I have a Daewoo Lanos 51 plate 1.4 SE and I am having a problem with my ABS.

My warning light comes on and off at different times for no particular reason. Sometimes, after starting the engine (after the initial period where the other dashboard lights are on shortly after turning the engine over) it will be of and remain off for a journey. Sometimes it will be off then come on and other times it will just be on.

Also, when the light is on, if I turn the engine off then back on, sometimes it will go off.

When it's off, the ABS works as normal, when it's on, it goes back to normal, non ABS breaking.

I took it for a diagnostic check and was told the below was wrong

RF Speed Sensor Malfunction, Parts needed: OSF Sensor and Bracket @£100 + VAT
NS and OS CV Joints ABS rings split @£239.09 each + VAT
Labour 2 Hours @£60 +VAT per hour
Total (inc VAT) 820.36

For all I know, this could be true but it seems like a lot to go wrong at the same time and, if all that were wrong, would it really be working sometimes and not others? I had asked if, based on the same information I have put above, it could be a faulty sensor to which I was told no.

Would anyone be able to give me some advice on what they believe it may be, or if it really could be what was diagnosed.

Thank you

Madeline, October 2008

Hi Madeline just to point out that abs warning lamp not working is an mot failure. in the test the lamp has to be seen on when turning on ingnition and then go out to show abs working .So disconnecting lamp will result in failure .The fault with you're abs is probably sensor but all connecting plugs to all the sensors should be cleaned as they can cause problems .Best of luck

John from Devon, November 2011

In reply to Robin (Cheadle), the car would NOT pass the MOT with the warning lamp bulb disconnected, so your information is well off the mark on that one.

MOT Tester, Manchester, June 2009

i had this it was the brake light switch above the brake pedal £7 to buy

mr anom, January 2009

This is a common fault on th Daewoo Lanos. If you ignore it, the ABS will start fighting back against the brakes at times when the ABS kicks in. I've done a temporary fix on mine by disabling the ABS (i.e. pulling the ABS fuse from the board), however the ABS light is now lit permanently and the car will fail the MOT because of that. The only fix is to replace the faulty sensor(s), I'm afraid.

Mike from Cardiff., December 2008

Hi Madeline,
My friends car has just failed it on the orange ABS light appearing. What you describe above is what we have been told. Except that some models have sensors sealed into hubs so you have to buy the whole thing - hence the great expense. The garage are looking for alternatives for us at the moment. I have read other comments where handy mechanic people DIY for £25!
If you disconnect the light it means your car passes the MOT but as the light was on it is highly likely that your abs does not work - therefore more chance of a skid under heavy braking. I am not sure if garages are supposed to do this!

Robincheadle, December 2008