personal
injury and/or improper system operation. Only
those components with approved removal, service
and installation procedures described in this man-
ual should be serviced.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This section contains information necessary to di-
agnosis mechanical conditions that can affect opera-
tion of the Bendix Anti-Lock 10 Brake System.
Specifically, this section should be used to help diag-
nose mechanical conditions that result in any of the
following:
CAUTION: Review this entire section before per-
forming any mechanical work on a vehicle equipped
with the Bendix Anti-Lock 10 brake system. For in-
formation on precautions pertaining to potential
component damage, vehicle damage and personal
injury.
(1) Anti-Lock warning lamp illuminated
(2) BRAKE warning lamp on
(3) Lack of Power Assist or Excessive Pedal Travel
(4) Brakes Lock on Hard Application
Diagnosis of conditions that are obviously mechan-
ical in nature. Such as brake noise, brake pulsation,
or vehicle vibration during normal braking. Should
be directed to Group 5 Brakes in the service manual.
This also pertains to problems involving the parking
brake system.
Fig. 13 Hold Pressure - Hydraulic Control
Ä ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 87
(11) Remove all special tools previously installed,
from the ABS hydraulic assembly. (12) Install accumulator port plug into hydraulic
assembly. Torque accumulator port plug to 12 N Im(9
ft. lbs.). (13) Install high pressure brake hose from the
pump motor assembly into hydraulic fitting on ABS
hydraulic assembly. Torque high pressure brake hose
tube nut to 16 N Im (145 in. lbs.).
(14) Turn ignition switch to the run position to en-
ergize the pump/motor assembly and pressurize hy-
draulic system. Check for leakage at the hydraulic
assembly to hydraulic bladder accumulator fitting. (15) Again de-pressurize accumulator by pumping
brake pedal a minimum of 40 times. Use procedure
described in De-Pressurizing Hydraulic Accumulator
in this section of the service manual. (16) Then check the brake fluid level in the hy-
draulic assembly reservoir. If brake fluid level is low,
fill reservoir to proper level with Mopar tbrake fluid
or equivalent conforming to DOT 3 requirements.
INTERMITTENT FAULTS
As with almost any electronic system, intermittent
faults in the ABS system may be difficult to accu-
rately diagnose. Most intermittent faults are caused by faulty elec-
trical connections or wiring. When an intermittent
fault is encountered, check suspect circuits for: (1) Poor mating of electrical connector halves, or
electrical terminals not fully seated in the connector
body. (2) Improperly formed or damaged electrical termi-
nals. All connector terminals in a suspect circuit
should be carefully reformed to increase contact ten-
sion. (3) Poor terminal to wire connection. This requires
removing the terminal from the connector body and
inspecting for proper terminal to wire connection. If a visual check does not find the cause of the
problem, operate the vehicle in an attempt to dupli-
cate the condition and record the Fault Code. Most failures of the ABS system will disable the
Anti-Lock function for the entire ignition cycle even
if the fault clears before ignition key-off. There are
some failure conditions however, which will allow
ABS operation to resume during the ignition cycle in
which a failure occurred. If the failure conditions are
no longer present. The following conditions may result in intermittent
illumination of the Red Brake Warning Lamp and/or
Amber Anti-Lock Warning Lamp. All other failures
will cause the lamp(s) to remain on until the ignition
switch is turned off. Circuits and or components in-
volving these inputs to the (CAB) should be investi-
gated if a complaint of intermittent warning system
operation is encountered. ²
Low system voltage. If low system voltage is de-
tected by the (CAB), the (CAB) will turn on the Am-
ber Anti-Lock Warning Lamp until normal system
voltage is achieved. Once normal voltage is seen at
the (CAB), normal operation resumes.
² Low Brake Fluid. A low brake fluid condition will
cause the Red Brake Warning Lamp to illuminate.
When the fluid sensor again indicates an acceptable
fluid level, the Red Brake Warning Lamp will go out.
This condition may exist during hard cornering or
while the vehicle is on a grade. If the vehicle is in
motion above 3 M.P.H. the Amber Anti-Lock Warn-
ing Lamp will also be turned on.
