Nissan Repair: 2001 Nissan Sentra 2.0 ABS Light, nissan sentra, scanner manufacturers

Question
Hi Von,
My ABS light just came on the other day and I'd like to reset it to see if there is in fact a problem.  Is there a way to reset the light like resetting the onboard computer.  Also, if the sensor is bad does that mean I need to buy a hub assembly?  What is involved in testing the sensor?  I'm what to try to do what I can better turning it over to my mechanic.  Thanks much.

Tim

Answer
Tim,

The ABS is a pain to reset due to liability concerns on the part of the scanner manufacturers.  Most will not reset the ABS codes so you end up going to a shop that has a scan tool like the Consult II or a Snap On that has the correct features.  You can disconnect the battery and that will clear the codes if you leave it disconnected for a couple of minutes.  If there is a square wave generator broken at one of the wheels that would throw a code and depending on the design it is usually only the sensor and not the ring that goes bad.  For my thoughts you probably have dirty brake fluid and that is what is causing the code.  If the fluid becomes contaminated and after two years most does the probability that the ABS is not going to be able to maintain control is great.  I use Ford High Performance Brake Fluid and bleed the system.  Three cans should do and it costs about $6 bucks a bottle (pint) from a Ford Dealer.  You will have to ask for Ford High Performance Brake Fluid since they will try and sell you the regular blue bottle stuff.  They do not know what they have...  This is DOT3 brake fluid with over twice the boiling point of regular brake fluid.  DOT3 means that it will work in your car and not screw the ABS up.  Never use DOT4 or synthetic as it will mess up the inner workings of the ABS unit itself.  You could get your car scanned to see what is going on with the ABS and then correct it yourself.  Scanning is usually around $85 bucks.