ABS Works Only Sometimes

[rty]

I've been randomly getting the ABS flashing light on my 97 LE V6. It almost never comes on when I start the car though. Usually after about 5 minutes of driving the ABS light will go on. Sometimes it won't come on at all and I am able to complete my commute without the light going on. Once it does come on it stays on until I shut off the car. It seems to be somewhat random.

I tested the brakes, and sure enough the ABS works properly when the light is off, and doesn't work when the light is on. I also have the traction control and when the ABS fails I also get the light for the traction control, and that seems to behave the exact same way.

I was just wondering if you guys had any ideas as to why the ABS/ traction control system might work properly sometimes, but other times fail?

[matt1mzfe]

If one of the wheel sensors fails - wire broken... then the system turns off (I think) it needs to do that otherwise it would detect one wheel with no speed - ie locked up.

If it is an intermittant problem then that is the likley cause (it is the most common thing on the Holden cars where I was a mechanic)

[BMR]

My Camry had those symptoms with the ABS a while back. Turned out it had a bad wheel speed sensor. Get the error codes read to be sure, though. Could be a lot of things.

[Aetebet]

I wish I had ABS