January 14, 2009 | 
ABS brakes became popular in the mid 90’s and if you own a heavily modified muscle car chances are you opted to convert to using an ABS brake system. If it has added horsepower it needs added brake power so I thought I’d write this ABS scan tool guide. I hope it helps, a good ABS scan tool is a must if you mix horsepower with ABS brakes.
An ABS scan tool is a diagnostic tool designed to scan your vehicle brake control module, wheel speed sensors, ABS pump motor, brake switch and anti lock control solenoids. This data is stored in your vehicles onboard computer however ABS brake data isn’t standardized on all cars which means you need an ABS scan tool to read codes.
A good ABS scan tool will come with a USB connection so that you can download the most recent codes from your computer whenever there has been an update. Most ABS brake system malfunctions will trigger a warning light on your dash but not every muscle car owner enables that feature when upgrading an older vehicle making the ABS scan tool even more important. A damaged wheel sensor is the most common cause of failure.
Anti lock brake systems are constant monitoring systems that receive and evaluate data as you drive and though they do have failure safety features in place you will want to make sure you repair the damaged components immediately to restore the ABS system to full capacity. The government has yet to standardize ABS scan codes for use in standard code readers so ABS scan tools remain slightly more expensive however costs are falling and there is no reason you can’t include one in your regular car maintenance schedule.
Instead of promoting one brand over another these are available at auction now.
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Actron 9449 ABS Brake Scan OBD 2 OBD II Auto Scanner US $118.98 (0 Bid)  |
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Equus Innova 3160 ABS CAN OBD 2 Diagnostic Scan Tool US $289.99 |
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Actron 9449 ABS Brake Scan OBD 2 OBD II Auto Scanner US $119.98 (0 Bid) |
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Actron CP9449 ABS Brake Scan OBD 2 OBD II Auto Scanner US $124.99 |
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Actron CP9449 ABS Brake Scan Anti Lock Brake/OBD 2 Tool US $118.99 (0 Bid) |
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Innova 3160 ABS CAN OBD 2 Diagnostic Scan Tool US $289.99 |
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Equus Innova Products Scan Tool with OBD2 & ABS 3160 US $216.89 |
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Genisys EVO 2008 Deluxe Scan Tool Kit w/ABS Kit US $1,899.99 |
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EQUUS Scan Tool OBD2 ABS CAN EPI3160 NEW US $308.99 |
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NEW OTC Genisys EVO 3862 AI Scan Tool '08 Dom Asian ABS US $2,299.00 |
As a side note I’m sure I don’t have to remind you muscle car, hot rod and classic car fanatics how important it is not to go driving around with warning lights on. Vehicle safety systems exist so that you can go fast SAFELY. Don’t compromise your safety or that of your loved ones, make sure you add more “STOP” to your project car when planning more “GO” and use the right tools to maintain it. ABS scan tools are required for safety.
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