ABS/DSC Track Malfunction - Running without ABS

[InterJon]

Had an awesome session at Barber yesterday. Around one-half way through second session I get an ABS/DSC malfunction. The error would not reset. I checked fluid, brakes and everything appeared fine. I continued to run another two sessions without ABS (this took some getting used to) and DSC (which I do not run with anyway). The error (which shows brake light and ABS) continues. Other than no ABS or DSC, car drives great.

I am running APEX 18x10 with NT01s and PFC 08s. All else, other than fluid, is OEM hardware.

Anyone had a similar issue and/or know the problem? (I searched and could find nothing similar). I suspect I cooked the ABS sensor or wheel-speed indicator.

A second question, anyone intentionally run without ABS? I took me a while to get used to true threshold braking, but, once I warmed up to it, I like it. I saw where some of the e46 guys intentionally defeated the feature, by pulling a fuse. Anyone do or thought of doing something similar with their e92?

As always, thanks in advance.

[RickyBobby]

I've seen this happen in other cars when the brake fluid is not full. Is your fluid at the max line?

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by RickyBobby

I've seen this happen in other cars when the brake fluid is not full. Is your fluid at the max line?

I wouldn't recommend running with it all the way at max, especially if you're not running brand new pads. If you do, retracting pistons or even hard use at the track that heats the fluid can cause fluid to be ejected from the reservoir. The vacuum booster sensor can be damaged by brake fluid and cause a limp mode, and unfortunately that sensor is directly under the brake fluid reservoir. Ask me how I know.

[quicktwinturbo]

Originally Posted by jphughan

I wouldn't recommend running with it all the way at max, especially if you're not running brand new pads. If you do, retracting pistons or even hard use at the track that heats the fluid can cause fluid to be ejected from the reservoir. The vacuum booster sensor can be damaged by brake fluid and cause a limp mode, and unfortunately that sensor is directly under the brake fluid reservoir. Ask me how I know.

How? Just kidding!!!
OP, which event was this?? I was told that Barber is a very fun track!! Went to TGPR few weeks ago and that track was fun but extremly harsh on brake / tires.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by jphughan

I wouldn't recommend running with it all the way at max, especially if you're not running brand new pads. If you do, retracting pistons or even hard use at the track that heats the fluid can cause fluid to be ejected from the reservoir. The vacuum booster sensor can be damaged by brake fluid and cause a limp mode, and unfortunately that sensor is directly under the brake fluid reservoir. Ask me how I know.

Ideally you bleed or top off the reservoir when you put in new brake pads front and rear. Leave it there...you shouldn't ever have a level issue.

[Sleeper519]

Originally Posted by InterJon

Had an awesome session at Barber yesterday. Around one-half way through second session I get an ABS/DSC malfunction. The error would not reset. I checked fluid, brakes and everything appeared fine. I continued to run another two sessions without ABS (this took some getting used to) and DSC (which I do not run with anyway). The error (which shows brake light and ABS) continues. Other than no ABS or DSC, car drives great.

I am running APEX 18x10 with NT01s and PFC 08s. All else, other than fluid, is OEM hardware.

Anyone had a similar issue and/or know the problem? (I searched and could find nothing similar). I suspect I cooked the ABS sensor or wheel-speed indicator.

A second question, anyone intentionally run without ABS? I took me a while to get used to true threshold braking, but, once I warmed up to it, I like it. I saw where some of the e46 guys intentionally defeated the feature, by pulling a fuse. Anyone do or thought of doing something similar with their e92?

As always, thanks in advance.

I had the ABS/DSC malfunction light come on right after I had the alignment and wheel balancing done last week but they went away with a reboot/restart. Not sure why yours would persist, sounds like a wheel sensing problem, given that your brakes mechanically worked OK.

It was good to meet you on Sunday, Jonathan. A great weekend for sure!

-Bill

[Jaypod]

Sounds like what happened to me a couple of years ago - replaced the speed sensor and that fixed it up in my case.

It happened during a long straight and when I tapped the brakes it locked the wheels up which made it interesting when slowing from 260 km/h

PS - Love Barber, was there last Thurs/Friday with Porsche for the first time and was fortunate to have Hurley Haywood show us the track and line - doesn't get any better than that!

[InterJon]

Originally Posted by Sleeper519

I had the ABS/DSC malfunction light come on right after I had the alignment and wheel balancing done last week but they went away with a reboot/restart. Not sure why yours would persist, sounds like a wheel sensing problem, given that your brakes mechanically worked OK.

It was good to meet you on Sunday, Jonathan. A great weekend for sure!

-Bill

Nice to meet you. I hate we never had an opportunity to run together. I saw you once across the way, and you looked quick. 1:42s in an e92 is blazing.

[Longboarder]

Weird.

Mine turned off but it was because the track was hot and I melted my street tires (Michelin PSS) and so I was spinning the rear tires in every gear. When that happens, ABS/DSC malfunctions temporarily.