Brake warning lights !+ABS

[tomrom101]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2007 Yaris with ABS, I've had for about two months now. Recently the ! light comes on (like when the parking brake is engaged) and the ABS light as well. The lights seem to go away randomly. The lights came on again tonight right after the car had been parked in a relatively warm garage, and I tested the ABS tonight on the ice, and they did not work. But the brakes are working well otherwise. The manual says to stop immediately and call the dealer which is not practical! And I notice no change in the car speed or performance.

Anyone else have a similar problem? Anyone know how serious this is or if the lights can be ignored (like most warning lights!)?

Thanks!!!

Tom

[AzNguy]

the (!) sign means tire pressure is low...

[tetzyamis]

I had 2001 Prius's side brake light coming on and off when the break fluid was low.
I had 2003 Corolla ABS light constantly on when both of the rear brake lights were out.
But I've never had both of them on at the same time before.

[Ryu]

I only got abs light on not long ago, so i changed abs sensor and then it seems go away.
I don't have " ! " on though.

[devinlamothe]

Please see this very long thread regarding the issue:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11533&highlight=ABS

It's a faulty speed sensor/wiring harness. Toyota should REALLY do a recall but they seem to be getting greedy.

[DandiDani]

(!) = tire pressure

[YarisSedan]

Most likely wheel sensor. Lot of times there is a bunch of gunk caught on the magnet. If your lucky you can pull the sensors and clean them off. Otherwise you gota take it to a shop to diagnose which one is faulty and replace it.

If you continue to ignore it when you get in panic situation and push hard on the brakes they will lock up and skid since your abs will not work when there is a error code present.

[WeeYari]

the (!) sign means tire pressure is low...

(!) = tire pressure


No it dosen't!! TPMS is an entirely different symbol.

In the thread that devinlamothe referred to, I found the latest post to be very interesting. It actually indicates there may be an owner addressable cure.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=417505&postcount=154

[auxmike]

I don't have ABS.:headbang:
Wonder if the 2010's have this issue fixed?

[Yaris Hilton]

Toyota's TPMS does indeed set an "idiot light" that looks like an exclamation point in parentheses.

http://a230.g.akamai.net/7/230/2320/v001/toyota.download.akamai.com/2320/toyota/media/acs/owners/iguide/i_freq_features.html#/freq_features/g004ah08_tirepressuremonitorhybrid/s/

[DandiDani]

well my bad then Wee i just know that (!) showed up on mine and it was the tire pressure. it went back off after we put air in the tires.i was just trying to help:frown:

[Shroomster]

just to clarify for everybody:

THE TPMS light looks like (notice it looks like a flat tire) >>>http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2009/04/tpms_display1.jpg


and the one in question looks like>>>>http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/Images/brake_and_abs_light.jpg

[DandiDani]

thanx hilton. :thumbsup:i knew that i was NOT crazy. lol.

[cdavidhess]

I just had my ABS and Brake lights come on for the first time. It is snowy and brutally cold here.

[supmet]

It's a faulty speed sensor/wiring harness. Toyota should REALLY do a recall but they seem to be getting greedy.

Ehh, I'm going to go ahead and say since 99% of complaints are from toronto, ontario, or other places in canada, someone already did the math and found its your crappy sand/salt mixture that is destroying vehicles, and not really a design flaw.

Also, If I drive my yaris into a 20 foot snow bank and dent every panel, should toyota cover it?? I'm trying to figure out where the line between normal driving and abuse is. I don't think a single sensor failing after being abused through multiple winters is that bad. ABS speed sensors fail, on all cars, if you don't like it, move out of the frozen hell you live in, but stop trashing toyota.

