
ABS BRAKE DIAGNOSIS
INDEX
page page
ABS Fault Diagnosis....................... 4
ABS System Wiring and Electrical Circuits...... 4
ABS Warning Light Display.................. 3
Brake Warning Light Display................. 4
Diagnosis Procedures...................... 3
ECU Diagnosis........................... 4
HCU Diagnosis........................... 4Loss of Sensor Input....................... 3
Operating Sound Levels.................... 3
Rear Speed Sensor Air Gap................. 3
Steering Response........................ 3
Vehicle Response in Antilock Mode............ 3
Wheel/Tire Size and Input Signals............. 3
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURES
ABS diagnosis involves three basic steps. First is
observation of the warning light display. Second is a
visual examination for low fluid level, leaks, parking
brakes applied, or obvious damage to system compo-
nents or wires. The third step involves using the
DRB II scan tool to identify a faulty component.
The visual examination requires a check of reser-
voir fluid level and all system components. Things to
look for are leaks, loose connections, or obvious com-
ponent damage.
The final diagnosis step involves using the DRB II
scan tool to determine the specific circuit or compo-
nent at fault. The tester is connected to the ABS di-
agnostic connector in the passenger compartment.
The connector is at the driver side of the center con-
sole under the instrument panel. Refer to the DRB II
scan tool Manual for tester procedures. Also refer to
the ABS Fault Diagnosis charts at the end of this
section for additional diagnosis information.
Initial faults should be cleared and the vehicle road
tested to reset any faults that remain in the system.
Faults can be cleared with the DRB II scan tool.
REAR SPEED SENSOR AIR GAP
The front wheel sensors are fixed and cannot be ad-
justed. Only the rear sensor air gap is adjustable. Air
gap must be set with a brass feeler gauge.
Correct air gap is important to proper signal gen-
eration. An air gap that is too large may cause com-
plete loss of sensor input. Or, a gap that is too small
could produce a false input signal, or damaging con-
tact between the sensor and tone ring.
WHEEL/TIRE SIZE AND INPUT SIGNALS
Antilock system operation is dependant on accurate
signals from the wheel speed sensors. Ideally, the ve-
hicle wheels and tires should all be the same size
and type. However, the Jeep ABS system is designed
to function with a compact spare tire installed.
OPERATING SOUND LEVELS
The ABS pump and solenoid valves may produce
some sound as they cycle on and off. This is a normal
condition and should not be mistaken for faulty oper-
ation.
VEHICLE RESPONSE IN ANTILOCK MODE
During antilock braking, the HCU solenoid valves
cycle rapidly in response to ECU inputs.
The driver will experience a pulsing sensation
within the vehicle as the solenoids decrease, hold, or
increase pressure as needed. A pulsing brake pedal
will also be noted.
The pulsing sensation occurs as the solenoids cycle
during antilock mode braking. A slight pulse in the
brake pedal may also be noted during the dynamic
self check part of system initialization.
STEERING RESPONSE
A modest amount of steering input is required dur-
ing extremely high deceleration braking, or when
braking on differing traction surfaces. An example of
differing traction surfaces would be when the left
side wheels are on ice and the right side wheels are
on dry pavement.
LOSS OF SENSOR INPUT
Sensor malfunctions will most likely be due to
loose connections, damaged sensor wires, incorrect
rear sensor air gap, or a malfunctioning sensor. Ad-
ditional causes of sensor faults would be sensor and
tone ring misalignment or damage.
ABS WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY
ABS Light Illuminates At Startup
The amber ABS light illuminates at startup as
part of the system self check feature. The light illu-
minates for 2-3 seconds then goes off as part of the
normal self check routine.
ABS Light Remains On After Startup
An ABS system fault is indicated when the light
remains on after startup. Diagnosis with the DRB II
JBRAKES 5 - 3

scan tool will be necessary to determine which ABS
component has malfunctioned.
ABS Light Illuminates During Brake Stop
A system fault such as loss of speed sensor signal
or solenoid failure, will cause the amber warning
light to illuminate. The most effective procedure here
is to check for obvious damage first. Then check the
electronic components with the DRB II scan tool.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAY
The red brake warning light and the ABS light op-
erate independently. If the red light remains on after
startup or illuminates during a brake stop, refer to
the standard brake system diagnosis section. Either
the parking brakes are applied, or a wheel brake
malfunction has occurred.
ECU DIAGNOSIS
The ECU controls all phases of antilock system op-
eration. It also differentiates between normal and an-
tilock mode braking.
The ECU monitors and processes the signals gen-
erated from all of the system sensors at all times.
The ECU program includes a self check routine
that tests each of the system components. The self
check occurs during both phases of the initialization
program. A failure of the self check program will
cause the immediate illumination of the amber warn-
ing light. The light will also illuminate if a solenoid
or other system component fails during the dynamic
phase of initialization.
If a system malfunction should occur, do not imme-
diately replace the ECU. A blown system fuse, bad
chassis ground, or loss of feed voltage will each cause
a system malfunction similar to an ECU failure.
