2004 Eplorer ABS code

Any way to get a code in a 2004 Explorer without test equipment? Not familiar with this vehicle although we used to have a 91 Explorer with rear ABS. This is my son's vehicle, just hit 68,000 miles and this evening an ABS error message appeared. I know on some vehicles you can turn your ignition switch to get codes but not sure on this one, or if even ABS codes would be stored the same...I remember on the 91 you could short out a wire and it would give ABS codes. Is there a common item to this particular vehicle that would be setting this?

You need a high end scanner to read the ABS codes. There are no provisions for reading the ABS codes without an ABS capable scan tool.

Or you could go the route of a dedicated, consumer-grade ABS scan tool. This one (http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16349) is the only one I'm aware of so far.

-Rod

Thanks to both of you. I was wondering if this is something perhaps Advance or Autozone could do this? I know they can check codes on newer vehicles but not sure if ABS is read on the computer or if there was a separate computer for it. The light came on for a few minutes, then after it was parked has never lit up since. Maybe some dirt got on a sensor...but may have to get it to a dealer if Advance can't do it. I don't have money at this time to get a 300 dollar tester, although I will get one eventually..My old OBDI tester is no longer a help to me, LOL.

You're correct, the testers used by the chain parts stores are only able to read powertrain codes. They do not connect to the ABS, airbag/SRS, transmission, body control computers, etc.

You may be able to save a few bucks by finding an independent shop that can read the codes, but be sure to check the price for them to read the ABS codes. It may not be a whole lot less than the cost of the tester mentioned above.

-Rod