To me this whole thread, and the one you linked to are analogous to driving through a river and then saying toyotas are junk because you hydrolocked.

on a side note:

Honda is recalling 182,756 MY 2006-2007 Civic sedan and coupe model vehicles. The wheel speed sensor housing uses an O-ring seal to prevent leakage to or from the wheel bearing. If assembled improperly, the O-ring may not seal properly allowing water to enter the wheel bearing and eventually cause damage to the bearing, especially in areas where use of road salt is prevalent. If the driver continues to drive with this condition, it is possible for the wheel bearing to become loose, which could cause the bearing to fail. This could cause a wheel to fall off of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will inspect the rear ABS sensors and wheel bearings for damaged parts and replace them. The recall began on September 25, 2007. 07V399

[devinlamothe]

Ehh, I'm going to go ahead and say since 99% of complaints are from toronto, ontario, or other places in canada, someone already did the math and found its your crappy sand/salt mixture that is destroying vehicles, and not really a design flaw.

Also, If I drive my yaris into a 20 foot snow bank and dent every panel, should toyota cover it?? I'm trying to figure out where the line between normal driving and abuse is. I don't think a single sensor failing after being abused through multiple winters is that bad. ABS speed sensors fail, on all cars, if you don't like it, move out of the frozen hell you live in, but stop trashing toyota.

To me this whole thread, and the one you linked to are analogous to driving through a river and then saying toyotas are junk because you hydrolocked.

on a side note:

Honda is recalling 182,756 MY 2006-2007 Civic sedan and coupe model vehicles. The wheel speed sensor housing uses an O-ring seal to prevent leakage to or from the wheel bearing. If assembled improperly, the O-ring may not seal properly allowing water to enter the wheel bearing and eventually cause damage to the bearing, especially in areas where use of road salt is prevalent. If the driver continues to drive with this condition, it is possible for the wheel bearing to become loose, which could cause the bearing to fail. This could cause a wheel to fall off of the vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will inspect the rear ABS sensors and wheel bearings for damaged parts and replace them. The recall began on September 25, 2007. 07V399

We are not purposely driving cars into sand/snow to break the car. These sensors need to be better sealed for driving in weather conditions that we get up here.

Yes, speed sensors DO fail, but they SHOULD NOT fail prematurely like they are. Fact, I had my rear left sensor replaced last winter. Guess what? The SAME ONE is busted again this winter.

This should NOT be happening and yes, it is Toyota's fault for not designing a better part.

And no, moving is not an option, I happen to like the cold & snow.

[fidgell]

I had these two lights come on last week, and ABS didnt work during that period. Yesterday I jacked the car up, took off the rear wheels and fixed it myself - I have only a basic knowledge of fixing stuff, the most Ive done on the Yaris to date is change front rotors/pads so no expert knowledge required!

Once the wheel is off you will see a plug - the only one you will see - on the rear of the drum near the axle. A small screwdriver is needed to push the plug (gently) off the socket and hey presto....Get cleaning! I used a compressed air cleaner like one would use on a PC keyboard to clean the snow/crap out then WD40 to clean. Cleared any excess off with the air again then put the plug back. Finally a little grease on the small gap between plug and socket and wheel back on.

I got in turned the key and drove off.... NO lights on.... ABS working as it should.

I suggest everyone do this BEFORE going to the dealer as it will save you a fortune. It took 20 mins to do both sides and is as easy as taking off the wheel!

Southern Ontario weather does cause problems to the little car, but this is a free fix... well free if you have cleaning products already in the house!

If anyone wants it, PM me and ill go outside and photograph the plug area for you... But I dont know how to post it on here so ill have to email it!!! Proof its easy to do eh?

[WeeYari]

^:clap::clap:

[Tamara]

very interested in the pic. Stupid dealership wants to replace both sides for $1200 per side! WTF. Car drives fine...no ABS and the damn lights are on...but thats it. Can you send me that pic?

[YarisSedan]

Use brake cleaner on the outside of the sensor and electrical contact cleaner on the inside portion where it connects. Hopefully that fixes your problem.

[Tamara]

OK! We need to be stirring the pot with this. I have been in contact with my steal-ership and theyre now offering up 300bucks towards the fix, and Toyota Canada is willing to chip in a bit too...HOWEVER, since I will be bringing my car to my local mechanic, as he was willing to attempt the cleaning fixes that are recommanded throughout this site (which WORKED for my left rear sensor, but my right rear sensor is still f'd), Toyota is not willing to chip in towards the parts or service as its not being performed by their overpriced inexperienced mechanics. So, we need to push Toyota Canada to do a campaign to have all Yaris's brought in and either have the connectors on the ABS harness cleaned/replaced, and/or have the company engineers design a better cover to protect these VERY sensitive circuits from our harsh Canadian climates to prevent them from corroiding.

Come on Toyota....fix this problem before we make it become a safety recall. You admit it yourselves on your website that ABS is better...and we did pay extra for it.

[JumpmanYaris]

No it dosen't!! TPMS is an entirely different symbol.

In the thread that devinlamothe referred to, I found the latest post to be very interesting. It actually indicates there may be an owner addressable cure.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=417505&postcount=154

I guess u dont know ur car lol

[markitect]

Ehh, I'm going to go ahead and say since 99% of complaints are from toronto, ontario, or other places in canada, someone already did the math and found its your crappy sand/salt mixture that is destroying vehicles, and not really a design flaw.


That's funny cause there are lots of different cars Toronto, Ontario, and I'm pretty sure not all of them have the problem.


On a different note:
My abs is fine now, but why did Toyota feel the need to turn on more then the abs light. If just my abs is not working i would not care(as I've done when the speed sensors stop working on older abs cars I have), but making both lights turn on makes it so you won't know if there is an actual problem with the car. That's just trying to force people to make a repair, which is not urgent unless you are a bad driver.

[WeeYari]

I guess u dont know ur car lol

???

Explain yourself.

[fidgell]

So, its been a few months and the problem hasnt returned!!! Ive switched back to summer wheels so shouldnt see it again this year at least... anyway here's pictures of the affected site for those who messaged me. Sorry it took so long

[41magmag41]

I know your pain. I to have a 2007 sedan with ABS. After 71000 miles it started acting up this winter with the brake like and ABS lite bouncing in and out. With the postings on this board I was able to determine living here in New Hampshire that I was experencing the same issue as our Canadian counterparts with the rear wheel speed sensors and wiring harness' and corrosion. I called my dealer and had them order the parts for both sides to fix the issue. There is a huge back order on these parts and it took them almost 3 months to get them. I had purchased the extended warranty on my Yaris and after explaining the issue to the dealer he aggreed to eat the 100 deductable and fix my car with no expense to me.

No problems since and hopefully non will show up again.

Yes Toyota should issue a recall. They issued a TSB in June of 2008 about replacing these parts in northern climate regions but only if the customer complained. Hence they knew of the problem and should correct it at no charge regardless of mileage and time owned.

Good luck.

[UltraHotAaron]

After receiving a $900.00 quote from the local Toyota dealer to replace the two skid control sensors on my girlfriend's 2007 Yaris, spurred by the dreaded stuck ABS and Brake warning lights, I decided to give Fidgell's resolution a shot. I cleaned the terminals on the sensors with some sensor safe brake cleaner and then cleaned the tiny male terminals in the sensors themselves with a tiny piece of emery board. I topped everything off with some dielectric grease and sprayed the outside of the terminals with Gunk's connector sealer. The ABS/brake lights went off after driving about 5 yards (not sitting on the jack stands, however.) I cannot believe we saved $900, which the dealer would have happily pocketed, with about 40 minutes work and a $10 trip to the auto parts store. Drove the car about 50 miles since. No return lights. Thanks for your post fidgell! I know you posted it a while ago, but I am sure you have helped countless folks since.

