Looking to buy T4 2.5 TDI Transporter - ABS Question?

[Pundit]

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a late T4 2.5 TDI Manual Transporter (panel van - no windows) possibly a LWB version.
By late I mean around 2002-2004 unless I can find a slightly earlier one in good nick.

Can someone please tell me if the T4's came with ABS as standard or was it an option?
I believe ABS may have been optional on the earlier models but what about the later ones?

A friend of mine has a 1997 T4 2.5 (petrol) and it doesn't appear to have ABS while the owners manual seems to show it as an option. He seems to think it does have ABS but checking under the bonnet I can't see an ABS pump unless it's located somewhere other than the engine bay.

I'm currently talking to a potential seller about a 2003 LWB 2.5 TDI and while he tells me over the phone it has ABS I'm not completely convinced.

Cheers!

[jets]

I would guess it was probably optional but can't say for certain. My '01 doesn't have it but it is a Syncro. Once ABS is fitted to a Syncro a different rear diff is fitted with freewheel. This is obviously more expensive to build & perhaps why a lot of syncros weren't fitted with ABS.
My previous T4 was fitted with ABS[ex ambo.] but the NSW government had plenty of money & considered it very important.
If you are looking at the van, open the bonnet & look in the area around the battery[RHS when viewed looking at the engine] The ABS block is installed there with pipes running everywhere. This makes it difficult to change the fuel filter.
I actually like a simple vehicle, less things to go wrong & less expense if/when they do go wrong.
There is a PR no [option] listed inside the owners manual that tells you what features that vehicle was delivered with but can't find it at the moment but will edit this post if I do.
Just found it, the PR no is 1AD

[Pundit]

Thanks for the info Jets.

I've since found another T4 closer to home. It doesn't have ABS either so I'm thinking only some of the Caravelles and Multivans may have ABS commonly fitted with the more commercial type vans seemingly less likely to have ABS.

I'm now looking at a 2003 (March build date) T4 2.5 TDI Manual SWB. It has a new clutch and dual mass flywheel (fitted in August 2012) and new disc rotors and pads all round. It has 250,000kms on the clock and comes with a RWC. It has aircon fitted. Asking price is $11,000 (dealer) but I'm going to offer $10,000 if I decide to buy it.

I've seen it up on a hoist and it looks okay underneath. No oil leaks, rust or obvious damage etc. I'm taking it for test drive on Monday. I just need to find out when the cam belt and water pump was last replaced.

I would guess it was probably optional but can't say for certain. My '01 doesn't have it but it is a Syncro. Once ABS is fitted to a Syncro a different rear diff is fitted with freewheel. This is obviously more expensive to build & perhaps why a lot of syncros weren't fitted with ABS.
My previous T4 was fitted with ABS[ex ambo.] but the NSW government had plenty of money & considered it very important.
If you are looking at the van, open the bonnet & look in the area around the battery[RHS when viewed looking at the engine] The ABS block is installed there with pipes running everywhere. This makes it difficult to change the fuel filter.
I actually like a simple vehicle, less things to go wrong & less expense if/when they do go wrong.
There is a PR no [option] listed inside the owners manual that tells you what features that vehicle was delivered with but can't find it at the moment but will edit this post if I do.
Just found it, the PR no is 1AD

[olcoop]

Did you buy that Syncro? I'm selling one. It's in great condition. tdi LWB. I'm not sure what its worth, but sort of around the money that one you mentioned sounds about right to me.

[Sunny43.5]

If its got DMF check condition by reversing the van up a slight incline or did they replace the DMF at the same time as the clutch ? And if you want to see if its got ABS just drive to 60kmh and slam on the brakes you should feel the shudder as the ABS kicks in , .

[Pundit]

This thread is somewhat 'past tense'.
I've had the van for around fours months.

No ABS and the clutch tends to shudder a little when reversing up an incline.
According to the receipt that was in the glovebox it had a new clutch, pressure plate and DMF fitted in August 2012.
Also new disc rotors and pads all round a few months earlier.

I've since fixed an intermittent accelerator issue (broken wires in main loom) and replaced the Cambelt, IP belt, tensioners and water pump. It goes like a train and gets 1100 kms on a tank of diesel!

Next job is to clean the EGR valve and inlet manifold and then blank the EGR off.
Can't believe how much crap builds up in the intake due to the EGR!

If its got DMF check condition by reversing the van up a slight incline or did they replace the DMF at the same time as the clutch ? And if you want to see if its got ABS just drive to 60kmh and slam on the brakes you should feel the shudder as the ABS kicks in , .

[jets]

Next job is to clean the EGR valve and inlet manifold and then blank the EGR off.

I have cleaned my EGR valve but stopped there & didn't like the look of cleaning the inlet manifold.
When you clean yours, I'd be interested in a report from you & some pics.

[Golf Loon]

I think abs only came on late caravelles on Aussie t4s.