abs light

[deker]

hi there everyone!!! i have a question and any help will be greatly appericiated. i recently bought a 96 ford windstar and the brake light was on.... come to find out the abs was not connected, causing the brake light to illuminate. Now that the abs is now connected, the brake light went out. when the brake is applied i feel the pulsating on the pedal... i know this is normal but on occasion the abs light alluminates and stays on till the van is turned of and when the van is started again the abs light is NOT on ......... can anyone help me out with this???? thanks

[BCMedic]

First I wonder why it was disconnected, have you checked all the brakes thoroughly and fluid level and condition?
When you first start the van the ABS module polls the sensors and system for an adequate signal and if they all pass the light will go out. If the light comes back on during driving. the most likely problem is that one of the wheel speed sensors (magnetic pickups) stopped sending the expected signal. This could be caused by a loose/corroded connector at the wheel sensors, improper gap or more likely it's corrosion or dirt build-up on the toothed ring (tone ring) or the sensor itself.
If the light never goes out you usually have a faulty module.
It wouldn't hurt to check the tires for air pressure as well, the system will detect rotational speed differences. Such as if you are getting a flat or have swapped tires around and the profiles or tread depth is unusual.
The sensor units may just need a good cleaning, resistance check and inspection.

[DRW1000]

Sounds like the ABS was disconnected because it was engaging all the time.

If the light comes on at times it is because the ABS computer noticed something was not right and thus it disabled the system and turned on the light. When the car is re-started it passes the intial test and is operable until whatever set of circumstances appear that makes the computer fail the ABS system.

First thing I would do is check the brake fluid. Even slightly low can cause the ABS light to illuminate. Perhaps when you stop the level goes down (due to the fluid going through the brake lines) enough that the ABS system flags it.

[way2old]

If light comes on before you move, the module is bad or a speed sensor has a wire broken. If you can drive it a little ways and get above 10 mph before light comes on, suspect faulty speed sensor. Best way to determine is to have scan tool, one that can read ABS, hooked up and drive vehicle

[WindstarSufferer]

I have a similar situation with a 99 windstar. Since we got it used with 93K miles, the ABS and traction control lights would come on every once in a while and stay on until we restarted the car. Only it wasn't when we were braking. Wasn't even necessarily taking a turn. Sometimes just hit a small bump in the road. One day the ABS were engaging whenever I tried to come to a complete stop. Mechanic said the rings on one side had all fallen out (or something like that). If I remember correctly, he replaced a ring assembly. Now the light started coming back on again. Will have mechanic check the other side?

[deker]

Originally Posted by WindstarSufferer

I have a similar situation with a 99 windstar. Since we got it used with 93K miles, the ABS and traction control lights would come on every once in a while and stay on until we restarted the car. Only it wasn't when we were braking. Wasn't even necessarily taking a turn. Sometimes just hit a small bump in the road. One day the ABS were engaging whenever I tried to come to a complete stop. Mechanic said the rings on one side had all fallen out (or something like that). If I remember correctly, he replaced a ring assembly. Now the light started coming back on again. Will have mechanic check the other side?

thanks for info........ my 96 windstar does the same thing....light comes on on occasion not always when brake is applied but mostly when i turn sharp left. machanic says may be crack in one of sensors.
still got brakes and its just a pain dealin with the light every 2-3 days.
thanks again