Do you cycle your ABS whenever you can?

DaTT

Garage Moderator
Moderator
Feb 13, 2003
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Whenever there is snow on the road, I cycle my ABS almost every time I stop. I look at it like putting your 4x4 into 4 wheel drive once a month to keep things lubricated and moving.

I am not sure if this is good or bad, it's just something I do....anyone do this as well?
 

Demo24

Diamond Member
Aug 5, 2004
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Um no, it's just part of the braking system so unless you have an electronics failure I doubt you'd experience a problem with ABS.
 

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
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Yes, I have to cycle my ABS and TCS systems. They do not work when the engine is cold.:(

My car is getting old, and it will be soon be replaced with new Mazda CX5. :D
 

LTC8K6

Lifer
Mar 10, 2004
28,520
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The system cycles itself, iirc.

The Anti-Lock Brake System conducts a low-speed selftest
at about 12 mph (20 km/h). If you have your foot
lightly on the brake while this test is occurring, you may
feel slight pedal movement. The movement can be more
apparent on ice and snow. This is normal.
The Anti-Lock Brake System pump motor runs during
the self-test at 12 mph (20 km/h) and during an ABS stop.
The pump motor makes a low humming noise during
operation, which is normal.
 
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WhoBeDaPlaya

Diamond Member
Sep 15, 2000
7,415
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My LS cycles automatically when I exceed 2.5k rpm for the first time after every startup.
A little annoying since you can hear a subtle whine through the audio system when it does that.
 

LTC8K6

Lifer
Mar 10, 2004
28,520
1,576
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My LS cycles automatically when I exceed 2.5k rpm for the first time after every startup.
A little annoying since you can hear a subtle whine through the audio system when it does that.

Yep, pretty much all cars with ABS do the cycle and test after every startup.
 

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
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My LS cycles automatically when I exceed 2.5k rpm for the first time after every startup.
A little annoying since you can hear a subtle whine through the audio system when it does that.

Mine cycles at approx at 1500rpm. Right when I hit 1500, both yellow lights light up the dash. :biggrin: To reset, I turn off the ignition when driving the car on a highway(I-80) while leaving it in gear(yes automatic), turn the key back to ignition, and boom, self start, and no more yellow lights. :D
 

imagoon

Diamond Member
Feb 19, 2003
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That was my same reaction when I tried to turn off ignition in the last gear about 2 months ago. To my surprise, the gear does not disengage.

Doesn't surprise me. The fluid pump is on the input shaft, when you turn the engine off the pressure will stay up in the trans and still provide a connection from the output to the input. You can technically push start an automatic, the only reason it tends to not work is if the fluid pressure is completely bled off the orbital gears will just free spin.
 

ThatsABigOne

Diamond Member
Nov 8, 2010
4,422
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Doesn't surprise me. The fluid pump is on the input shaft, when you turn the engine off the pressure will stay up in the trans and still provide a connection from the output to the input. You can technically push start an automatic, the only reason it tends to not work is if the fluid pressure is completely bled off the orbital gears will just free spin.

That is the exact answer that I got from my google searching. :) Glad you clarified it a wee bit more. :biggrin: