2002 ABS and Brake lights coming on?

I just recently put all new brakes on my van, thinking this would take care of these warning lights that keep popping on every now and then. It had been a while so I figured it was time for brakes...

The brakes really weren't in all that bad of shape, but I put all new stuff on anyways, seeing as I had the stuff etc. The lights still both come on, which according to owner manual indicates serious brake problems/failure.

I read in older posts for older models about going around to each of the sensors and unplugging them and checking them for continuity. I guess this should be my next course of action? I hope it is not something wrong with the master cylinder or something. The brakes seem to be working fine.

Which light is on the ABS light, the e-brake light or both?

Check the Brake Pressure Switch under the brake fluid reservoir, there is a recall on it. The switch leaks brake fluid and causes the system to short when fluid goes into the electrical contacts.

Best regards,

Oscar.

Sorry you did mention both lights come on, if the problem was any of the sensors only the ABS light would be on, so I'm leaning towards a bad BPS.

Sorry you did mention both lights come on, if the problem was any of the sensors only the ABS light would be on, so I'm leaning towards a bad BPS.

olopezm, not sure what BPS means?

Brake Pressure Switch, that's why I wrote the first letters as uppercase in my last post, sorry for the inconvenience I won't be using any more acronyms in the future ;)

Best regards,

Oscar.

Do they come on only when you do a quick stop then accelerate quickly, like a stop and roll at a stop sign when you are in a hurry. If so check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If my 96 is not almost at the top the sloshing of the fluid trips the float switch and sets the lights till next time you cycle the ignition.

I do not think the brake pressure switch has anything to do with the lights, it's part of the cruse control circuit. You can unplug it (and should if it has not been replaced) and it will have no efect on the vehicle except the cruse control will not work.

Brake Pressure Switch, that's why I wrote the first letters as uppercase in my last post, sorry for the inconvenience I won't be using any more acronyms in the future ;)

Best regards,

Oscar.

thanks Oscar I had a brain freeze and the acronym just did't register, for some reason I thought of brake pedal switch and that didn't make any sense to me. My mistake.

I have had the van in for the recall notice about the brake pressure switch leaking fluid. The master cylinder is topped right up too.

Both ABS and the e-brake lights pop on every once in a while, most times for no reason...driving along the highway. Yes, there have been times when braking quickly has set them off as well.

I would get an infrequent ABS light, would typically reset after a restart. Eventually the speedometer started acting erratic. Ended up replacing the vehicle speed sensor and have been good since. The standard code readers will not pull ABS codes, see if you can access a brake code reader.

thanks Oscar I had a brain freeze and the acronym just did't register, for some reason I thought of brake pedal switch and that didn't make any sense to me. My mistake.

You're welcome, we all have had a brain freeze from time to time LOL.

I have had the van in for the recall notice about the brake pressure switch leaking fluid. The master cylinder is topped right up too.

Both ABS and the e-brake lights pop on every once in a while, most times for no reason...driving along the highway. Yes, there have been times when braking quickly has set them off as well.

I've read about some users who took their vans in for the recall and problems persisted, the dealer did not install it properly or they just didn't replace it because it wasn't leaking YET... In case you haven't take a look at it just to be sure ;). If only the ABS light would pop on that could be something related to the wheel sensors but since it's not the case I will take a look at my manual and post back.

I would get an infrequent ABS light, would typically reset after a restart. Eventually the speedometer started acting erratic. Ended up replacing the vehicle speed sensor and have been good since. The standard code readers will not pull ABS codes, see if you can access a brake code reader.

Seems a bit weird, but it's a Windstar, I guess everything can happen LOL, I'm familiar with the speedometer acting erratic because the same happened to mine, but never saw any brake lights on...

Best regards,

Oscar.

I would get an infrequent ABS light, would typically reset after a restart. Eventually the speedometer started acting erratic. Ended up replacing the vehicle speed sensor and have been good since. The standard code readers will not pull ABS codes, see if you can access a brake code reader.

