ABS light on
#1
ABS light on
I didnt find anything at all when I searched for "abs" so I am starting a thread. My light turns on, only after moving about 150-300feet after the truck is cranked. If I just sit still and crank it the light stays off. I thought maybe it was the VSS sensors in the front rotors, so I took them out, they had metal shavings on them so I cleaned them well and reinstalled them, no luck. I tried to activate the abs the other day and it will NOT engage, any ideas? Its a 98 2wd 4.6L btw.
#3
If the ABS light is on the system has found something it does not like and disables the ABS. It does a self test soon after the trucks rolls and that is way it turns light on at that time. Since you have 4wabs the codes must be pulled by a dealer or at least by a really good scanner. The rear speed sensor is the most common failure but I would pay the $$, have the codes pulled.
#4
well if I pull the codes will the abs turn on again? If the code is pulled it would just come back on again later right? IF I could find a dealer than would delete the code for me, any idea how much they would charge? I have a hard time beliving a dealership would erase the code without fixing anything.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2002
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You cannot just pull and erase ABS codes to reset the ABS lightt. It doesn't work that way. The ABS moulde will reset itself automatically when it finds no fault during selftest.
As always, it must be determined if your truck has rear-only (RABS) or four wheel (4WABS) ABS installed. If you have RABS, you can pull the codes yourself. 4WABS requires a special scan tool to pull the codes.
Once the ABS module has turned the ABS light on due to a self-test failure, the ABS system is disabled leaving your conventional power brakes.
Individual ABS wheel and rear differential sensors can be tested for gross failure with an ohmmeter. A good sensor typically reads about 1000-1500 ohms.
A limited dynamic test can be performed with a multimeter on AC volts. Disconnect the sensor, connect the meter leads, and spin the wheel. A good sensor will generate several volts AC while the wheel is spinning.
Steve
As always, it must be determined if your truck has rear-only (RABS) or four wheel (4WABS) ABS installed. If you have RABS, you can pull the codes yourself. 4WABS requires a special scan tool to pull the codes.
Once the ABS module has turned the ABS light on due to a self-test failure, the ABS system is disabled leaving your conventional power brakes.
Individual ABS wheel and rear differential sensors can be tested for gross failure with an ohmmeter. A good sensor typically reads about 1000-1500 ohms.
A limited dynamic test can be performed with a multimeter on AC volts. Disconnect the sensor, connect the meter leads, and spin the wheel. A good sensor will generate several volts AC while the wheel is spinning.
Steve
#6
Some smaller shops will read the codes for free and clear them(I know autozone does this), but rarely ever do dealers to anything for free.
I've heard Ford cars need a special scan tool that only ford dealers have to get all the codes. Not sure if this is true or not.
Resetting the code will make it go off temporarily, until you re-start the car and it does another self-check, which will re-trigger it.
If you're in a climate(northern states) that calls for ABS protection in winter months, get it checked out. My *** has been saved from a crash more than once by the ABS system, you don't think about it until you jam the brakes and feel the pedal pulse, keeping you out of a spin. Otherwise, it can go until you get tired of looking at the light or have extra cash to get it fixed.
Chances are the sensor is just bad and nothing's really wrong.
I've heard Ford cars need a special scan tool that only ford dealers have to get all the codes. Not sure if this is true or not.
Resetting the code will make it go off temporarily, until you re-start the car and it does another self-check, which will re-trigger it.
If you're in a climate(northern states) that calls for ABS protection in winter months, get it checked out. My *** has been saved from a crash more than once by the ABS system, you don't think about it until you jam the brakes and feel the pedal pulse, keeping you out of a spin. Otherwise, it can go until you get tired of looking at the light or have extra cash to get it fixed.
Chances are the sensor is just bad and nothing's really wrong.
#7
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#8
the most common problem with abs is the rear diff sensor. i would start with that. it's usually only a $60 part and takes all of 15minutes to change depending on your mechanical ability. you could even try a sensor from an auto wrecker if it's cheap enough.
if that doesn't work then go and spend some money on diagnostics.
if that doesn't work then go and spend some money on diagnostics.
#10
Originally Posted by Sparky604
the most common problem with abs is the rear diff sensor. i would start with that. it's usually only a $60 part and takes all of 15minutes to change depending on your mechanical ability. you could even try a sensor from an auto wrecker if it's cheap enough.
if that doesn't work then go and spend some money on diagnostics.
if that doesn't work then go and spend some money on diagnostics.
Last edited by Norm; 10-03-2006 at 11:07 AM.
#12
#13
Originally Posted by Icedime
I didnt find anything at all when I searched for "abs" so I am starting a thread. My light turns on, only after moving about 150-300feet after the truck is cranked. If I just sit still and crank it the light stays off. I thought maybe it was the VSS sensors in the front rotors, so I took them out, they had metal shavings on them so I cleaned them well and reinstalled them, no luck. I tried to activate the abs the other day and it will NOT engage, any ideas? Its a 98 2wd 4.6L btw.
2nd - When you search, you have to put a * at the end of any string that isn't 4 characters or more. In other words, to search for ABS, you would search for ABS*. Also, do your search in the Brakes forum.
3rd - You should post Brake-related questions in the Brake forum.
4th - You probably won't be able to retrieve the ABS code with a typical code scanner - the ABS system has it's own computer. Same goes for the airbag system in the truck as well.
No slam or flame intended, by the way...
Last edited by B-Man; 10-04-2006 at 04:46 PM.
#14
ok I replaced the rear diff sensor, and its a no go. Guess i will have to test the front sensors with a meter again. BTW does anyone know where the abs relays and fuses are? I dont have a manuel so I have no idea what fuse is what, anyone know where i could get that info without buying an owners manuel? Thanks
#15
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Adobe .pdf copies of owner's manuals back through 96 or so are available for download from www.fleet.ford.com under the Maintenance heading.
Steve
Steve