BOSCH ABS 5.0 - System Overview
An anti-lock braking systems main job is to keep the brakes from locking up allowing the driver to stop in the shortest distance and still keep proper steering control. It consists of four main components:

  • Speed sensors: Reads the wheel speed of all 4 wheels and uses a comparison between them to detect when one or more wheels are locking.
  • Valves: Depending on the type of system there can be up to 2 valves for each wheel, the first valve is an inlet valve which is normally open to allow pressure to move from the pedal to the brake and closes when skidding is detected to stop further pressure being applied. The second is an outlet valve which is normally closed to allow the brakes to operate and then opens to release pressure on a locked wheel. More sophisticated systems also have demanual valves to seal the pedal from the rest of the system to stop it shuddering and sinking as the other valves open and close.
  • Pump: Puts the pressure back when the valve is releasing the pressure.
  • ABS control module (ECU): Reads the information from the speed sensors and sends commands to the valves.
SM081 - BOSCH ABS 5.0 - System Help file
Version 1.22

BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Known Fitments
Vehicle makes, models and variants known or believed to be using this vehicle system, required diagnostic lead and degree of known compatibility.

Vehicle Make Vehicle Model Vehicle Variant Diagnostic Lead
Rover 200 96> Black OBDII Lead
Rover 400 96> Black OBDII Lead
Rover New 400 95> Black OBDII Lead
Rover 800 96> Black OBDII Lead
MG MGF >2000 Black OBDII Lead

BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Physical Details

SM081 - BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Diagnostic Capabilities (Read Fault Codes)
Reads the fault code memory. The system can self detect up to 21 different problems with itself and associated sensors, storing the respective code if it detects any malfunction or reading outside of pre defined acceptable limits. Not all stored faults may cause the fault warning lamp to illuminate.

SM081 - BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Diagnostic Capabilities (Clear Fault Codes)
Clears the fault code memory.

SM081 - BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Diagnostic Capabilities (Settings)
Values, configuration settings and other stored information which can be read from the ECU, edited and then rewritten back. Read settings can also be stored as a standard HTML page for reference. These pages can then later be re loaded and re written back to the ECU. Please note that some values may be read only due to the fact that they are supplied from the ECU’s ROM or are internally calculated.

  • ECU Part Number: This is the part number for the ECU.
  • Software Version: This is the current version of the software run on the ABS ECU.

SM081 - BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Diagnostic Capabilities (Inputs)
Constantly updating display in HTML of real time information the electronic control unit of the selected vehicle system is currently deriving from its input sensors and switches. These displays can be saved as HTML snap shots, recorded as an AVI movie or captured as A CSV data file for import into a spread sheet program such as Excel.

  • Brake Switch: Gives the state of the brake light switch. On or Off. (Depressed or not respectively).
  • Front Left Wheel Speed: Gives the front left wheel speed signal as read by the ECU. When the vehicle is stationary the registered speed should be less than 2km/h.
  • Front Right Wheel Speed: Gives the front right wheel speed signal as read by the ECU. When the vehicle is stationary the registered speed should be less than 2km/h.
  • Rear Left Wheel Speed: Gives the rear left wheel speed signal as read by the ECU. When the vehicle is stationary the registered speed should be less than 2km/h.
  • Rear Right Wheel Speed: Gives the rear right wheel speed signal as read by the ECU. When the vehicle is stationary the registered speed should be less than 2km/h.

SM081 - BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Diagnostic Capabilities (Outputs)
Choice of outputs that can be tested. The outputs would be pulsed.

  • System Static Test: Forcing this output activates system and tests response time of pumps and valves, registering any fault codes and storing them. Test should not be carried out if fault codes exist in memory.
  • ABS Warning Lamp: Forcing this output causes the ABS warning light to flash on and off.

SM081 - BOSCH ABS 5.0 - Diagnostic Capabilities (Other)
Choice of functions that can be performed.

Bleeding - New pumps valve block assemblies need to be pre-charge bled before bleeding any other corner. This is achieved using the precharge bleed via front left button which initiates a sequence. Before initiating the sequence using the button the front left wheel bleed nipple requires to be open and during the bleeding sequence which takes 30 seconds the operator should not press the brake pedal. At the end of the sequence the user will be prompted to close the bleed nipple.
  • Power Bleed Rear Right: Bleeds rear right brake. The relevant bleed nipple needs to be open before initiating the test. The user will be required to instantly press and release the brake pedal and prompted when to not operate the brake pedal anymore and to close the valve. This requires two people.
  • Power Bleed Rear Left: Bleeds rear left brake The relevant bleed nipple needs to be open before initiating the test. The user will be required to instantly press and release the brake pedal and prompted when to not operate the brake pedal anymore and to close the valve. This requires two people.
  • Power Bleed Front Right: Bleeds front right brake. The relevant bleed nipple needs to be open before initiating the test. The user will be required to instantly press and release the brake pedal and prompted when to not operate the brake pedal anymore and to close the valve. This requires two people.
  • Power Bleed Front Left: Bleeds front left brake. The relevant bleed nipple needs to be open before initiating the test. The user will be required to instantly press and release the brake pedal and prompted when to not operate the brake pedal anymore and to close the valve. This requires two people.
  • Front Left Wheel Lock: This test requires two people. When prompted, one person presses the break pedal whilst the other turns the wheel. Since disabled wheel should not be locked. Vehicle must be in neutral and handbrake disengaged.
  • Front Right Wheel Lock: This test requires two people. When prompted, one person presses the break pedal whilst the other turns the wheel. Since disabled wheel should not be locked. Vehicle must be in neutral and handbrake disengaged.
  • Rear Right Wheel Lock: This test requires two people. When prompted, one person presses the break pedal whilst the other turns the wheel. Since disabled wheel should not be locked. Vehicle must be in neutral and handbrake disengaged.
  • Rear Left Wheel Lock: This test requires two people. When prompted, one person presses the break pedal whilst the other turns the wheel. Since disabled wheel should not be locked. Vehicle must be in neutral and handbrake disengaged.