Ford ABS Light
Ford ABS light common problems. Although this page is directed at specific problems with Ford vehicles the diagnostic tips can be applied to any ABS light problem. At our fleets auto repair shop, we have been seeing a rash of anti lock light's illuminated on the older Ford F150 and f250 pickup trucks. These vehicles have been setting front wheel speed sensor codes for both the left and right front wheels.
After doing some visual inspection, it was noted that the sensors were damaged where the wires attached to the head of the sensor. Digging in and finding out what was causing this common malfunction was a two-man operation. I had another mechanic turn the wheel from lock to lock while I observed the front wheel speed sensor and the movement of the wiring harness.
If I had caught this problem earlier, a simple re-routing of the harness would have provided more slack and prevented damage. This also would have avoided looking for the best price on replacement wheel speed sensors Ford ABS light problems
As you can probably guess, I decided to dig into our technical service bulletins to see if I could find a TSB related to this Ford ABS light problem. Once again, I was not disappointed and found actually that there were three separate publications about specific Ford ABS light problems. The first bulletin covered the problem that I have mentioned above. The second bulletin describes a common anti-lock light problem where are the reluctor ring is either missing a tooth or has been damaged.
This reluctor ring looks like a gear with teeth on it. As the wheel rotates the teeth pass, the magnetic wheel speed sensor and provides a reading that is translated into mph. When the brake computer notes that that wheel is not moving. It begins to pulse the calipers on that particular wheel. If it receives false information or erratic signals it will turn on the warning light to notify the driver of a problem with the system.
It may also cause the ABS system to go active and pulse the brakes at low speeds when it is not necessary. The last bulletin describes a problem that I haven't seen yet, but is listed as a common problem with 1997 through 1999 Ford F 150 and F250 2 Wheel Drive models only. The service publication describes a condition where the wheel speed sensor will work its way out of the spindle housing. This increased gap between the reluctor ring and the sensor can also cause erroneous wheel speed data.
But after talking it over with a few technicians in my shop we agreed it was worth while trying to re-seat the sensor before replacing it. You do this by pushing it inward, and seeing if the problem is solved. If this doesn't work, you can always replace the sensor at that point. Note: On the left the Actron brake scan tool interfaces with the vehicles factory on-board diagnostics system (domestic vehicles 1996 and up). It only reads brake system codes. If you also need a regular scan tool for OBD II the Equus below does both, but for more money.
ABS light diagnosis
When the anti lock brake light comes on, it may set many different codes. Brake scan tools are very expensive, and this has made it difficult for do-it-yourself mechanics to diagnose and repair system failures. Wheel speed sensor codes are definitely the most common failures in these systems. But knowing which sensor is having the malfunction is very important for speedy diagnosis. There is a new Equus ABS scan tool on the market that will tell you why The ABS light is on. Make sure you check the vehicle coverage list provided. This ABS scanner will work on most domestic vehicles from 1996 model year and up. For more information on the performance of the 2 above tools you can click on the link and read the reviews from other do-it-yourself mechanics.
If you have never done your own brake job I just posted a video that walks you through the process and includes some helpful tips for do it yourself mechanics. Take a look at the 3 minute brake job video Would you like to see just how easy it is to find technical service bulletins for your vehicle. This next video shows a screen capture of me actually using all-data to hunt down a auto repair bulletin Search both of my automobile websites at the same time.  Custom Search You can learn more about this do-it-yourself car repair website on the homepage. In fact this next link will take you from Ford ABS light to more auto repair advice
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When the steering reached the end of its travel the wiring harness was pulled tight. This was causing stress at the point where it enters the wheel speed sensor and the condition turned on the ford ABS light. 
. Note that replacing this ABS part requires the removal of the rotor on most Ford applications but not all of them.
