ABS Light

[lmazzoli]

I have a 1993 964 and recently had an odd occurance with the ABS light, ABS audible signal, and Check Engine lights going on, while at the same time having the engine sputter and cut out while driving.

The day prior to this, I was under heavy braking and felt the car slide, as if the ABS did not kick in. The light briefly lit and the audible signal briefly sounded, but all then appeared to be normal.

The situation while driving occured once at random, and then again later several times in 20 mile stretch. I brought the car to the side of the road, and was able to keep the car running. The odd thing is that I never shut the engine off, but the check engine light went off and it did not occur for another 290 miles, all during the same trip.

I am thinking that the ABS relay may be bad (since the ABS did not kick in earlier, and when I remove teh ABS relay, I get the same ABS light and audible signal), but would this also cause the car to sputter and cut out? Is there possilby a bad ground?

Any help would be greatly apprciated.

Thanks - LJM

[wvicary]

Wouldn't hurt to change out the relay. I'll have a look at the wiring diagram to see if any thing is common.

[lmazzoli]

Thanks for your reply. I have been doing a bit more investiagtive work and trying to determine potential failures. I am thinking that it may be a faulty voltage regulator or alternator.

As far as I know, the alternator and regulator are original with 102,000 miles. Additionally, I noticed that when the engine cut out the few times, I lost total power even causing my radio presets to be lost. I have also noticed in the past that my lights randomly flicker bright. I am going to put a meter on the battery to see what kind of charge I am getting from the alternator, and also check around he battery for potential acid spots. I have heard that over charging can cause the battery to leak slightly.

If you have any other input or suggestions, please let me know. Thanks. LJM

[magcuda]

check the spark plug boot connections. they can arc and cause running problems and ABS problems

[ronaldr41]

I have a 1993 964 and recently had an odd occurance with the ABS light, ABS audible signal, and Check Engine lights going on, while at the same time having the engine sputter and cut out while driving.

The day prior to this, I was under heavy braking and felt the car slide, as if the ABS did not kick in. The light briefly lit and the audible signal briefly sounded, but all then appeared to be normal.

The situation while driving occured once at random, and then again later several times in 20 mile stretch. I brought the car to the side of the road, and was able to keep the car running. The odd thing is that I never shut the engine off, but the check engine light went off and it did not occur for another 290 miles, all during the same trip.

I am thinking that the ABS relay may be bad (since the ABS did not kick in earlier, and when I remove teh ABS relay, I get the same ABS light and audible signal), but would this also cause the car to sputter and cut out? Is there possilby a bad ground?

Any help would be greatly apprciated.

Thanks - LJM

I had a simular problem with my 1991. It turned out to be the battery.