Never replace the ECU unless diagnosis with the
DRB II scan tool indicates this is necessary.
HCU DIAGNOSIS
The HCU pump and motor and solenoid valve body
are serviced only as an assembly. The HCU assembly
should not be replaced unless a fault has actually
been confirmed. Verify fault conditions with the DRB
II scan tool before proceeding with repair.
ABS SYSTEM WIRING AND ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
Location of the ABS fuse (in the fuse panel) is
shown in Figure 1. The engine compartment harness
routing for the ABS components is shown in Figure 2.
ABS FAULT DIAGNOSIS
The fault diagnosis chart provides additional infor-
mation on potential ABS system faults. Use the
chart as a guide when diagnosing a system problem.
Fig. 1 ABS Fuse Location
5 - 4 BRAKESJ

other side. When coolant temperature is too high the
switch closes providing a path to ground, and the indi-
cator bulb lights.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer displays the engine speed (RPM).
With the engine running, the tachometer receives an
engine speed signal from the Powertrain Control
Module pin 43 (values shown in Specifications chart).
SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER SYSTEM
The speedometer/odometer system consists of an elec-
tric speedometer and pushbutton reset odometer
mounted in the cluster. The system also includes the
wire harness from the cluster to the vehicle speed sen-
sor at the transmission, and the adapter and pinion in
the transmission. A signal is sent from a transmission
mounted vehicle speed sensor to the speedometer/odom-
eter circuitry through the wiring harness. Refer to
Group 21 - Transmission for selecting the proper pinion,
and selecting and indexing the proper adapter.
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge pointer position is controlled by a
magnetic field created by electrical current flow through
the coils within the gauge. A change in current flow will
change the magnetic field which changes the pointer po-
sition. The fuel level sender is a variable resistor that
changes electrical resistance with a change of the level
of fuel in the tank (values shown in Specifications
chart).
LOW FUEL WARNING LAMP
The low fuel warning lamp will light when the fuel
level falls below approximately 4 gallons. A low fuel
warning module controls when the lamp will light.
When the module senses 66.5 ohms or less from the
fuel level sender for 10 continuous seconds, the lamp
will light. The lamp will remain on until the module
senses 63.5 ohms or more from the fuel level sender
for 20 continuous seconds.
UPSHIFT INDICATOR LAMP
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions have an
optional upshift indicator lamp. The lamp is controlled
by the Powertrain Control Module. The lamp lights to
indicate when the driver should shift to the next high-
est gear for best fuel economy. The Powertrain Control
Module will turn the lamp off after 3 to 5 seconds if the
upshift is not performed. The lamp will remain off until
the vehicle stops accelerating and is brought back to the
range of lamp operation or shifted into another gear.
The indicator lamp is normally illuminated when
the ignition switch is turned ON and is turned off
when the engine is started. The lamp will be lighted
during engine operation according to engine speed
and load.
BRAKE INDICATOR LAMP
The brake indicator lamp warns the driver that the
parking brake is applied or that hydraulic pressure in
the split brake system is unequal.
Voltage is supplied through the brake indicator
bulb to 3 switches. A path to ground for the current
is available if:
²The brake warning switch is closed (with unequal
brake system hydraulic pressures), or
²
The ignition switch is in the START position (to test
the bulb), or
²The park brake switch is closed (with the parking
brake applied).
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) INDICATOR
LAMP
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) lamp lights to in-
dicate a system self-check is in process at vehicle
start-up. If light remains on after start-up or comes
on and stays on while driving, it may indicate that
the ABS system has detected a malfunction or has
become inoperative.
4WD INDICATOR LAMP
COMMAND-TRAC 4WD
The PART TIME lamp lights when the vehicle is en-
gaged in four-wheel drive mode. Voltage is supplied to
one side of the indicator bulb. A switch in the transfer
case area is connected to the other side of the indicator
bulb. When the switch is closed, a path to ground is pro-
vided and the indicator bulb lights.
SELECT-TRAC 4WD
The four-wheel drive icon or FULL TIME lamp
lights when the vehicle is engaged in full time four-
wheel drive mode. The PART TIME lamp lights when
the vehicle is in part time four-wheel drive mode.
Voltage is supplied to one side of the indicators.
Switches in the transfer case area are connected to
the other side of the indicator bulbs. When a switch
is closed, a path to ground is provided and the indi-
cator bulb lights.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (CHECK ENGINE)
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine)
lights each time the ignition switch is turned ON and
stays on for 3 seconds as a bulb test.
If the PCM receives an incorrect signal or no signal
from certain sensors or emission related systems the
lamp is turned on (pin 32 of PCM). This is a warning
that the PCM has recorded a system or sensor mal-
function. In some cases when a diagnostic trouble
code is declared the PCM will go into a limp-in mode
in an attempt to keep the system operating. It sig-
nals an immediate need for service.
The lamp also can be used to display diagnostic
trouble codes (DTC). Cycle the ignition switch ON,
OFF, ON, OFF, ON within 5 seconds. This will allow
any trouble codes stored in the PCM memory to be
displayed in a series of flashes representing digits.
8E - 2 XJ INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESJ

DIAGNOSINGÐALL LAMPS OUT
(1) Inspect fuse #9. Replace as required.
(2) Measure voltage at instrument cluster connec-
tor terminal 20. Meter should read zero ohms. If not,
repair open to ground.
UPSHIFT INDICATOR LAMP
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions have
an optional upshift indicator lamp. The lamp is con-
trolled by the PCM. The lamp lights to indicate when
the driver should shift to the next highest gear for best
fuel economy. The PCM will turn the lamp off after 3 to
5 seconds if the upshift is not performed. The lamp will
remain off until the vehicle stops accelerating and is
brought back to the range of lamp operation or shifted
into another gear.
The indicator lamp is normally illuminated when
the ignition switch is turned ON and it is turned off
when the engine is started. The lamp will be lighted
during engine operation according to engine speed
and load.
(1) Turn ignition switch to ON.
(2) Ground pin 2 of cluster connector. Lamp should
light. If not, replace bulb. If OK, continue with step 3.
(3) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Check for conti-
nuity between cluster connector pin 2 and pin 54 of
the PCM. If not, repair open. If OK, refer to DRB
scan tool actuator test of upshift indicator.
BRAKE INDICATOR LAMP
The brake indicator is a dual function lamp. It will in-
dicate an unequal pressure condition in the split brake
hydraulic system and it also will indicate when the park-
ing brake is engaged. Separate switches are used for each
indicator lamp function. A switch mounted on the brake
pedal assembly will close a ground circuit whenever the
parking brakes are applied. A second switch is installed
in the brake hydraulic lines near the master cylinder. If
the switch is balanced by equal pressure on both ends of
the switch valve, the valve remains centered and the
lamp remains off. If the valve is shifted by unequal pres-
sure between the front or rear brake hydraulic systems,
the lamp circuit is connected to ground. To make sure
the brake lamp is functional before the vehicle is driven,
it is illuminated through a ground circuit when the igni-
tion switch is turned to the START position.
(1) Turn ignition switch to ON.
(2) Ground pin 1 of the cluster connector. Lamp
should light. If not, replace bulb. If OK, continue
with step 3.
(3) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Check for continuity to
park brake switch and brake warning switch.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (CHECK ENGINE)
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine) il-
luminates each time the ignition switch is turned
ON and stays on for 3 seconds as a bulb test.If the PCM receives an incorrect signal or no signal
from certain sensors or emission related systems the
lamp is turned on (pin 32 of PCM). This is a warning
that the PCM has recorded a system or sensor mal-
function. In some cases when a diagnostic fault is de-
clared the PCM will go into a limp-in mode in an
attempt to keep the system operating. It signals an
immediate need for service.
The lamp also can be used to display diagnostic
trouble codes (DTC). Cycle the ignition switch ON,
OFF, ON, OFF, ON within 5 seconds. This will allow
any DTC's stored in the PCM memory to be dis-
played in a series of flashes representing digits.
(1) Turn ignition switch to ON.
(2) Ground pin 4 of cluster connector. Lamp should
light. If not, replace bulb. If OK, continue with step 3.
(3) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Check for conti-
nuity between cluster connector pin 4 and PCM cav-
ity 32. If OK, replace PCM. If not, repair open.
SEAT BELT REMINDER LAMP
Apply 12 volts to terminal 16 of cluster connector.
Lamp should light. If not, replace bulb. If OK, check
wiring for an open to buzzer module. Refer to Group
8U - Chime/Buzzer Warning Systems.
INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION LAMPS
The instrument panel illumination lamps share
two common connections. There is a splice after fuse
#10 that connects the lamps to battery feed. There is
also a splice that connects all lamps to ground. Be-
cause they share these common connection points in
a parallel circuit, the illumination lamps will all
come on at the same time. It also means one or more
lamps can be out without affecting the operation of
the other lamps.
On the battery side of the circuit, the headlamp
switch illumination rheostat/switch and panel lamps
fuse receive battery feed in series from the park/tail
fuse. In the park lamp position, the headlamp switch
completes the circuit from the park/tail fuse to the il-
lumination rheostat/switch and panel lamps fuse.
The illumination rheostat contains a variable resis-
tor that allows the driver to vary illumination inten-
sity from off to full brightness.
DIAGNOSIS
(1) Turn parking lamps ON.
(2) Check fuse #10. Replace as required.
(3) Measure voltage at battery side of fuse #10
with rheostat turned counterclockwise to clockwise
(LO to HI). Meter should read zero volts to battery
voltage. If not, replace headlamp switch.
(4) Measure resistance at ground side of fuse #10
with parking lamps OFF. Meter should read almost
zero ohms (except bulb filament). If not, repair open
to ground. If zero ohms, 12 volt supply wire from fuse
is shorted to ground, repair short.
8E - 16 YJ INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESJ