Hey guys,

So the other day as i was on my way home from work my abs light came on and hasn't shut off yet... i haven't been driving it hard or riding the brakes all the time and my fluid is still full.

does it just mean its time to change the pads or what? BTW, this is my first "computerized" vehicle, so i just want to make sure its not just some dumb light that just comes on. My mom's Lexus still won't turn off the Traction Control warning light and shes had it in the shop three times to find out what the hell it is...

Tanner

 

go to a autozone have them pull the code. could be just a bad wheel senser. brake pads wearing down really has nothing to do with it.

 

yea, i didn't think that it would have anything to do with pad wear, i meant i hadn't been pounding/abusing the brake system.

So now i guess im going to have to pay some dude to plug into my truck to tell me that a sensor went, the whole thing taking only 5 minutes and $100 probably... sweet

anyone had this happen before? what were some of the other issues that it ended up being?

 

autozone will pull the code for free

 

What code did the light blink?

-Joe

 

I don't think Autozone's scanner will pull an ABS code.

 

Correct. However, the lamp fault code will generally narrow it down.

-Joe

 

Most likely it's the ABS sensor on top of the rear differential. They have a history of going bad. The little sensor is cheaper than getting the code read at the dealer and since it's a high failure item it's a good idea to replace eventually. Takes 30 minutes to change.


Fritz

 

1. If the ABS light is ON, the system is OFFLINE and you are left with your normal power-assisted hydraulic brakes.

2. No auto parts store has a scan tool that they can use to scan your codes. Forget this idea. Reading ABS codes requires a scan tool that often costs a couple of grand.

3. The ABS light does not flash fault codes when a fault is detected. The light simply is turned on. Exception: RABS system, when put into self-test mode, does issue a two digit code.

4. If you have 4WABS, you MUST use a scan tool to pull the fault codes. RABS systems can be done by hand.

5. The rear diff sensor is the most common reason for the ABS light to be one. Replacement only takes a couple of minutes. However, testing the old sensor with a meter will tell you if it has failed. Good sensors typically read around 1200 ohms. Bad sensors are usually open. Replacement sensors cost around $20 at either an auto parts store or at the dealer.

Steve

 

I don't know what I was thinking when I asked about the blinking light... I suspect that even though I read 'ABS' in my brain I saw 'Air Bags'.... My bad...

[turns to face the corner and puts on a dunce cap]

-Joe

 

So all I need to do is find this sensor and put an ohm-meter to it to check it? If so, that is sweet because I have one at my parents house an hour from my place... is the rear diff sensor literally sittin on top of the diff? or is it under it or what? does someone have a picture or a good description of where it exactly is or what it looks like?

Sorry, I know it might seem kind of stupid questions to ask but this is my first "modern" vehicle, my last was an 87 dodge dakota... its most modern feature was front disc brakes... All of my mechanical experience is on old school stuff, like fixing dirt bikes, carbed chev 350's and the like.

Thanks a lot for all of the replies guys!

Tanner

 

that sensor is litteraly right on top of the differential.i had 3 dakotas before i got my f150 that same senser failed on them as well.

 

Tanner,

Yes, it is literally on the top of the pumpkin, slightly facing forward.

Pulling it out takes 13 mm socket and a couple of minutes. Use a screwdriver to unplug the connector retainer clips.

Depending on the year of your truck, there may even be a test plug under the steering column that makes it even easier. My 97 has one.

Steve

 

Where about is this test plug? What does it look like? Hate to bring up an old topic but It's the only one close to my ABS problem. Lights on and seems to be like i have only front brakes until heavy pressure. Any image of what the ABS wheel sensor looks like?

 

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