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Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:40 am
by McDoof
I have a 04 (MY05) 3.0R Spec B and I have a tactrix cable.
I have my ABS light on and Error SS on the dash after a track day. It turns off every time I start the car and turns back on once I hit about 50km/h
Is there any way to use the tactrix cable to read the ABS fault codes? Learning View is not showing my any DTC codes. I am guessing a dirty speed sensor or a failed one, but I would like to find out which one so I can remove clean and or replace it.

Thanks

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 1:42 pm
by Surge
Download freessm.

Depending on which model tactrix you have, it may work.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 2:08 pm
by McDoof
Depending on which model tactrix you have, it may work.

Thanks I'll give it a go, I have the latest revision of the 2.0 cable.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:04 pm
by Surge
Your cable sadly won't work.

The older tactrix or a cheap eBay vagcom kkl cable works.

Can be had under $10.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 7:43 am
by McDoof
Hmm, there must be another way. Is the Tactrix 2.0 a bit limited?

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 8:21 am
by bigBADbenny
Get the car on stands, it's one bolt per hub to undo and inspect the abs sensors :)

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 9:28 am
by Surge
McDoof wrote:Hmm, there must be another way. Is the Tactrix 2.0 a bit limited?


Well the older taxtrix is more basic, which for some reason is what freessm wants.

I had both cables and no matter what I did I couldn't get the 2.0 to work with freessm.

It's worth having both cables IMO.

You might even be able to ask someone from a VW or Audi forum since the Vagcom cable is what they all should have. Maybe someone lives close to you and they could lend you a cable. That's if you don't want to wait for one to arrive from eBay.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 1:24 pm
by McDoof
Get the car on stands, it's one bolt per hub to undo and inspect the abs sensors :)


That was my plan for this weekend. Just thought if it was not something that was visible, like an electrical failure of sorts then I would be able to see which one it was. I will probably order myself a VAG-COM cable if giving all 4 sensors a clean does not solve the problem.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:54 pm
by Heywood Jablowme
[quote="McDoof"]
I have my ABS light on and Error SS on the dash after a track day.

OP,

You still having the ABS light come on?

If so, I suspect the DTC will come back as the right rear sensor, but the cause won't be the sensor. More likely that you took a trip into the gravel, or someone else did before you & dumped it on the track (with you driving through it).

You need to check the tone wheel on the back of the hub / wheel bearing (Where the sensor actually reads the wheel speed), a small stone has most likely gotten into this area & damaged the tone wheel, thus, the sensor gets a dodgy reading.

Fix is to replace the bearing assembly....

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Mon Sep 22, 2014 6:30 am
by McDoof
I had a look at each of the sensors this weekend and the right rear was really dirty. But cleaning did not help. I will look at taking this side apart once the weather allows so I can have a look at the tone ring.
Is the tone ring part of the bearing assembly? I think this might be a job for the mechanic rather than a DIY job.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Fri Oct 03, 2014 11:25 am
by Heywood Jablowme
Hi,

Correct, the tone wheel is part of the bearing assembly.

Easy enough job, but I have all the tools & have done this several times in the past.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Sun Oct 12, 2014 8:08 am
by McDoof
So I have stripped down the rear wheel assembly on the right and sure enough there was a little bit of stone in there. There does not appear to be any physical damage to the hub assembly though. Unfortunately the issue persists. I am assuming the time ring is internal to the hub assembly.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Fri Oct 17, 2014 2:09 pm
by Heywood Jablowme
No, the tone wheel is on the very end of the bearing assembly (inner side). Sorry, but I can't find a photo to attach.

Cheers

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 1:20 pm
by McDoof
Heywood Jablowme wrote:No, the tone wheel is on the very end of the bearing assembly (inner side). Sorry, but I can't find a photo to attach.

Cheers

Mine look like this http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51uct4iVVEL._SY300_.jpg

I am going to go to my local Subaru dealer just to confirm that I have the correct wheel and then I am going to get a replacement hub assembly sorted out.

Re: Using Tactrix to read ABS fault codes

PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 7:04 am
by McDoof
Subaru diagnostics indicated that the left rear ABS sensor was no sending anything. Got a used replacement from the local dismantlers. Finally I have my ABS back online. Easy fix in the end.