Few problems

[sellers]

Im almost in the process of buying a 16v from a garage, allthough it has a few niggles, the ABS light didnt come on, and also the revs go up and down when idleing,  they say their going to get it fixed if i want to buy it, but im just after a bit of back ground info so i know they have done the job properly?? cheers

[mowgli]

Not 100% sure on the revs question, but its hunting for some reason, they are usually fixed on the RPM with no wavering at all so something is amiss.

With the ABS, some people  remove the ABS bulb if there is a fault within the ABS system so that the light doesn't come on and stay on.  It should light for about 3-5 secs (from memory) when the car is initially turned on and the other warning lights come on at the same time.  Do the others come on OK?  If they don't, you may simply have a power supply fault at the dash.  Secondly, you can always test the ABS by taking it on a quiet dry stretch of road and slamming the anchors on, not sure how the salesman will react to this, it would definately tell you if the ABS was working and doesn't just ned a new bulb.

If in doubt, walk away or talk them down by lots of £'s.  Another option is and RAC/AA independant check of the car on the undrestanding that the garage repair ALL faults found with the car prior to purchase.

HTH, someone else should be able to sort your RPM hunting problem out.

[animaniac]

The abs light comes on as a self test and should go out, if it stays on theres a fault with it, if it doesnt come on then it could be the bulb is blown or the wires are loose etc..........

it could also be because there is a fault they have took the bulb out or disconected it....

approach with caution, there are only 2 things which go wrong with the abs thats the sensors which are very easy to replace, just take the wheel off and unscrew only small allen key needed.... but you need a fault code scanner to find out which one is at fault!

and the second thing to go wrong is the abs pump itself, if this is naf you will be looking at £900 just for a new pump itself! plus labour if you dont fit it youself...

if the abs light does come on and go off just make sure it doesnt come on when driving or braking.....