² Low Accumulator Pressure. Low Accumulator
Pressure will cause both the Red Brake Warning and
Amber Anti-Lock Warning Lamps to illuminate.
Once normal operating pressure is achieved, the
lamps will extinguish and the system will return to
normal operation. Additionally, any condition that results in an inter-
ruption of power to the (CAB) or hydraulic assembly.
May cause the Red Brake Warning and Amber Anti-
Lock Warning Lamps to illuminate intermittently. All the conditions (or faults) mentioned above, can
store a fault code in the (CAB) module.
ABS BRAKE SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES
SYSTEM SELF DIAGNOSIS
The ABS system is equipped with a diagnostic ca-
pability that may be used to assist in isolation of
ABS faults. The features of the diagnostics system
are described below.
CONTROLLER ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (CAB)
Fault codes are kept in a Non-Volatile memory un-
til either erased by the technician using the DRB II
or erased automatically after 50 ignition cycles (key
ON-OFF cycles). The only fault that will not be
erased after 50 (KEY CYCLES) is the (CAB) fault.
The (CAB) fault can only be erased by using the
DRB II diagnostic tester. More than one fault can be
stored at a time. The number of key cycles since the
most recent fault was stored is also displayed. Most
functions of the (CAB) and (ABS) system can be ac-
cessed by the technician for testing and diagnostic
purposes by using the DRB II Diagnostic Tester.
START-UP CYCLE
The START-UP CYCLE takes place immediately
after the ignition switch is turned on. It is an elec-
trical check of basic electrical functions such as the
System Relay and Anti-Lock Warning Lamp Relay.
During this check, the Amber Anti-Lock Warning
Lamp is turned on, then turned off at the end of the
test. The test takes approximatel y1-2seconds to
complete.
5 - 92 ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM Ä
(7) Install high pressure hose to hydraulic assem-
bly (Fig. 7). Tighten the hose, to hydraulic assembly
fitting to 16 N Im (145 in. lbs)
(8) Fill hydraulic assembly brake fluid reservoir to
top of screen on the reservoir filter/strainer Fig. 9.
(9) Connect all electrical connectors to the hydrau-
lic assembly. (10) Bleed the entire brake system, see Bleeding
Brake System in this section of the Service Manual. (11) Replace all fresh air intake ducts, air cleaner
and washer bottle. (12) Check that the brake fluid in the hydraulic
assembly is at the correct level before moving vehicle
(Fig. 9). (See Checking Brake Fluid Level in this sec-
tion of the service manual).
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
REMOVE
(1) Fully de-pressurize the hydraulic accumulator
by pumping brake pedal a minimum of 40 times. Use
procedure described in De-Pressurizing Hydraulic Ac-
cumulator listed earlier in this section.
WARNING: FAILURE TO DE-PRESSURIZE HYDRAU-
LIC ACCUMULATOR, BEFORE PERFORMING THIS
OPERATION, MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY
AND/OR DAMAGE TO PAINTED SURFACES.
(2) Remove as much brake fluid as possible from
the fluid reservoir, using a syringe or equivalent
method. (3) Using Oil Filter Band Wrench, Special Tool
C-4065 or equivalent loosen bladder accumulator. Then remove the bladder accumulator and brake
fluid spray shield from the hydraulic assembly (Fig.
10). Remove high pressure banjo fitting from hydrau-
lic assembly.
(4) Using needle nose pliers, remove the three
fluid reservoir retaining pins from the hydraulic as-
sembly (Fig. 11). Compress the barb on the opposite
side of retaining pin to prevent pin from breaking.
(5) Remove reservoir from hydraulic assembly by
CAREFULLY prying between reservoir and hydrau-
Fig. 9 ABS Fill Level On Filter/Strainer
Fig. 10 Removing Bladder Accumulator
Fig. 11 Remove Reservoir Retaining Pins
Ä ANTI-LOCK 10 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 99
CONTROLLER ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (CAB)
The (CAB) (Fig. 5) is a small control computer
which receives wheel speed information, controls An-
ti-Lock operation and monitors system operation.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES OPERATION AND
PERFORMANCE
This Anti-Lock Braking System represents the cur-
rent state-of-the-art in vehicle braking systems and
offers the driver increased safety and control during
braking. This is accomplished by a sophisticated sys-
tem of electrical and hydraulic components. As a re-
sult, there are a few performance characteristics that
may at first seem different but should be considered
normal. These characteristics are discussed below.
More technical details are discussed further in this
section.
PEDAL FEEL
Since the Bendix Anti-Lock 6 Braking System uses
the conventional Booster/Master Cylinder. The brake
pedal feel during normal braking is the same as con-
ventional Non ABS equipped cars. When Anti-Lock is activated during hard braking
due to a wheel lockup tendency. Brake pedal effort
will increase do to the master cylinder pressure be-
ing isolated from the brake system. Some brake
pedal movement and associated noises may be felt
and herd by the driver. This is normal of a Anti-Lock
Braking System due to pressurized fluid being trans-
ferred to and from the wheel brakes.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM OPERATION
During Anti-Lock Braking, brake pressures are
modulated by cycling electric solenoid valves. The cy-
cling of these valves can be faintly heard as a series
of popping or ticking noises. In addition, the cycling
may be felt as a pulsation in the brake pedal, al-
though no pedal movement will be noticed. If Anti-
Lock Operation occurs during hard braking, some pulsation may be felt in the vehicle body due to fore
and aft movement of the suspension as brake pres-
sures are modulated.
Although ABS operation is available at virtually
all vehicle speeds. It will automatically turn off at
speeds below 3 to 5 mph. Wheel lockup may be per-
ceived at the very end of an anti lock stop and is con-
sidered normal.
TIRE NOISE & MARKS
Although the ABS system prevents complete wheel
lock-up, some wheel slip is desired in order to
achieve optimum braking performance. During brake
pressure modulation, as brake pressure is increased,
wheel slip is allowed to reach up to 30%. This means
that the wheel rolling velocity is 30% less than that
of a free rolling wheel at a given vehicle speed. This
slip may result in some tire chirping, depending on
the road surface. This sound should not be inter-
preted as total wheel lock-up. Complete wheel lock up normally leaves black tire
marks on dry pavement. The Anti-Lock Braking Sys-
tem will not leave dark black tire marks since the
wheel never reaches a locked condition. Tire marks
may however be noticeable as light patched marks.
VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
Anti-Lock Brakes provide the driver with some
steering control during hard braking, however there
are conditions where the system does not provide any
benefit. In particular, hydroplaning is still possible
when the tires ride on a film of water. This results in
the vehicles tires leaving the road surface rendering
the vehicle virtually uncontrollable. In addition, ex-
treme steering maneuvers at high speed or high
speed cornering beyond the limits of tire adhesion to
the road surface may cause vehicle skidding, inde-
pendent of vehicle braking. For this reason, the ABS
system is termed Anti-Lock instead of Anti-Skid.
SYSTEM SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
The Bendix Anti-Lock 6 Brake System has been
designed with the following self diagnostics capabil-
ity. The self diagnostic ABS startup cycle begins when
the ignition switch is in the on position. An electrical
check is completed on the ABS components such as
Wheel Speed Sensor Continuity and System and
other Relay continuity. During this check the Amber
Anti-Lock Light is on for approximately 1-2 seconds. Further Functional testing is accomplished once
the vehicle is set in motion. (1) The solenoid valves and the pump/motor are ac-
tivated briefly to verify function. (2) The voltage output from the wheel speed sen-
sors is verified to be within the correct operating
range.
Fig. 5 Controller Anti-Lock Brake (CAB)
Ä ANTI-LOCK 6 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 115
PROPORTIONING VALVES
Two Proportioning Valves (Fig. 3) are used in the
system, one for each rear brake hydraulic circuit.
The Proportioning Valves function the same as in a
standard brake system. The Proportioning Valves are
located on the bottom of the hydraulic assembly (Fig.
