Gen2 2003 ABS light no DTC

[kiza40]

Hello everybody. I own CR-V 2003 automatic 2.0 engin with abot 92 Kmiles on the clock. For the first time, when I have started the car, yellow ABS light and red parking brake lights stayed on. I was able to drive home without any problems. I have tried to read codes with OBD II reader, but there are no codes stored. I did try to search the forum, but searches with only three letters (ABS or DTC) were unsuccessful. Any help will be appreciated.

[sgtsandman]

The ABS system is separate form the engine system, so there will be no code to pull in the conventional way. You could try doing a search on ABS codes. I think there was a way to short a plug and get blink codes for it.

Anyway, since both lights are on, what level of brake fluid do you have in the master cylinder? Have you ever cleaned out the filter basket in the master cylinder?

The reason I ask on the level is because there is a float in the cap that senses if the fluid is too low. It is also a possibility that the float is getting saturated with brake fluid and is not floating properly.

The reason I ask about the basket is a few of us have had brake light issues in the past and just wiping out all the nasty sludge in the basket fixed the problem. It has always been just the red brake warning light, not the ABS light, so it might not be related but it can't hurt to check.

['Curly Q Links']

Here's the TSB for the Gen 1 brake reservoir.

[BigIslandV]

If the red brake warning light is on, it will automatically turn ABS off - and the ABS light on. I would check the basket filter located inside the brake fluid reservoir first. Just lift it out, wipe it off and replace it.

[kiza40]

Thanks for your replays guys. You have given me some ideas as what to try to do over the weekend, I was not aware of a separate ABS DTC system. I thought that there was one centralized system which takes care of everything. I have managed to find a copy of the service manual with troubleshooting guide for ABS system. As this is European CR-V there seems to be "Service check connector (2P) (B) right side of the under-dash fuse/relay box" that can be short-circuited in order to get ABS DTC codes. I had a look at under-dash fuse/relay box, but could not find any loose wire. Does anybody know where is it?

[sgtsandman]

Unfortunately, I do not.

As a bit of extra info for you, the automatic transmission is on a separate system too. If there is an issue, the D will flash. You can't pull codes for it off the OBD II either. Usually, a fluid flush fixes many problems.

EDIT: I should change my wording from fluid flush to fluid drain and fill. Using that term at some repair places could result in an undesired actual powered flush procedure which is a bad, bad thing. Always use the term drain and fill, even with Honda mechanics.

[kiza40]

Originally Posted by BigIslandV

If the red brake warning light is on, it will automatically turn ABS off - and the ABS light on. I would check the basket filter located inside the brake fluid reservoir first. Just lift it out, wipe it off and replace it.

I had a look @ filter, took it out and returned. The cap itself, when screwed to the end, is not tight fit and wobbly. I had to turn it slightly back for tight fit. This can not be right?

[kiza40]

Originally Posted by 'Curly Q Links'

Here's the TSB for the Gen 1 brake reservoir.

Gen2 is different to Gen1. There is no float and switch in the cap.

[sgtsandman]

Interesting. There must be a sensor some where though for the fluid level to activate the light since it is a safety feature.

[kiza40]

Originally Posted by sgtsandman

Interesting. There must be a sensor some where though for the fluid level to activate the light since it is a safety feature.

Switch is located in metal body under plastic container.