ABS Light & E Brake light

I have seen several topics pop up about this and been banging my head trying to figure it out... I do think now its a sensor issue or ABS module issue.. During the winter this light has never came on and also during the spring.. The last few days have been pushing in the hi 90's here in Fayetteville NC.. Every day so far the lights have came on.. No not in the morning but in the hot part of the day.. It was an instant on.. If I cut the van off and restart, it goes out sometimes and won't come back on.. I also notice my little shutter problem gets worse when it is on. Trans still pulls fine and already waiting on trans to go out so I can replace it.. Dealers are coming down on the price for these replacement trans. About average of 2600.00 for labor and all.. So really not sure what the problem is at this point but still trying to trace it down.. In my case its not the brake fluid or brake pressure switch.. It is I think a problem with a sensor or ABS Module.. Now when I say sensor take your pick and not ruling out N safety switch or VSS or any other braking system sensor.. Thats the problem. Not being able to rule things out.. This has also been a problem on the NTSB web site. Some post say dealer was unable to pull info out of the ECM with lights on.. So thats why I wait until lights stay on before I get this problem solved.. Good luck to your findings..

Does the light stay on once on? 'Til the engine is shut down and restarted?

I once had this situation and had to leave the engine running until the service guy came out and took a scan. Turned out to be a module atop the unit beneath the floor pan/driver's seat area.

That was a few years back. Now the cycle is repeating for me. I replaced the front two wheel sensors since they were beginning to look a little worn ... no change in symptoms. Tiime to go back to the dealer.

Does the light stay on once on? 'Til the engine is shut down and restarted?

I once had this situation and had to leave the engine running until the service guy came out and took a scan. Turned out to be a module atop the unit beneath the floor pan/driver's seat area.

That was a few years back. Now the cycle is repeating for me. I replaced the front two wheel sensors since they were beginning to look a little worn ... no change in symptoms. Tiime to go back to the dealer.
Yes it stays on.. I could I guess go to the dealer.. I also think heat has something to do with it.. Does something to the module.. I would like to just replace it my self.. Without having to reprogram.. It is most likely the module..

I would think if the ECM is bad, you should get a fault code for that. I'd be more suspicious of the components that send to and receive from the ECM info as you maybe seeing problem symptoms only continued by the ECM, not created by it. There is a separate ABS control module I thought. I'd see if they both could be tested at minimal cost.

I would think if the ECM is bad, you should get a fault code for that. I'd be more suspicious of the components that send to and receive from the ECM info as you maybe seeing problem symptoms only continued by the ECM, not created by it. There is a separate ABS control module I thought. I'd see if they both could be tested at minimal cost.
My Unit i have now shows the ECM is fine. I would need to get an ABS scanner to pick up the ABS codes.. I will get one, one day just had not seen the need to buy one at this point..Also some other sites show this problem at times when lights are on give no codes.. Thats why I have yet to take to dealer. Don't want to spend 70 bucks and get no info.. I have talk to some Ford mechanics who say just keep reseting until lights will no longer reset..They said also they think the problem is the ABS module.. Its been 103 in fayetteville NC for the last few days and I think that has something to do with it.. Once I get moving on the road I can get the lights to reset at a stop light by just turning off and restarting.

About a year ago we had similar problem on 2003 Windstar. Brake and ABS lights would come on together. Usually could clear by shutting car down and restarting it. When ABS light was not on, I could get ABS action on a gravel road. If ABS light was on, the brakes would lock in the gravel, just like regular brakes.

Cleaned all the wheel sensors, cleaned and reseated the electrical connector on the ABS electronic module. No change.

We live in south Alabama and it was summer, so I thought it might be temperature related, and would just keep resetting it until I finally figured out if it was the module or something else.

One day the light came on and the brake pedal went to the floor when my wife put on the brakes. She nursed it home using the emergency brake. I checked it when I got home a few hours later. Brakes worked perfectly.

After the "pedal to the floor" incident, I had the van towed to the Ford dealer. Provided them a full write up. They checked codes on ABS module. It was full of various errors. They changed the module for around $600+. Everything has been fine since then.

