Getting at the Dashboard Lights

[smata67]

I think it is time to get in there and take care of the intermittent ABS light problem on my 1999 Windstar. Has someone done a step by step on this or otherwise can point me to a procedure? I plan on either taking out the bulb or otherwise blocking the illumination from coming through the display. Will removing the bulb cause something else to go haywire or is that all it will take? Is it an LED in there or an incandescent?

[bdahl385]

I am pretty sure that our present Federal government would have you arrested or possibly shot if you tampered with a federally mandated piece of automotive safety equipment.

[smata67]

Bring 'em on! I've got shotguns eight deep and piles of fake Kenyan birth certificates to take their bullets. It is my worthless crap American van and I can do what I want with it. If you got a problem with that, take it up with my dimwitted 30 year old son who lives here, down the steps to the basement.

[phil-l]

smata67 -

I fixed the infamous Windstar ABS problem on my '00 (and not by just blocking the light).

See my responses in these two threads for info on my project:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1077137

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul....php?t=1070359

Note that - unlike when I did my project - it's now possible to get the electronic portion of the Windstar ABS module repaired. To get a sampling of such services, go to eBay and search on "Windstar ABS repair".

Phil

[MARZBX157]

Also, make sure to replace the brake pressure switch with the newer version. I've had the intermittent ABS Light for awhile and since the Recall was done I have not had the light come on again. Just a thought.

[smata67]

Nice write on the replacement procedure. I did the cruise control switch replacement right when the new one came out and it made no difference. I'm just trying to pass inspection, so far the light stays off until the car is driven for a bit, so it has not been on during safety inspection, but I'm tired of worrying about it every time.

Phil-l did you know that many military basis have auto lifts that are open for use by federal employees? I've used the Fort Belvoir one in the past and may again if I decide to fix this. If you are not a federal employee, I remember someone in MD telling me there was a business that rented bays by the hour.

[phil-l]

smata67 -

Yes, I know of folks who have used base facilities for auto repairs. No, I'm not a federal employee, so it doesn't help me.

A lift goes a long way to making many projects quick and easy!

Sadly - from personal experience - I can pretty much guarantee that your ABS light is going to keep turning on until the module is replaced.

The first thing I'd do in your position: Get under the van and pull off the plastic cover protecting the ABS unit (this only takes a few minutes). See how clean your ABS unit looks - and if the fasteners on top of the electronic portion of the unit are corroded.

The key to my repair approach is being able to remove the electronic portion of the ABS module without removing the hydraulic portion (which opens the hydraulic brake lines, complicating the job and making the van undrivable while the whole module is out). Yes, the van can be driven with only the electronic portion of the module removed (you won't have ABS - but you don't have dependable ABS now anyway). If the condition of the module leads you to believe the electronic portion can be removed without broken fasteners, I'd look into the module repair services. Otherwise, your best bet is probably replacing the entire ABS module (which is pricey).

[smata67]

Did the ABS light go away when fuse 101 and 102 were pulled? Or did it get brighter?