ABS light

[bluestang01]

I've searched and can't find anything. I started my car last week and noticed after the dash warning lights turned off, the ABS light stayed on for about 10 more seconds.

A couple days ago I was driving down the street and the ABS light turned on for about 4-5 seconds before turning itself off. It hasn't done it since.

What causes that light to turn on? And no, I'm not looking for the obvious answer of "your ABS system"... LOL

[roushstage2]

If you are low on brake fluid it can come on while you are braking. Other than that, an ABS sensor maybe? If it comes and goes though, I'd check the fluid level first. The same thing happened to me when my RR brake line came loose (found out after taking it into Future Ford and them telling me it was because I went through "oil or something" on my dirt road and it got all over") and I was loosing fluid.

[bluestang01]

I probably should check that. Doesn't the "brake" light come on though when fluid level gets low? I checked it about a month ago and it was good at that time.

I guess maybe it's time to pull the wheels off and check the wires out at the wheel too. If there was any sort of sensor I'm guessing it would be there.

Thanks for the input!

[trouble]

havent looked at me roush yet but most fords have the abs sensor in the rear. a loose wire will cause this and un even tire spin will set them off

[Roush Puppy]

I'm interested in knowing what it ends up being. Keep us posted please!

~ RP

[roushstage2]

Originally Posted by bluestang01

I probably should check that. Doesn't the "brake" light come on though when fluid level gets low? I checked it about a month ago and it was good at that time.

I guess maybe it's time to pull the wheels off and check the wires out at the wheel too. If there was any sort of sensor I'm guessing it would be there.

Thanks for the input!

If it was super low yes, but mine was just low enough to when I pushed the brakes and used the fluid to push the pistons, the reservoir became low and the light came on. Then once I was off of the brakes and the fluid came back into the reservoir, the light went off.

[Markass]

Dude, it's your ABS system... LOL

[bluestang01]

Originally Posted by bluestang01

And no, I'm not looking for the obvious answer of "your ABS system"... LOL

Originally Posted by Markass

Dude, it's your ABS system... LOL

Thanks Mark! I knew I can count on you! LOL

Well it's not because the fluid was low. I havn't had time to pull the wheels off yet. Hopefully that will happen Saturday morning. Will keep you guys posted.

[bluestang01]

Update, no clue what caused it. Everything appears fine and no repeat problems. There were just those two brief incidents. If anything changes and I learn anything new I'll post up.

[Roush Puppy]

Weird. Thanks for the update!

[bluestang01]

I just realized I never posted the end result of this problem. Then again, I've been busy lately and haven't been on here much.

I tried hooking up to a computer scanner and it wouldn't communicate with my car computer telling what the tripped code was. I had my car at a family friend's shop and he told me that when this happens there are two possibilities: either my ABS control module is bad or there is a short somewhere.

I check with Ford and they want just under $700 for a control module (ouch). So I start shopping salvage yards and find one in California with a 3 year parts and labor warranty for $160 shipped. Put it in and light is gone! At least I haven't had any recurring problems so I hope it's fixed for good.

I can't remember who else was having this problem, I think it was Buster. You might want to look into that module.

*edit* If you look into the module, make sure you find the one either with or without traction control depending on what you have...

[roushstage2]

Maybe they just won't want the T/C anyways, lol! Glad to hear that everything got taken care of though!