My wife has had the Brake and ABS lights come on while driving recently. She turns off and restarts the van and the lights go out. It usually happens once every few days. I have cleaned the rear sensors not long ago. Have not cleaned the front ones though. Brake fluid is not low. Temps have been over 95 here lately so don't know if that is contributing to the problem or not.

Where can I buy an ABS code reader and how much are they?

My wife has had the Brake and ABS lights come on while driving recently. She turns off and restarts the van and the lights go out. It usually happens once every few days. I have cleaned the rear sensors not long ago. Have not cleaned the front ones though. Brake fluid is not low. Temps have been over 95 here lately so don't know if that is contributing to the problem or not.

Where can I buy an ABS code reader and how much are they?
As for the Brakes.. They are one of my strongest points.. An ABS code scanner will run you about the lowest I have seen and can only be limited use. Is around 230.00 300.00. The One I really need I have seen on ebay for 1500.00.But unless I do a lot of brake jobs for pay. Then it would be worth it. you can pulse the ABS pump to fully bleed the ABS braking systems which can not be done by vac pump bleeding or foot pumping method.. But since I do brake jobs mainly free. I am holding off on buying one.. As for me.. I am fairly sure its the module.But since I can reset it and it only does it on hot days I am not to worried about it..Its just annoying to know it gonna cost big bucks to replace it..

I removed all four wheels, cleaned all the brake dust out of the rear drums like I did last year, unbolted all four sensors and cleaned them, unplugged all sensors and checked resistance which was ok, put dielectric grease in all sensor connections, removed the ABS module connector, put some dielectric grease in there, then I bled out the brakes on all four corners.

Then we drove the van on vacation two days later. Went 200 miles to destination and no light. Then one day on an hour or so drive while on vacation the light came on. Turned van off then back on, never came on again even after we drove another 200 miles back home. Doesn't seem like the problem is bad enough yet to warrant any additional action. If it starts happening more often I'll go get the codes pulled.

I removed all four wheels, cleaned all the brake dust out of the rear drums like I did last year, unbolted all four sensors and cleaned them, unplugged all sensors and checked resistance which was ok, put dielectric grease in all sensor connections, removed the ABS module connector, put some dielectric grease in there, then I bled out the brakes on all four corners.

Then we drove the van on vacation two days later. Went 200 miles to destination and no light. Then one day on an hour or so drive while on vacation the light came on. Turned van off then back on, never came on again even after we drove another 200 miles back home. Doesn't seem like the problem is bad enough yet to warrant any additional action. If it starts happening more often I'll go get the codes pulled.

After talking to some of the Ford Mechanics. They said from there work that they have done, Its the Module going bad. Yes heat does have an effect. I notice on cooler days i won't see the problem at all.. They also said don't worry about it. But as one mentioned on here of there brakes stopped working
I have a feeling they had a hydrulic failure. Do to these vans have a non-integrated ABS system.. Unless a hydrulic failure happens the brakes should work like regular non ABS brakes.. Integrated ABS system were known to be dangerous. Because once the ABS light came on and you ignored it. You may run out of fluid in the acumulator.

My 2001 Windstar has been doing the same thing for the past few weeks. It does seem to be more noticable in hot weather, but maybe that is just coincidental. As with the other posters, we can shut the motor off and restart and sometimes we don't get the ABS light to come on and other times we do. It disappoints me that inorder to fix this problem that I would have to purchase a $600 part (plus installation). :frown: My wife and I have plans to sell this van at the end of the year, but we certainly won't be able to find a buyer if this problem has not been resolved.

Does anyone know of any after-market manufacturers of this module? Can you get a module off a junked van and substitute it for the bad one? I don't really like doing this, but if it would work, then it might buy me enough time until I can get mine sold. :naughty:

But as one mentioned on here of there brakes stopped working
I have a feeling they had a hydrulic failure.

Just to clarify, there was not a hydraulic failure. Brakes worked perfectly when I got home. I checked the hydraulics and had the dealer check it too. Module was the only thing replaced. Everything has worked fine for a year now. If you think about how ABS works, a module that applied ABS action at the wrong time would cause the brakes to have little or no hydraulic pressure at the wheel cylinders. Fortunately my wife knew how to use the emergency brake.

