mk4 polos have ABS?

solidsponge · Post by **solidsponge** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:33 am

Im guessing mk4 polos dont have abs, ive not tested it. But im wondering if some do? If so is there a code for it like AEX etc in the manual/sticker?

SteveB · Post by **SteveB** » Sat May 12, 2007 12:41 am

ABS was optional on the higher spec models (16v). On all GLX models (I think) Just check to see if there is an ABS light below the hazards switch.

mmh · Post by **mmh** » Sat May 12, 2007 9:08 am

SteveB wrote:ABS was optional on the higher spec models (16v). On all GLX models (I think) Just check to see if there is an ABS light below the hazards switch.

The ABS light below the hazard switch was on the early spec. 6n's ie. pre late '97.

Late '97 onwards are classed as late spec 6n/mk4 the ABS light is on the instrument cluster and should illuminated briefly when the car goes through it's usual checks: battery, oil, airbag etc. just before starting.

Also to be sure look for major hardware behind the battery and below the coolant expansion tank IIRC there you should have an ABS control box with small metal pipes carrying the ellectrical wires for unit.

theclient · Post by **theclient** » Sat May 12, 2007 4:47 pm

on my 97 glx the light went out then came on for the rest of the journey the other day. when i got home, i restarted the car and the light came on, went out and stayed out... was this a one off you think??

SteveB · Post by **SteveB** » Sat May 12, 2007 5:03 pm

@ theclient

My '96 GLX did that occasionally, I think it was just dirt in the sensor. It did it on my MOT day too, which ment fail. Luckily my dad took a quick look at it and found the connector to one of the sensors wasn't connected properly, pushed it in then told the tester it was fixed. Pass with no re-test! Yay!

The light comes on when you turn on the ignition to test itself, then goes out. If it doesn't go out or comes on again during your drive then the ABS will not fuction and you can lock up the wheels. You need to turn the engine/ignition off then on again before it can clear.

Going from an ABS Polo to non-ABS has made me realise how much I actually used it before (sometimes for fun to see if i could get the back end to kick out

), that and my brakes are better than before. I'm fairly sure I've read somewhere that if one of the rears locks then the ABS releases both rear brakes, but for the front it releases just the locked wheel.

Hope this helps,
Steve

theclient · Post by **theclient** » Sat May 12, 2007 5:05 pm

cheers steve, ill go over the connecdtions tomorrow

SteveB · Post by **SteveB** » Sat May 12, 2007 5:10 pm

theclient wrote:cheers steve, ill go over the connecdtions tomorrow

No problem. Mine did it more in winter I think (wetness maybe). It was something I got used to doing, occasionally on the move cos the light bugged me. It happened frequently for a bit. Then it just sort of went away I guess.

solidsponge · Post by **solidsponge** » Sat May 12, 2007 6:41 pm

SteveB wrote:@ theclient

My '96 GLX did that occasionally, I think it was just dirt in the sensor. It did it on my MOT day too, which ment fail. Luckily my dad took a quick look at it and found the connector to one of the sensors wasn't connected properly, pushed it in then told the tester it was fixed. Pass with no re-test! Yay!

The light comes on when you turn on the ignition to test itself, then goes out. If it doesn't go out or comes on again during your drive then the ABS will not fuction and you can lock up the wheels. You need to turn the engine/ignition off then on again before it can clear.

Going from an ABS Polo to non-ABS has made me realise how much I actually used it before (sometimes for fun to see if i could get the back end to kick out ), that and my brakes are better than before. I'm fairly sure I've read somewhere that if one of the rears locks then the ABS releases both rear brakes, but for the front it releases just the locked wheel.

Hope this helps,
Steve

New beetles have that type of breaking you mention, its not called ABS, but I forget what its called, but I was reading in the handbook and its very good if you are skidding left then it would put the near brakes on harder. ABS just stops skidding by letting the brake off a bit very quickly. Not many people use it properly though as apparently you are meant to slam on the brakes as hard as possible for it to work to the full effect

JoeG07 · Post by **JoeG07** » Sat May 12, 2007 7:09 pm

wish mine did today! bloody nearly died coz of a damn speed camera, slammed on the brakes, wet road, went into a massive skid had to really fight it! F*ucking "safety cameras" do NOTHING but cause trouble!!

solidsponge · Post by **solidsponge** » Sat May 12, 2007 7:48 pm

could always drive the right speed instead

SteveB · Post by **SteveB** » Sat May 12, 2007 11:01 pm

solidsponge wrote:could always drive the right speed instead

Haha, we 'could' all drive at the correct speed, but were's the fun in that eh!?