ABS light on after carpet replaced

[David Morrison]

I recently bought a 2005 MY06 Forester manual. A few weeks ago
it got a bit of water inside during a flash flood - we are talking a
few cupfuls.

It has just today had the carpet replaced as it was a bit smelly.
When I drove off from the repairer, I noticed that the ABS light
remained on.

With a bit of investigation, I discovered that when the ignition key
was turned on, the light would come on as it was supposed to. After
two seconds, it would go out, again as it is supposed to. But almost
immediately, it would come on again, and stay on. Even starting the
engine and driving faster than 12km/h (as the owners manual suggests)
doesn't turn it off.

I cannot imagine what part of the ABS system would be affected by
removing the seats and console to replace the carpet.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

David

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I recently bought a 2005 MY06 Forester manual. A few weeks ago
it got a bit of water inside during a flash flood - we are talking a
few cupfuls.

It has just today had the carpet replaced as it was a bit smelly.
When I drove off from the repairer, I noticed that the ABS light
remained on.

With a bit of investigation, I discovered that when the ignition key
was turned on, the light would come on as it was supposed to. After
two seconds, it would go out, again as it is supposed to. But almost
immediately, it would come on again, and stay on. Even starting the
engine and driving faster than 12km/h (as the owners manual suggests)
doesn't turn it off.

I cannot imagine what part of the ABS system would be affected by
removing the seats and console to replace the carpet.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

David

2 thoughts come to mind - both somewhat iffy. The ABS system on Subarus
seems to be very voltage sensitive. A bad cell in the battery or
excessice current draw or bad alternator could cause it to come on.
Another thing could be a bad wheel sensor or 'metallic trash' stuck
between a sensor and the 'tone ring' dealie on one of the wheels. If it
were in a 'flood'/high water, perhaps the sensor was compromised.

The shop should be able to determine the issue. I dunno if any ABS
wiring is under/near the carpet - but that may be as likely as my ideas.

Let us know what you discover OK?

Carl

 

[D&SW]

Where is the ABS module located?

 

[David Morrison]

I recently bought a 2005 MY06 Forester manual. A few weeks ago
it got a bit of water inside during a flash flood - we are talking a
few cupfuls.

It has just today had the carpet replaced as it was a bit smelly.
When I drove off from the repairer, I noticed that the ABS light
remained on.

With a bit of investigation, I discovered that when the ignition key
was turned on, the light would come on as it was supposed to. After
two seconds, it would go out, again as it is supposed to. But almost
immediately, it would come on again, and stay on. Even starting the
engine and driving faster than 12km/h (as the owners manual suggests)
doesn't turn it off.

I cannot imagine what part of the ABS system would be affected by
removing the seats and console to replace the carpet.

Well, it turns out the G sensor is located under the central console, bolted
to the floor. The repairers had pushed the two connectors together, but
obviously not quite far enough. When removed and pushed together again, the
problem was solved.

Thanks for the suggestions.

David