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.
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.
When the steering reached the end of its travel the wiring harness was pulled extremely tight. This was causing stress at the point where it enters the wheel speed sensor and it was this condition that turned on the ford ABS light. If I had caught this problem a little earlier a simple re-routing of the harness would have provided more slack and prevented damage to the parts. Note that replacing this ABS part requires the removal of the rotor on most Ford applications but not all. This would also have avoided looking for the best price on replacement wheel speed sensors Ford ABS light problems
You can probably guess I decided to dig into the technical service bulletins to see if I could find a factory issued TSB related to Ford ABS problems. Once again I was not disappointed by the factory reporting process and found that there where actually three separate technical alert publications about specific Ford ABS light repairs. The first bulletin covered the problem that I have mentioned above. The second bulletin I got from Mitchel 1 that describes a common anti-lock light problem where the reluctor ring is either missing a tooth or has been damaged by road debris.
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 miles per hour. When the brake computer see's the wheel is not moving it begins to pulse the brake 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 ABS system.
This might 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 have not seen myself 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 can work its way out of the spindle housing. If this backs out from vibration or slamming pot holes an increased gap between the reluctor ring and sensor can also cause false 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 an OBD II scan tool the Equus below does both for more money. ABS light diagnosis
When the anti lock brake light comes on it may set different codes. Brake scan tools are expensive and this 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 an 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 click on the links and read the reviews from other do-it-yourself mechanics.
Do you Have a Ford cars or truck question you need answers to? Ford diagnostic and repair information! Access the source used by over 70,000 repair professionals.Click Here! 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 auto repair websites and the Net 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 |
These vehicles have been setting front wheel speed sensor codes for both the left and right front wheels. After performing a good visual inspection on several of the offending vehicles it was clear the sensors where all damaged were the wires attached to the head of the sensor. 
. On county vehicles you have to get three parts bids and submit the cheapest for approval. This extends the down time of the fleet vehicles but assures efficient use of tax payer funds.