1). They are the same screw in type as the ones used
on the Bendix Anti-Lock 10 and Bosh Anti-Lock
Brake systems.
WHEEL SPEED SENSORS
One Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS), is located at each
wheel (Fig. 4 and 5), and sends a small (AC) signal
to the control module (CAB). This signal is generated
by magnetic induction. The magnetic induction is
created, when a toothed sensor ring Tone Wheel (Fig.
6) passes a stationary magnetic Wheel Speed Sensor.
The (CAB) converts the (AC) signal generated at
each wheel into a digital signal. If a wheel locking
tendency is detected, the (CAB) will then modulate
hydraulic pressure to prevent the wheel(s) from lock-
ing. The front Wheel Speed Sensor is attached to a boss
in the steering knuckle (Fig. 4). The tone wheel is
part of the outboard constant velocity joint. The rear
Wheel Speed Sensor is mounted to the caliper adap-
tor (Fig. 5) and the rear tone wheel is an integral
part of the rear wheel hub (Fig. 6). The speed sensor
air gap is NOT adjustable. The four Wheel Speed Sensors are serviced individ-
ually. The front Tone Wheels are serviced as an as-
sembly with the outboard constant velocity joint. The
rear Tone Wheels are serviced as an assembly with
the rear brake hub. Correct Anti-Lock system operation is dependent
on the vehicle's wheel speed signals, that are gener-
ated by the Wheel Speed Sensors. The vehicle's
wheels and tires must all be the same size and type
to generate accurate signals. In addition, the tires
must be inflated to the recommended pressures for
optimum system operation. Variations in wheel and
tire size or significant variations in inflation pres-
sure can produce inaccurate wheel speed signals.
Fig. 3 Proportioning Valve Identification
Fig. 4 Front Wheel Speed Sensor
Fig. 5 Rear Wheel Speed Sensor
5 - 118 ANTI-LOCK 6 BRAKE SYSTEM Ä
ABS BRAKING-DECAY PRESSURE
ISOLATION VALVES Closed, isolating the wheel brakes from the master
cylinder primary and secondary fluid supplies (Fig.
3)
BUILD/DECAY VALVES
Open, allowing release of fluid pressure through
decay valve to the fluid reservoir. Which gets
pumped into the accumulator for the build pressure
cycle (Fig. 3).
ABS BRAKE SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING: SOME OPERATIONS IN THIS SECTION
REQUIRE THAT HYDRAULIC TUBES, HOSES AND
FITTINGS BE DISCONNECTED FOR INSPECTION
OR TESTING PURPOSES.
CAUTION: REVIEW THIS ENTIRE SECTION PRIOR
TO PERFORMING ANY MECHANICAL WORK ON A
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE BENDIX ANTI-LOCK
6 BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS SECTION CONTAINS IN-
FORMATION ON PRECAUTIONS PERTAINING TO
POTENTIAL COMPONENT DAMAGE, VEHICLE DAM- AGE AND PERSONAL INJURY WHICH COULD RE-
SULT WHEN SERVICING AN ABS EQUIPPED
VEHICLE.
CAUTION: Certain components of the Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) are not intended to be serviced
individually. Attempting to remove or disconnect
certain system components, may result in personal
injury and/or improper system operation. Only
those components with approved removal and in-
stallation procedures in this manual should be ser-
viced.
This section contains information necessary to di-
agnosis mechanical conditions which can affect oper-
ation of the Bendix Anti-Lock 6 Brake System.
Specifically, this section should be used to help diag-
nose mechanical conditions which result in any of
the following: (1) Anti-Lock Warning Lamp turned on.
(2) Brakes Lock on Hard Application
Diagnosis of conditions which are obviously me-
chanical in nature. Such as brake noise, brake pulsa-
tion, lack of power assist, turning on of the Red
Brake Warning Lamp or vehicle vibration during
normal braking. Should be directed to Group 5
Brakes in this service manual. This also pertains to
problems involving the parking brake system.
Fig. 3 Decay Pressure - Hydraulic Control
Ä ANTI-LOCK 6 BRAKE SYSTEM 5 - 123