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RABS Code 11

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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 06:13 PM
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RABS Code 11

I pulled this code the other day from my RABS and the Chilton manual said I should see no voltage with brake pedal not pressed and < 9 v when pressed. I get very little voltage, 360 mv, with brake not pressed but get 12v when it is pressed.

The book said to replace the brake switch and I did this but I don't see how it could be the problem, it doesn't have any resistors in it, just contacts. I see 12v going into that switch so the 12v is passed along when the brake is pressed.

I'd like to research where this 12v comes from. Well, I THINK it comes from pin 2 on my PCM but I can't find much info on that.

Looking for resources.

thanks.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 05:30 PM
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Anyone????
 
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 06:24 PM
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+12V comes from the brake lamp circuit:

courtesy of Steve83

My Ford Service Manual show this if the voltage is above ~9V w/brake pedal pressed:

Voltage is 9VDC or more: Check Four-Way Flasher and Directional wiring. This condition could create feedback through the stop lamp circuit.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 09:01 AM
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OK, Thanks. I think it's a start, will report back
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 09:57 AM
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What if the length of brake lines was increased in the front causing more volume needed to fill the lines. I'm about 99% sure I bled out the air but would extra length in the lines mess up the pressure in any way? I know the RABS senses the line pressure and adjusts accordingly.

I also see in the pic you provided a label that says 'to parking brake switch and low vacuum switch' Well I know I have low vacuum, you commented on my other thread, could this be a cause?
 

Last edited by RIKIL; Mar 8, 2013 at 10:08 AM. Reason: cuz
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 10:17 AM
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If one of your brake lights is burnt out, or you've replaced them with lower wattage bulbs or LEDs, it could cause the high voltage on that line when you hit the brake pedal.

I'd also check for bad grounds and chafing wires near the taillights and behind them. Remove the bulbs, clean the sockets, check for corrosion, etc...I'd especially check the 3rd brake light on the cab, as they are known for water intrusion issues.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Lead Head
If one of your brake lights is burnt out, or you've replaced them with lower wattage bulbs or LEDs, it could cause the high voltage on that line when you hit the brake pedal.

Also, from what I can tell, code 11 means internal ABS computer failure.
Ohhhh... I did replace the stock brake/tail lights with LEDs.

Code 11 ECU. Failure is for ABS, I have RABS. This code 11 only comes on above 35 MPH, which is what the Chiton manual also says
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by RIKIL
What if the length of brake lines was increased in the front causing more volume needed to fill the lines. I'm about 99% sure I bled out the air but would extra length in the lines mess up the pressure in any way? I know the RABS senses the line pressure and adjusts accordingly.

I also see in the pic you provided a label that says 'to parking brake switch and low vacuum switch' Well I know I have low vacuum, you commented on my other thread, could this be a cause?
Changing the length of the lines will have no effect on the RABS system.

The reference to Low Vacuum Switch is for diesel trucks only.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Lead Head
If one of your brake lights is burnt out, or you've replaced them with lower wattage bulbs or LEDs, it could cause the high voltage on that line when you hit the brake pedal.

I'd also check for bad grounds and chafing wires near the taillights and behind them. Remove the bulbs, clean the sockets, check for corrosion, etc...I'd especially check the 3rd brake light on the cab, as they are known for water intrusion issues.
I never thought to ask about LED lamps, great catch!

I have seen many different symptoms on these trucks when someone swaps in LED replacement lamps. First time I have heard of a RABS Code 11 caused by it, but anything is possible.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 12:59 PM
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This is just a signal wire we are talking about, right? I know it doesn't power the RABS because it would only go on when the brake is pressed (absurd) but does it provide power to a solenoid or anything down the line? I'm wondering if I can put some resistors on it to bring down the voltage, if voltage is all that's needed I should be fine in doing this.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 02:11 PM
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The signal that comes into Pin 11 is not the RABS power supply, signal only. Resistors may work, but what value to use is a good question.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 02:21 PM
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The ABS light only comes on above 35 MPH but not necessarily if I press the brake pedal above 35. Makes me think a resistor won't work and I need a valve as you suggest. Are you talking about a valve inside the ABS unit?
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 02:56 PM
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No mention of a valve from me
 
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Old Mar 8, 2013 | 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by rla2005
No mention of a valve from me
Ah, sorry. Read value as valve, my mistake
 
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Old Mar 9, 2013 | 01:35 PM
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I got the output voltage to 4v by splicing the green wire (this is the wire indicated in the Chilton manual that should have < 9v with brake pedal pressed) and using some resistors. Will have to see how this behaves with the system...
 
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