01 Windstar ASB Warning

I keep getting the ABS sensor in the dash lighting up along with the emegency brake light. It clears everytime the engine is off and comes back on pretty randomly. I checked the fluid level an its fine (I am aware of how sensitive it is), and so I figured maybe it is the magnetic sensor on one of the wheels is not working or there is crud in the exciter ring. I haven't had time to pull the wheels yet, but I thought I would throw this problem out there for any ideas, just in case pulling the wheels off to clean the rings is a waste of time...time I don't seem to have lately. Is there a way to test the sensors? It would be nice to confirm they are working correctly. I'm guessing if one wasn't working, it would turn on the lights everytime I drive the vehicle, but they don't always come on.

Also, for cleaning the rings, I was just going to spray them down with brake clean and lightly wire brush or wipe with a rag dependign on what I see when I get there...any comments?

I bet your ABS module is bad, I am having the same problem on my 01. There is all kinds of posts on this subject. Just google abs module. There are outfits that will do a rebuild. The module is expensive, I have not looked into the details recently, but if you can get a rebuild you will save $$$.

Does the module come on when the car heats up? Does the problem show up less in cold weather? If so, I think it comes from the board in the module expanding under heat load and causing electronic connections to fail.

Very interesting, I had not heard that one. Now that I am aware of it, I will keep an eye on it. I bet you are correct because I did notice that when I travelled south to my parents place, where it is warmer out, that I had the lights come on every time I drove the vehicle, but when ic am back home, where is cold, it stopped happening until recently when the weather warmed up. I wonder if it is related??? Would it matter if it is cold outside? I'll keep an eye on it. By the way, where would you find a rebuilt ABS module? Ford wouldn't sell them, would they? By the way, I am in Canada. Where is the module physically located?

It is located underneath close to the driver seat and is covered with a black pastic cover. Many brake lines are connected to the module unit. This apply to the 2001 year model, probably similar for 99 to 03

Very common problem. Some designer manufacturer idiot didn't put right aluminum sheet for a controller cooling radiator. So when it get hot it stretches the ABS controller circuit board and ....you know the rest. Only 2000 immune to this problem. Yes you can separate hydralic and electronic modules. And yes you can rebuild it for about 120-150. New is 400+. Check Ebay there are people doing rebuild. And yes there is no other solutions then rebuilding or new ABS controller.