'01 Escape pulsating brake pedal

[qwertydog]

Our Escape has developed an intermittent problem with a pulsating brake pedal.
It is not worn rotors or drums as this would be noticeable all the time. It seems like the ABS is being activated for no apparent reason. I am considering buying a generic ABS trouble code reader to see if that will shed some light on this mystery. Will one of these readers work on this vehicle and where does it plug in ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[danielsatur]

If the ABS light is off, it should be working.
How's old/mileage is traction on your tires?
Are all the tires the same size and air psi?

[aleekat]

It is not worn rotors or drums as this would be noticeable all the time.

Not true. Unless you used a dial indicator to measure runout. Had several vehicles with warped rotors that didn't pulse at every brake application.

[rteas48183]

I had a 2001 Ford explorer 4x4 with that same issue.. Replaced all 3 and sensors rotors pads with the problem unchanged. No abs light on either. I never did resolve the problem just lived with it. I found by taking the fuse out of the distribution block under the hood it disabled the abs system. Which gave the pedal back its firmness but of course the abs light was on the dash.. this worked for me until it snowed.

[shadows]

Originally Posted by danielsatur

If the ABS light is off, it should be working.
How's old/mileage is traction on your tires?
Are all the tires the same size and air psi?

wise words

I have an 08 and an 09 Escape
the brakes on both will pulse-
depends on how you apply the brakes and what you are driving in
what are the conditions you are braking in
you do know what ABS means- right

unlike cars of old- you need to be carefull on stomping on the brake pedal