:clap:

I had these two lights come on last week, and ABS didnt work during that period. Yesterday I jacked the car up, took off the rear wheels and fixed it myself - I have only a basic knowledge of fixing stuff, the most Ive done on the Yaris to date is change front rotors/pads so no expert knowledge required!

Once the wheel is off you will see a plug - the only one you will see - on the rear of the drum near the axle. A small screwdriver is needed to push the plug (gently) off the socket and hey presto....Get cleaning! I used a compressed air cleaner like one would use on a PC keyboard to clean the snow/crap out then WD40 to clean. Cleared any excess off with the air again then put the plug back. Finally a little grease on the small gap between plug and socket and wheel back on.

I got in turned the key and drove off.... NO lights on.... ABS working as it should.

I suggest everyone do this BEFORE going to the dealer as it will save you a fortune. It took 20 mins to do both sides and is as easy as taking off the wheel!

Southern Ontario weather does cause problems to the little car, but this is a free fix... well free if you have cleaning products already in the house!

If anyone wants it, PM me and ill go outside and photograph the plug area for you... But I dont know how to post it on here so ill have to email it!!! Proof its easy to do eh?

[bcolwill]

I have a 2007 Yaris which I purchased from my mother-in-law in December 2009 with only 3500 KM on it. Not long after I had the same problem as many here. Brake lights on and disabled ABS when driving in salt & slush. I was able to obtain the code pointing to a rear speed sensor. This past summer I purchased some dielectric grease at CDN Tire, removed the connectors at the rear wheels, filled the stationary end full of the grease and plugged them back in. Since I have done that I have yet to see the problem appear again.

[jleipz]

I am having this same issue- ABS and Parking Brake Lights both on- it comes and goes.

My question is: Do the fault codes get stored after the ABS and PBL go out? Can you only get the fault codes when the lights are on?

[chr1s]

Hi all,

I've got the dreaded ABS light and Brake light illuminated together...
I've managed to remove the outer cover for the sensor plug but i can't get the actual plug off. Does anyone know how this connector comes off?

[jaggerdog]

Anyone who says that this connector is not faulty needs to take a look at it. There is clearly no rubber seal or boot to cover. This whole thing is an engineering over sight. Fixed mine today with vasoline cost $0. looking for some boots to cover these in the future if anyone finds some thing please post it.

[yaris tt]

Need help . Resently my abs light and the slip symbol came on on my yaris both lights remain on all the time i dont know what to do . . I wonder if this is happening because i remove the shocks cuasr i was trying to put lowering springs but dint work out , so i asssembly the sock together again , then the two lights came on ... During the process i dint touch or remove any sensor. Does some one have any idea why the lights are on . ?????? . Help please .

[yaris tt]

I know why allready .

[keljai]

if anyone can provide a video of the removal of the plug and adding of the grease that would be fantastic!! Please and thankyou

[nelson_fernandes]

Hi i have a similar problem. The mechanic says the wheel bearings were not fitted proplery.

[bubu]

I had the same warnings on the back ...
1 replaced warranty ...2'nd paid for...
replace abs sensor + cable

[JudgeM]

Hey everyone. I have similar problem with my JDM Vitz RS too. Its not very frequent though.

Sometimes randomly when I come to a stop . The ABS light comes on. It won't go away until I turn off the car and turn it back on. I don't think its a major problem. I will also try to get the sensor cleaned and see how that goes.

This is weird problem ah . Usually I never see Toyota with ABS problem. My Corona with 250000kms and 15 years old has ABS and it works beautifully, I have raped the brakes on the Corona way more than on the Vitz.

[Bluecar]

Perhaps the Yaris ABS issue (rear wheel speed sensor problem) is 'old news' but I'd like to offer my experiences in case some find them helpful.

