Wiper fluid light, ABS, Trac Off light

[babyshofur]

I have a '98 with about 112,000. I've really been pretty lucky (*Knocking on some wood) compared to some.
Anyway, I'm scheduled to have another tie rod replaced (schreeching/squealing noise when I turn the wheel) on Monday and have some other problems and need some ideas on what to ask about. First of all, my trac off light has been blinking for about 6-7 months sporadically. The ABS light also comes on. More recently, I've been hearing a grinding and it feels like I'm slipping when I brake. The trac active light will come on if I'm turning a corner with no obvious reason for it to come on... no hard breaking or slippery conditions. Then immediately following the trac active light going off, the trac off light will start blinking and the ABS light will come on. Normally they are on for a little bit and then will just go off. Also, if it's raining or has rained the night before, the lights are almost always on when I turn the van on. Usually when I turn the van off and then the next time I get in, the lights will not be on. So, it's difficult to take it to get the error code when I don't know if the light will be back on again. Any suggestions?

Also, I was in a car accident about a year ago and the windshild wiper fluid reservoir had to be replaced. Since then, the wiper fluid light will come on even if the tank is full, then will just go out. It's sporadic, too. Is there a sensor that maybe wasn't replaced?

My interior lights and door ajar light are problems, too, but I haven't tried the fixes yet for then except cleaning the connection points on the sliding door.

I have a clunking in the front end when I accelerate. (I'm guessing the stabilizer front bushings and will have them checked Monday.)

I really appreciate all you're help!

[rodeo02]

The traction control light & ABS light are likely coming on due to a bad wheel speed sensor. The grinding / slipping you feel upon braking is the ABS activating due to a bad wheel speed sensor. If the ABS computer does not see all 4 wheels going the same speed, it will activate the ABS and/or trac control accordingly. The washer fluid issue sounds like a bad float switch in the tank. I'd have whoever did the collision work fix their mistake. The door ajar issue is way too common, check the other posts on this board for solutions. ABS parts & troubleshooting are usually costly! hopfully its nothing too major.
Good luck
Joel

[sleepyhead]

I read Joel's explanation below and feel it is very reasonal, as I am having similiar observations. My 96' windstar started to produce grinding noise a few weeks ago when brake pedal was pressed down. To my ears, it sounds like the noise comes from the front brakes. Sometimes ABS warning comes on after even a very gental turn, sometimes the brake pedal bounces up at the end of braking course. All this indicates the ABS has problem. The other day, I went to Firestone and had a $15 checkup to find out there is a spring missing from one of the rear brake drum. Taking Joel's idea, if one wheel does not get proper brake force, then trac control will get the report from wheel speed sensors to produce the grinding sound.
It was on a Sunday and Firestone can not get the supply from the nearby ovoid blue dealer (closed on Sundays). I got the quote: hardware $35, labor $42.5. The actual online price for a new hardware kit (which I assume contains a few springs, screws...) is under $10!

Here comes the question to discuss, for you all, including Joel: Without a spring tool, can one install the spring right to its postionwith normal household tools? Whatelse to be cautious?

Thanks, have a great night,

Jack

Originally Posted by rodeo02

The traction control light & ABS light are likely coming on due to a bad wheel speed sensor. The grinding / slipping you feel upon braking is the ABS activating due to a bad wheel speed sensor. If the ABS computer does not see all 4 wheels going the same speed, it will activate the ABS and/or trac control accordingly. The washer fluid issue sounds like a bad float switch in the tank. I'd have whoever did the collision work fix their mistake. The door ajar issue is way too common, check the other posts on this board for solutions. ABS parts & troubleshooting are usually costly! hopfully its nothing too major.
Good luck
Joel