I have the code reader for CEL functions, but what kind of reader do you need for ABS codes? Didn't see any of those my local store...and its prolly another $300 drop of cash or more :mad:

My generic code reader won't pull the brake codes either. I did see one advertised in a sears/craftsman catalog for over $300. It claimed to read the engine and brake codes. When my speedo started acting erratic it would immediately trip the ABS light. My understanding is that the ABS system would need both the vehicle speed sensor, and wheel sensor inputs to operate correctly. The code reader that autozone uses for customers will not read the brake codes either, I asked. I recollect reading a post from someone who had some success cleaning the connectors on an ABS component that is located underneath the vehicle at the driver's side seat area.

Go to Actron website: they have a scanner for about $100 that will read abs code but make sure it will read them for your vehicle as it does not work on all vehicles.

My van had same problem and had to have it diagnosed at the local Ford Dealership.
It was the ABS ecm.
The estimate was very expensive and since it only comes on once in a while I have decided to wait on it. Note that when the light is on your brakes still work as NON ABS brakes. It may also make sense to wait and see if your van passes the rear axle and sub frame inspections before you put any money into your van. Some people are getting buy out offers from Ford.
If you are not aware of these recalls there are several posts on this site.

I hope I am not intruding but I just wanted to tell you that I ordered an ABS Scan tool that will be here tomorrow. (79.99*) Total with tax was 86.00 + Free Shipping.

Here is the link:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_ABS-Brakescan-Actron_16980008-P_N3389_T|GRP2018____ (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_ABS-Brakescan-Actron_16980008-P_N3389_T%7CGRP2018____)

If you enter code P20 when/if you order that is what saves you *20% off the 99.99 price.

I hope it helps.

I've used that scan tool several times. It's pretty decent.

I've used that scan tool several times. It's pretty decent.

RepairJudge, have you found anyvehicles that it does not work on?

thanks

Tempfixit, not to interrupt again but this link lists all the vehicles it will work on.

Just click on the words "coverage guide" in that rectangular box to download/open up the info in pdf form.

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9449-BrakeScan-System-Diagnostic/dp/B000YJ053O/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1299565616&sr=1-2

Hope this helps.

Tempfixit, not to interrupt again but this link lists all the vehicles it will work on.

Just click on the words "coverage guide" in that rectangular box to download/open up the info in pdf form.

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9449-BrakeScan-System-Diagnostic/dp/B000YJ053O/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1299565616&sr=1-2

Hope this helps.

I had read the coverage guide before, but just curious if RepairJudge came across any vehicle that was not on the list that it did or did not work on..

thanks

Well my abs light reappeared, didn't seem to be related to any malfunction of the speedometer this time. Without access to an abs scanner, thought I would check wheel sensors for continuity and AC voltage output. After reviewing different threads on this forum I couldn't find any with a definitive ohms reading. I found all but my front left sensor had readings from 1820 to 1840 ohms. Front left was open and would occasionally read 13K ohms. Was able to get a very slight AC voltage reading of .1 to .3 volts when spinning rear drums, couldn't spin front rotors fast enough by hand to get any type of reaction. Had to adapt some jumper wires with a female pin connector to plug into wheel sensor pins. New sensor also had an ohm reading of 1825 ohms. Installed a motorcraft part number (BRAB 108) Ford #
XF2Z-2C205-AC from Rock Auto $50 delivered, Motorcraft site wanted around $80.
After driving about 70 miles, abs light remains off. Destroyed sensor when removing, end cap broke and was stuck in bore of steering knuckle. Spent about 30 minutes removing stuck plastic cap and cleaning out bore so that it was large enough again to install new sensor without forcing and damaging, take care not to damage toe ring/trigger wheel when cleaning rust from bore. I'll have by fingers crossed that the dreaded abs light doesn't reappear.