How to tell whether an MX5 has ABS ?
Discussion
TwistingMyMelon said:
Does it have an ABS light on the dash that lights on startup?
What he said, and...MX-5 Lazza said:
Look under the bonnet. The ABS cars have a big distribution block up by the firewall on the passenger side. You could also look at the wheel-hubs to see if they have a toothed wheel for the ABS sensor.
I'm pretty sure any 94+ Mk1 UK 1.6 won't have ABS though.
...what he said.I'm pretty sure any 94+ Mk1 UK 1.6 won't have ABS though.
However, I'm 99.9% certain that the only UK mk1 that came with ABS was the 1.8iS (assuming it is a mk1, that is?).
ETA: the distribution block Lazza mentions is a brass regtangular thing with 3 brass pipes coming out of the top of it, bolted in with brass nuts.
Edited by TheGreatSoprendo on Monday 15th June 17:16
MX-5 Lazza said:
JimSuperSix said:
I would have thought that jumping on the brake pedal really hard would be the quickest and easiest way to tell if it has ABS?
That might not be appreciated if you are test-driving a potential purchase 
MX-5 Lazza said:
JimSuperSix said:
I would have thought that jumping on the brake pedal really hard would be the quickest and easiest way to tell if it has ABS?
That might not be appreciated if you are test-driving a potential purchase Airbags.
if Airbags are fitted they always have ABS. (but not necessarily the other way around)
imports mostly yes after '95, uk mostly not.
Stamp on it, then you know if the the brakes are any good anyway. I doesn't need to be violent, just progressively harder braking until you reach the limit of grip. (fairly easy at 50-60mph to reduce down to 30 b4 locking it up) Wet day even easier.
if Airbags are fitted they always have ABS. (but not necessarily the other way around)
imports mostly yes after '95, uk mostly not.
Stamp on it, then you know if the the brakes are any good anyway. I doesn't need to be violent, just progressively harder braking until you reach the limit of grip. (fairly easy at 50-60mph to reduce down to 30 b4 locking it up) Wet day even easier.
Planet Claire said:
As mentioned you should have the ABS light on the dash at start up. Otherwise, look for the block, mine is at the bottom left hand corner in this pic
You mean bottom right, right? Just a note to say that the one on the mk 1 doesn't look exactly like that (it's brass for a start), but it's in the same sort of location in the engine bay.
WarrenG said:
Airbags.
if Airbags are fitted they always have ABS. (but not necessarily the other way around)
imports mostly yes after '95, uk mostly not.
Stamp on it, then you know if the the brakes are any good anyway. I doesn't need to be violent, just progressively harder braking until you reach the limit of grip. (fairly easy at 50-60mph to reduce down to 30 b4 locking it up) Wet day even easier.
Nope, my 1997 S-Special had and airbag and no ABSif Airbags are fitted they always have ABS. (but not necessarily the other way around)
imports mostly yes after '95, uk mostly not.
Stamp on it, then you know if the the brakes are any good anyway. I doesn't need to be violent, just progressively harder braking until you reach the limit of grip. (fairly easy at 50-60mph to reduce down to 30 b4 locking it up) Wet day even easier.
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