Just to clarify, there was not a hydraulic failure. Brakes worked perfectly when I got home. I checked the hydraulics and had the dealer check it too. Module was the only thing replaced. Everything has worked fine for a year now. If you think about how ABS works, a module that applied ABS action at the wrong time would cause the brakes to have little or no hydraulic pressure at the wheel cylinders. Fortunately my wife knew how to use the emergency brake.

Seeing how the Windstar has a non-Integrated ABS system i can see the failure of the ABS system not working. Just clueless on how a total failure would happen. Once the modules starts picking up trouble it should have shut down the ABS pump.. I am curious to what kind of pedal she felt if it was still firm or mushy.. That would bring me to some kind of conclusion to what may have happen in the system during the time of module failure. Was the ABS light on at all during this time.??? I am glad your wife is ok and no I am not doubting what you say is true. As for what I have learned over the years is that the Non-integrated ABS system is suppose to be fail proof when it comes to total brake failure. If total failure occurs its mostly Hydraulic related in some way. The Integrated system were known to be dangerous like in early model GM cars and Landrover and other cars and SUV.. Again not Doubting what you say. Just really curious to what happen during the time of failure..

The ABS Module is effected by hot temperatures according to this web sight. Scroll down to Problem #2:

http://www.fordwindstarrecall.info/

Still interested in knowing if a module off a junk (wrecked) Windstar can be put on a different vehicle? If I knew I could buy a (working) ABS module off a junk van and put it on mine for a lot less than a new one, I might consider that option given I only plan to keep my van for about 6 more months.

Still interested in knowing if a module off a junk (wrecked) Windstar can be put on a different vehicle? If I knew I could buy a (working) ABS module off a junk van and put it on mine for a lot less than a new one, I might consider that option given I only plan to keep my van for about 6 more months.

It sounds to me like the module has to be configured for the van. My guess is if you get one off a van that is the same year maybe it would work but I don't know:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_change_the_ABS_control_module_on_a_Ford _2001_Windstar

Still interested in knowing if a module off a junk (wrecked) Windstar can be put on a different vehicle? If I knew I could buy a (working) ABS module off a junk van and put it on mine for a lot less than a new one, I might consider that option given I only plan to keep my van for about 6 more months.
Ok yes you could most likely swap the ABS module. If it just a plug and play GREAT!!! But in some cases with car theft they validate the vin number in these units. So more than likely you would have to take to dealer to have them validate the VIN. In my state this runs about 75.00 bucks in my area in Fayetteville NC. So prices will very from dealer to dealer. An auto salvage yard should know this answer for you. Now some on the ECM cannot be changed. The ECM from the factory has the VIN to what is called Burned in the ECM which means it will only work in that car only period, You can flash and reprogram all day long and validate the vin number and it will still only want recognize the old vin.. So i am not sure if they do this on all the modules on these vans or just the ECM. Now if you get a new factory blank you can put what ever VIN number you want in them..

It sounds to me like the module has to be configured for the van. My guess is if you get one off a van that is the same year maybe it would work but I don't know:

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_change_the_ABS_control_module_on_a_Ford _2001_Windstar


Again great info.. The configure comes with the flash and reprogram.. It contains what will happen when ABS is active. Because of the different weights of cars,trucks and van, programs will differ.. In the learn mode it picks up all information from sensors so when the ABS system becomes active it knows what to do.. Thats just a simple way to think of it. I could type all day here.

Again great info.. The configure comes with the flash and reprogram.. It contains what will happen when ABS is active. Because of the different weights of cars,trucks and van, programs will differ.. In the learn mode it picks up all information from sensors so when the ABS system becomes active it knows what to do.. Thats just a simple way to think of it. I could type all day here.

That is my take on it also. The modules are some what generic and need to be programmed for the specific vehicle. I called my local shop to see if they can program a new ABS module. The owner thinks they can but he is going to look into it further to be sure. I won't have an answer until next week.

