Since a downpour a few weeks ago, after i drove through a puddle as big as a lake the ABS light came on and has been on and off (more on than off now!). I assumed front sensors so cleaned and dried the plugs/connections, but not musch difference. i was goning to check for rising voltage from the sensors - but couldnt find my multimeter!!

The light seemed to come on when stopping/stopped or just when pulling off - and could be 're-set' by turning off car and restarting, but today (with the light off) as i was braking slowly at about 10mph, the ABS actually operated and brought the light up. I'm thinking this isnt an ECU fault but rather sensor of possibly the ring on the CVJ?? (One CVJ is quite new but the other is probably original and quite rusty).

I also found a company selling cheap fault code readers - i emailed them and the said it would read ALL codes on 800 range from 96MY on (and all other post '96 OBD2 cars)


http://www.virtualvillage.co.uk/Item...2?sck=35276838

Just to say i'd have a go at self fix if it was ECU!!

Right, im off to change my PNP switch (costly from dealer - ouch!) and only just changed the cat!! Oh well........

Because you live on that little island next to France, it may be costly to send your ABS unit to Victor in California. If you remove the ABS module and pop the cover, you will find one or more cracks in the welding. These can be fixed, so ask around at the British Volvo club to see if anyone there has do it or provides a service like Victor. A properly repaired unit will last much longer than an OEM replacement.
Also check with the Volvo club about scanners. No generic scanners will work with manufacture specific codes. There are computer software available, so you can plug in your laptop and see and test everything.

Klaus
--
1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Only VADIS, VIDA or expensive scanners can read the ABS codes.

All the ABS control units (Installed on 96 and newer 850, 70 series and S80 models) will eventually fail after they reach 65,000 miles or 5 years. The average is 85,000 miles and/or 6 years for failures.
The erratic ABS light and/or no trouble codes is an indication of a defective ABS unit.
A dealer will charge from $60.0 to $120.00 to diagnose the problem and about 95% of the cases the mechanic will recommend to replace the ABS control unit.

Here's more information on this issue and a replacement alternative.
Vitor's Volvo ABS website