My car is an '07 Yaris hatchback that has been well exposed to Southwestern Ontario's snow, slush and road salt. My ABS warning lights started coming whenever the roads were slushy, from December 2011. After months of painful negotiation with Toyota Canada and the dealer I had the car repaired in August 2012. Toyota Canada provided the parts - both rear wheel hub and sensor assemblies, and the wiring harnesses - for free, but I had to pay for the dealer's labour - about CDN$524, plus an earlier $73 for the diagnostic check.

Naturally, Toyota Canada declined responsibility for the defect. They told me their contribution was a goodwill gesture because I had had the car fully maintained by Toyota dealers since new. Considering my dealer had originally quoted $1,349 for the repair, I was not going to quibble over this offer.

During my discussions with Toyota, I pointed out:

Per T-SB-0120-08, Toyota knew of deficiencies with the rear wheel speed sensor connections in 2008. They introduced modified wire harness assemblies with improved sealing midway through the 2008 model year.
The repair procedure outlined by T-SB-0120-08 involves checking for corrosion on the electrical terminals of both the speed sensor and harness connector; only speed sensors with corroded terminals need to be replaced.
Toyota should have warned its customers about the sealing problem as soon as they knew about it, so Yaris owners would have had the option to carry out preventative inspections before corrosion could cause expensive damage. My dealer told me that changing only the wiring harnesses (to the improved level) would have cost just $100.


I am certainly not lawyer but I understand 'duty to warn' is well established principle under common law, meaning companies have an obligation to warn those who use their products if they become aware of any problems or defects that are likely to cause damage, i.e. injury or financial loss. If there are any legally-informed people reading this, please weigh in.

And if anyone has a Yaris with ABS ('07 and some '08, see T-SB-0120-08) - you should probably check your wheel speed sensor connections sooner rather than later!

[robkay]

Definitely still a relevant thread as just last evening I had the indicators come on for the first time. My '07 hatch has about 75,000 miles it. It has been cold, snowy, and slushy here in NW OH this past week, so what folks here are saying makes sense. I wish this had happened a couple months ago when it was warmer! It's too cold for me to be laying out in the driveway trying to DIY it now. I have a pretty good independent shop I use and I think they would be willing to give the sensor cleaning/sealing a try. I'm overdue for rear brakes anyway. Guess I'll run it in and have them do both.

After now reading through the other thread, it reminded me of something. I had a situation a few days back where I braked for a slow turn and the ABS seemed to activate unnecessarily. I remember thinking, "That's weird. Why would the ABS kick in for this?"

Well, guess what, it's the next day after the indicators had come on. As I backed out to go do some errands I noticed that they were still on. I got a couple miles down the road and looked again and the were both OFF! Woot! So, I must have the intermittent version of the problem at the moment. The sensor causing the problem must have dried out overnight in the garage, or in the drier air outside today. I know I need to deal with it, though.

Great thread(s). Thanks to all who contributed!

[Bluecar]

Hey Robkay,

Cleaning and sealing the connectors makes good sense (I wish I'd done mine a couple of years back) but to pass on a word of caution from my dealer: If the electrical terminals on the sensors are already badly corroded, they may break when you unplug the connectors. This would turn your intermittent problem into a permanent one...

Even though your ABS indicators are now off, the fault codes C0210 (rear speed sensor RH circuit) and/or C0215 (rear speed sensor LH circuit) will remain stored in your car's OBD memory. Reading the fault codes should confirm the problem is with the sensors and not elsewhere.

Good luck!

[robkay]

Yeah--I called that shop I had been going to and they said basically that. They didn't want to touch the connectors out of fear of breaking them. They said their philosophy is that if the problem is intermittent, better to not risk making it permanent and just let it be until it makes itself permanent! I suppose what I will do is wait until the weather warms up and inspect them myself. If I don't see signs of corrosion maybe I'll spray them with contact cleaner a couple times, then take a deep breath--and a screwdriver, and see if I can slide them off. After a full week the indicators haven't come back on, though. But, the weather has been dry and somewhat milder. Arctic air is about to pounce, though. We shall see.

Thanks to all.