My other option is to take it to a Ford dealer but they will probably charge me to diagnose the problem and they may also tell me to replace the HCU which I doubt is bad. But, if I take it to Ford and they say only ABS Module then I should be covered if it starts acting up again within the near future.

That is my take on it also. The modules are some what generic and need to be programmed for the specific vehicle. I called my local shop to see if they can program a new ABS module. The owner thinks they can but he is going to look into it further to be sure. I won't have an answer until next week.

My other option is to take it to a Ford dealer but they will probably charge me to diagnose the problem and they may also tell me to replace the HCU which I doubt is bad. But, if I take it to Ford and they say only ABS Module then I should be covered if it starts acting up again within the near future.


They should not want you to change the HCU. They already know about the module going bad. At least my Ford guys here did.. My dealership here use to be hard to deal with.. But since I take my van in and let them do my 135.00 trans flush they have been good to me.LOL

They should not want you to change the HCU. They already know about the module going bad. At least my Ford guys here did.. My dealership here use to be hard to deal with.. But since I take my van in and let them do my 135.00 trans flush they have been good to me.LOL

I might end up taking it to Ford because my wife complains about those lights coming on and it causes her to talk about getting a new car.

I might end up taking it to Ford because my wife complains about those lights coming on and it causes her to talk about getting a new car.
LOL.... :grinyes: . But I will say right now is a buyers dream for new cars.. Or at least on my area.. Now as for me I will be getting a new car soon. But I will Keep the van until it dies.. Does come in handy I will say..

LOL....!!! :grinyes: That's funny!!! You better hurry up! That sounds like the cheapest option now, now that the stakes have been raised! LOL.... :grinyes: . Wives really do rule the roost! :shakehead :crying: :rofl:

You guys now have me concerned. This business of having to confirm, program and burned in ids has me concerned. How do I figure out if I am stuck with such a dubious setup? I just recently had to replace the ECM on my 95 Taurus, 3.8, don't ask. I pulled a replacement from a junker with the same part number. I do know, you have to get the EXACT number on the original and can't use one for a different Taurus or Windstar engine. Nobody I called, went online to, or the junkyard said anything about this id issue.

LOL....!!! :grinyes: That's funny!!! You better hurry up! That sounds like the cheapest option now, now that the stakes have been raised! LOL.... :grinyes: . Wives really do rule the roost! :shakehead :crying: :rofl:

You guys now have me concerned. This business of having to confirm, program and burned in ids has me concerned. How do I figure out if I am stuck with such a dubious setup? I just recently had to replace the ECM on my 95 Taurus, 3.8, don't ask. I pulled a replacement from a junker with the same part number. I do know, you have to get the EXACT number on the original and can't use one for a different Taurus or Windstar engine. Nobody I called, went online to, or the junkyard said anything about this id issue.


Well being that its a 95 I don't think it will come into play.. At least The problems I have ran into are mostly around 2000 and up.. 1996 they added more to the ECM. They give more info about whats going on in the system.I think all the way up to 95 they were more engine management based than information based. With these newer cars you really have big brother watching..I was surprised at what info I can pull from my ECM.. On OBD 1 systems I cant pick up as much info. If any at all at times..

Do you know if you have a faulty brake light bulb, the Abs light will come on. the little tungsten in the bulb can work sometimes and stop working if you hit a small bump while driving.

Do you know if you have a faulty brake light bulb, the Abs light will come on. the little tungsten in the bulb can work sometimes and stop working if you hit a small bump while driving.

Thats a new one on me. We have had light bulbs burn out on our 2002 and some light comes on in the dash indicating a light bulb needs replacing. I don't remember the ABS light ever coming from a bad light bulb and the codes I had pulled did not indicate a bad bulb.

LOL....!!! :grinyes: That's funny!!! You better hurry up! That sounds like the cheapest option now, now that the stakes have been raised! LOL.... :grinyes: . Wives really do rule the roost! :shakehead :crying: :rofl:

She never talks about a new car until their is a problem with the van. When everything is working correctly she is happy to stay with what she has.