TD5 Defender...ABS modulator or ?!

**greenextreme** · 13th August 2007, 05:11 PM

Hi Guys,
My '99 TD5 Defender (150k) is a having a bad hair day!
Today, reversing into the carport and braking to slow down before backing into the shed, I noticed the rear brakes come on and stayed on!! Somehow that fixed itself then the missus goes for a short drive and phones to say there's a burning smell coming from the rear wheels / hubs.. I find the car (& missus) and take the rear wheel off to see nothing's wrong. So I go visit the mechanic and as he reverses into his workshop presto the rear brakes lock on (stay on). We remove the rear wheels, notice the brakes firmly on, so we release some pressure from the brake bleed valve and then try reversing some more and ditto, same again. Our solution? We've disconnected electrics from the ABS modulator and now got two amigo's showing (TC & ABS) but the brakes are working fine - in reverse and forward. Three questions:
1. What's the best way to tell if the source problem is the shuttle valve or shuttle valve switch or modulator pump?
2. For how long can you drive around with ABS disconnected?
3. Any advice on the best way forward?

cheers,
greenextreme

Ruslan · 13th August 2007, 06:22 PM

I'm not a spec, just an ideas...

1. Did you try to reset ECU? Disconnect battery and ECU-ABS?
2. ABS sensors harness (rear). Have you check it? Not damaged? Might be wire somewhere "grounding" on axel body.

JimLRD · 13th August 2007, 07:03 PM

Smells like a wiring problem.
I have had the TC & ABS lights on for nearly 6 months until last week.During this time the brakes worked fine!? This was due to all the forums saying it was going to cost alot of money to fix the problem. I recently found time to systematically check all the fuses- they were good. Checked the wiring on the ABS sensors with the voltmeter to see if any were broken and they were good( But lights still on). Eased the sensors out of their home and gave them a wipe(a bit dirty)Blew out and around axles with the air compressor and Bingo the lights went out and have been off for 1500kms
You can drive as long as you like with them disconnected but if you live in NSW they are not meant to give you a roadworthy at the rego check(as my local bloke did!)
Here's my two bobs worth.

JimLRD · 13th August 2007, 07:10 PM

Smells like a wiring problem.
I have had the TC & ABS lights on for nearly 6 months until last week.During this time the brakes worked fine!? This was due to all the forums saying it was going to cost alot of money to fix the problem. I recently found time to systematically check all the fuses- they were good. Checked the wiring on the ABS sensors with the voltmeter to see if any were broken and they were good( But lights still on). Eased the sensors out of their home and gave them a wipe(a bit dirty)Blew out and around axles with the air compressor and Bingo the lights went out and have been off for 1500kms
You can drive as long as you like with them disconnected but if you live in NSW they are not meant to give you a roadworthy at the rego check(as my local bloke did!)
Here's my two bobs worth.

**JohnE** · 13th August 2007, 07:15 PM

Second try at this,
just go to search, the 5th box from the right on the above bar, and type in abs modulator,
stevo( now in the gold coast) has put up a few posts on the d2 modulator and the problems plus how to find a repair some of them. Some even have photos!
They are very helpful for diagnosis probs.
That would easier than waiting for replies.

john

**stevo** · 13th August 2007, 08:56 PM

I do not think it is the shuttle valve switch causing the fault as others have pointed out and I tend to agree check out the speed sensors,wiring and even the sensor hub.sounds like the traction control is coming on and on another web site (usa) it was a faulty sensor but wiring could give the same fault.

Since I repaired my modulator it is still good $100 well spent more for other things

Oboat57 · 4th February 2010, 09:52 AM

I also have the thee amigo problem. Have done all the wiring/sensor tests OK. The diagnostic tester tells me that the modulator pump fault at present is intermittent. The mechanic tells me that this means the pump motor needs servicing (brushes etc.) and can be done overnight at one third the cost of a replacement with a two year warranty whereas the replacement only has a twelve month warranty. At who's mercy are we? Land Rover, the dealers or mechanical sharks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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