Check ABS warning Light.(intermittent) - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Full Monty · 07-08-2003, 21:08

Hi guys...

I recently replaced pads with Bendix Ultimates, and had the disks Machined...gave the brakes a full overhaul, checking Lines and new fluid.

recently I towed a trailer for the first time with my car, and since connecting the trailer socket my Check ABS light has been showing up on start up, and occasionally stays on while driving.

can it be a faulty signal to sensor etc?..due to the tralier confusing the ABS system ?..or could it be that the abs sensor? is dirty due to the increased dusting...

all seems to be operating well...just want to get rid of the light. whats the best course of action?..just take it to a brake specialist?

TopGhia · 07-08-2003, 22:35

You don't say what model you have, but in later models, the ABS will set about 15 or so different fault codes, if you can get them read.

When the light flashes like that, there is sure to be a code in there.

Full Monty · 07-08-2003, 23:51

sorry I wasnt very specific was i...=P

its an ef2 Fairmont..

so do I simply have the codes read, diagnosed and cleared by a brake specialist?

jmartion · 07-09-2003, 01:37

same thing was happening to me.. actually it still is.

pretty sure its the abs sensors gettings muck on em from the ultimate dust.

TopGhia · 07-09-2003, 13:19

That's if the "brake specialist" has a code reader.
You can read your own codes, check out this thread.

Fault Codes

One other thing, if the ABS light is always lit, it means the ABS function is OFF, but you will still have normal braking.

YOOT · 07-09-2003, 20:11

What you may find is that the iron filings from the disc machining are cought up in the tone wheel.

Get it diagnosed and the error code will tell you what wheel is causing the trouble. Then go from there.

I had a bump in my front left tone wheel and it caused the light to come one. I had to get a new tone wheel. Cost about $10 plus fitting.

JC-XR8 · 07-14-2003, 07:14

Or it could be the clock spring in the steering wheel. When mine went, it started as an intermittent fault, but then became more regular - so I got it fixed.

AcIlLaTeM · 07-15-2003, 21:36

I agree with 94ED_Fairmont, get it diagnosed and the error code will tell you exactly what is wrong, or where to start anyway.

Had mine done recently after the ABS sensor on the rear left decided to break in half ($300) only to find the light hasn't gone out, went and got it plugged in, and what do you know... the report tells me it's the rear right that's having a problem. Fingers crossed I don't need to buy another.

Good luck!

08-06-2003, 10:05

I have a similar problem, and was told by a dealer to clean or replace the abs speed sensor, which he said was on the rear axle housing, but I can't find it. Does any know where this sensor is on a 2000 F150 XL 2WD with rwabs

YOOT · 08-06-2003, 15:27

Usually the sensor is located near the brake caliper and behind the brake rotor (on disc brake cars) - I don't think it is very common to have ABS with drum brakes (?).

On my Fairmont, if I take the caliper off and look behind the rotor there is the sensor which can be removed, the sensor runs a wheel on a grovved or teethed track which can only be seen by removing the rotor itself.

Thats about all there is to it.