I've done some searching through this site and couldn't find much help on this. Sorry to start a new thread, here's my problem:

My ABS light came on last week and does not go away, even after I turn the engine off. I have a XCal2 programmer that will let me read diagnostic codes through the PCM, but it doesn't find anything. The auto parts stores say they don't have a computer to read the ABS codes and that I'd have to take it to a shop. The shops charge $50-$85 just to diagnose it. Any suggestions on where to go or what to do? I don't want to just start replacing everything. I have a '03 4x4 Scab. I guess that would be all wheel ABS? Thanks for the help.

 

sounds a little obvious but have you checked the fuses? i had an issue with my previous truck where the abs light was on all the time. it turned out to be a wheel sensor was bad. i also had it happen when i re geared my truck. after reprogramming the computer it was all better. might just be worthwhile to spend the 50-85 bucks and find out for sure.

 

No, I haven't checked the fuses. Any idea where exactly the fuse is located? I've read something about checking fuses under the passenger dash, but I'd like to find out where it's at before I go tearing through things. It would be nice if it was under the hood or somewhere easily accessible.

Were you able to replace the wheel sensor yourself or did you take it somewhere? I'm assuming you had the code read to find out what the exact problem was.

 

The first thing to check is the brake fluid, if it's low the abs/brake light may come on.

 

I'll bet, based on what happened with mine, you have a bad rear ABS sensor on the rear diff (top). You'll see a plug, unplug it and test resistance. Positive goes to the left, negative to the right pin and if greater than 4000 ohms, sensor is crap (4x2), greater than 500 on 4x4 trucks means new sensor. They are under 20 bucks too.

 

Well mine came on and i just happen to be getting my tires rotated and they found that my abs wire had been rubbed in half cuz of my big tires so all i had to do was fix that wire and i was good to go. I hope its that easy for you

 

Well, I replaced the rear ABS sensor this weekend and that didn't seem to fix the problem. It cost me $30 too. I feel like I got hosed after reading on here that they should be between $10-$20. Anyway, I replaced it, drove the truck around and even disconnected the negative battery cable. Is there some type of fuse that I can replace? I'd rather try out all the cheap options before paying someone to read my code. Btw, those plastic clamps that Ford uses are crap. They are always breaking when I try to remove something.

 

I am experiencing the same problem in my 97 4x4 4.6, Engine code W
I have checked all fuses, relays and cables,
I only have RWABS
I also have replaced the sensor on top of the rear differential, Fluid level is fine, Front rotors and brakes are brand new, no calipers are sticking.
Took to Meineke to read the codes, I was told the problem could be
The relay or the Control Module itself. They could not communicate with the control module. No error codes found.
I removed half of my dash, the radio and found no Control Module for the ABS.
I called Ford to ask for a part number, maybe prices, they could not locate a control module for my truck.
As of right now, this light is driving me nuts and I am kind of out of option.
I did not know this ABS light thing would be such a PITA …
Any Advise would be appreciated.

 

Mine was a broken wire to the pump motor. Control module is under hood below your air filter /under master cylinder. Follow the brake lines down from the master cylinder.
Reach under the left side of the control module and pull off the connector there. Give it a tug at the motor end. If you have a meter ohm it out. It should be a fairly low resistance not high in the MegOhn range like mine was. I had already replaced the rear sensor as well. Fuse is under the hood in the big fuse box. It is a red 50 amp if I remember correctly.