Partial Abs Shutdown; Blink Code Diagnostics - BENDIX TABS-6 Service Data

When a trouble code self-heals or is manually reset, the
code remains stored in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
memory. This trouble code history can be retrieved using
blink code diagnostics or with a diagnostic tool.

PARTIAL ABS SHUTDOWN

Depending on the trouble code detected, the ABS ECU
partly or completely disables the ABS functionality.
The trailer ABS system, for vehicles that only have one
modulator, is disabled by any single Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC). In the case of vehicles with two or three
modulators, depending on the trouble code, the trailer
ABS system may still provide some level of ABS function
on axles/wheels that are not affected by the DTC, but the
ABS indicator lamp will remain on. In cases where the
ABS is completely disabled, the vehicle reverts to normal
braking (without ABS interventions). Always repair ABS
shutdowns at the earliest opportunity.
ECU Diagnostic Trouble Codes
All ABS functions are completely disabled. The system
reverts to normal braking.
Voltage Diagnostic Trouble Code
While voltage is out of range, the ABS functionality is
disabled and the system reverts to normal braking. When
the correct voltage level is restored, full ABS is typically
available again. The operating voltage range is 8.0 to
16.0 VDC.

BLINK CODE DIAGNOSTICS

The Bendix TABS-6
® ™
configuration functions through blink code diagnostics. This
means that the technician, even without diagnostic tools,
can read a series of ABS indicator lamp blinks to diagnose
the trouble codes being generated.
The blink code diagnostics mode is entered by providing
constant power to the ignition circuit and toggling the
brake light power input three times. With a parked towing
vehicle attached, this is done by applying ignition power
and after the power-up sequence is complete, depressing
and releasing the brake pedal three or more times, see
chart 5 below.
Depending on the blink code mode activated, the TABS-6
module will blink the trailer-mounted ABS indicator
lamp to display: active DTC codes; DTC code history;
ABS configurations; and odometer mileage. Blink code
diagnostics can also be used to reset active DTC codes.
10
module provides diagnostic and
With Ignition Power
Applied, Cycle
Brake Light Power
3 times
4 times
5 times
6 times
7 times
8 times
CHART 5 – BLInk COdE InFORmATIOn
Wait until after the modulator chuff test before activating the
brake light power — or five (5) seconds if no chuff is heard.
Blink code diagnostics must be activated within the first 15
seconds of ignition power being applied.
If brake light power is continuously applied for greater than
five seconds, blink code diagnostics will be disabled until
the next time the ignition power is cycled.
Display Active Diagnostic Trouble Codes
To display active codes, apply ignition power and depress/
release the brake pedal three (3) times within 15 seconds.
Following activation, there will be a five (5)-second delay
followed by a blink code display of all active DTC codes.
See pages 11-13 for more information.
Display Diagnostic Trouble Code History
To display trouble code history, apply ignition power and
depress/release the brake pedal four (4) times within
15 seconds. Following activation, there will be a five
(5)-second delay followed by a blink code display of all
history DTC codes. See pages 11-13 for more information.
Reset Active Diagnostic Trouble Codes
To reset active codes, apply ignition power and depress/
release the brake pedal five (5) times within 15 seconds.
Following activation, there will be a five (5)-second delay
followed by a blink code message of:
1-1, (System Fully Operational - No Codes Detected) or
a blink code display of all remaining active DTC codes.
The ABS indicator lamp will stay on if active DTCs are still
present.
Resetting active DTC codes with blink code diagnostics
does not clear information from trouble code history. Both
blink code diagnostics or diagnostic tools can retrieve
trouble code history, but only diagnostic tools can erase
this information.
Display Configuration
To check the ABS configuration, apply ignition power
and depress/release the brake pedal six (6) times
within 15 seconds. Following activation, there will be a
five (5)-second delay followed by a blink code display of
the module's current ABS configuration.
Blink Code
Action
Display Active DTCs
Display Inactive DTCs
Clear Active DTCs
Display Configuration
Display Odometer Mileage
Reset Configuration