Expert: Sean Halliday - 6/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: When I am driving for about 5 miles, the ABS light comes on suddenly. When it comes on a ticking or clicking noise starts under the glove box. The lights flicker to the ticking noise. The radio will also flicker on and off to the clicking as well. I was told it maybe a relay but I'm not sure what relay is responsible. I pulled over one day and turned the car off and turned it back on and it was fine until the next 5 miles or so. What could this be?

ANSWER: It is possibly the abs relay under the dash.There are several in that area and its best to locate the correct one by listening with the engine running you could pinpoint it that way,when it starts to click.The relay can be pulled out and replaced.

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QUESTION: The only relays I can see is by the fuse panel, The noise is actually coming from under the passenger side of the dash. Would that be the relays under the hood? There's ABS relays under the hood. Also what would cause the SRS light to stay on? I really appreciate your help.

Answer
The SRS light is the airbag system and can only be reset by a shop or qualified mechanic.The clicking under the dash may have nothing to do with the SRS light as the circuit is not on that side.To say what your noise is exactly would be impossible as i would need to see your car.Best bet is take it to a shop.If the SRS light is on,the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident.