I just replaced the front wheel bearing on my 2001 malibu, but now the ABS light is staying on. Is there something that I need to reset or could it be that the wheel bearing is defective?
The light would go off if there is not an issue with the system. Check to make sure the wiring is hooked up properly, like starship said. If you have an ohm meter or digital multi-meter you can measure to see if the wheel bearing is open internally by connecting to the wires coming off the bearing/sensor. Also, if you know someone with a scan toll that can pull the code for you, then you can see if it is related to the wheel speed sensor before trying to diagnose.
I do have a scan tool, will scan tool pick up any codes even if there is no check engine light? The ABS light is on and not the check engine light. There was no ABS light before replacing the old wheel beariing. I did connect the wires back, will check it tomorrow and see if there any lose connection?
Okay, I just did a scan with my scan tool and this code came up, P0131 02 circuit low voltage (Bank 1, sensor 1). Isn't that the oxygen sensor? Which side and were? Will this code cause the ABS light to come on?
That code is an oxygen sensor code, if the check engine light isn't on that is probably a history code that isn't an issue. Your scan tool probably only pulls codes for the PCM. I don't know if any places like autozone can scan for ABS codes or not; you may have to go to a shop that can pull the code for you. Most likely it will be a faulty sensor in the wheel bearing, but pulling the code saves the time if it ends up being something different.
P0131 = O2 sensor but no CEL? This must be a pending code, then. It shouldn't have anything to do with the ABS light. It doesn't look like your scan tool has access to the ABS codes.
That is correct, no CEL and my scan tool did not pick up any ABS codes. I might just check at the connection and also, maybe try using the old wheel bearing and plug it to the system to see if the ABS light turns off.
Yep, will try it tomorrow and see what happens. I'll keep you posted. Anyways, about the sensor which side is it and where is it located? I have some trouble sometimes while starting the car, would try to start then nothing, the try again will start up. Could the sensor be an issue. I had changed the plugs, wires and fuel filter about a year ago, because of this, but didn't make any difference. Could the O2 sensor cause this occasional starting issue. Also, battery is in good shape.
The O2 sensor in question is the upstream one on the exhaust manifold. The O2 sensors do not come into play when the motor is cold. If it acts like a dead battery, a bad ignition switch can sometimes cause that.
You mean, take it out, clean it, lube it, and then put it back? On an old car, I'd just as soon replace it. Also, try the spare key first if you have one that's less worn-out.
I suppose you can take it apart, clean, and lube the parts (takes special grease). It won't help if there's a break in the circuit (traces, wires). I guess I threw the ignition switch bit in passing. If the THEFT light on the instrument cluster does not blink when it happens, the problem is elsewhere.
No, the ignition switch is a separate part from the ignition lock cylinder. Since the part is relatively expensive (> $100) and may need special tools just to remove the cover panels and such, it's a borderline DYI project.
Without the CEL being lit, I doubt it. You may want to start a new thread and describe the starting problem in detail. Others that could help may not be even bothering to read this thread because of the "wheel bearig" title.
Good news! The new bearing I had is working fine now, took the wheel off and when I checked the connection again on the hub, there was one prong in the connector that was bend and that's why the ABS light was staying on.