Hey guys please help a newbe out. I have a 98 F150 with rabs with the brake light AND the abs light on. I changed the sensor in the rear axel with a replacement from the dealer and toped off the brake fluid as it was a little low. I have done the self test of the abs light and get 4 blinks. I know the last blink is a little longer and needs to be counted also. Does anyone know what 4 blinks means or have a list of codes they can post ? Searching for 4 blinks yeilded vague responses. Also I tried to reset the computer by disconnecting the negitive battery and turning on the headlights for 10 mins. That did not work either. Any ideas ?

 

You have to fix the BRAKE light first. With it on, the ABS self test will automatically fail.

The ABS light cannot be reset. It will reset itself when ALL faults are cleared.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve for the reply. What should I look for in the brakes ? The fluid is full and the pads still have plenty of life in them. Will worn rear shoes make the brake light(not abs) light come on ? The truck has 87K on it and a manual trans, maybe it's time for new shoes. Any thoughts ?

 

I have been going through this also. To sum it all up, code 4 means the ABS motor is frozen, ie the pistons are frozen, and you need to free the motor or replace it (expensive). I have not looked into taking the motor apart to free it, if that is possible. The manual states to check the wiring for the circut that returns the pistons to the canceled position, which I did and it checked out fine.

I also checked the two causes for the brake light to come on, the master cylinder brake fluid level and the parking brake, both were fine. Evidently the brake light comes on with the ABS light for this fault. I ASSUME (but not sure) this is because the pistons could be blocking the rear line (you have only rear ABS) if it does not cancel and you could potentially lose the rear brakes.

 

Thanks 44 for that reply, I will investigate the ABS motor next. I know the e-brake works, I use it every day as the truck has a stick shift.