i have a 98 camry and i got the brakes done about two weeks ago. when i got the car back, the abs light was on and i told the mechanic that it wasnt on before so i tell him to fix it 2 weeks later he takes and brings back the car with the abs (fixed)(no more light) so i tested is in the rain and it didnt work then i saw that the abs light wont turn on for those couple of seconds when you turn on the car and the abs light wont turn on when you turn the key right before the start position. basically my question is; is it possible that he just unplugged the whole abs or light. and if so can i still just reset it and how. the only mechanic that will touch my car is toyota and itl cost me $104 just to look at it. help
btw he said he put it through a machine that would reset the abs and would keep the light off for a couple of days which sounds sketchy

 

It is possible to remove the ABS fuse, check the fuses. Or disconnect the light bulb.

Even if the ABS was reset the light would still come on when starting the car.

If you paid by credit card you may be able to file for a dispute. If the shop did remove the fuse the action is most likey illegal but not sure what you can do about it.

The ABS system is not that hard to work on, it has a self diagonositc feature that may be readable without a reader tool, or an ODBII scanner may work.

The issue is to determine if the ABS system is working (not turned off) and then get the codes read to find the problem area.

 

If you want to file an action you'll need proof. I would take it to a dealer and have the dealer fix it and note what was required to fix it. Then, if the first shop's action was illegal,you would have proof. If not illegal then you could sue the shop for the cost of the dealer fix.

 

My guess is that they broke some wire(s) and/or speed sensor(s) because they were not careful installing the new brake components. Then instead of correctly fixing the problem, they disconnected the ABS warning light to make it appear fixed. I'd just take it to the dealer, have them diagnose the cause for the likely valid ABS fault, and restore whatever is causing your ABS warning light to not work. Then ask the offending shop to pay for your diagnostic fees at least.

 

If the ABS light doens't come on on startup, it's not a problem of ABS sensors and the usual stuff, it's likely an ABS ECU power supply problem.

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