Another ABS question - ABS/Track turn on intermitently

[mtherr]

I read a few threads about ABS system issues. The symptoms on my Windstar 1999 is this....

At any time (I may be stopped running straight, turning, fast, slow, whatever), the ABS and the Track Control lights turn on (and stay on). If I turn off the ignition and restart the engine, the lights are reset. There is no impact on the braking performance (except for the fact that the ABS system is disabled). No noise either.

This won't systematically happen every time I use the car. It may happen every day and then, won't do it for a week.

I read about dirty or bad sensors... would this apply for this type of problem? The sensors appear to be hall effect sensors... so would cleaning make a difference?

My local dealer does not even want to talk about the problem (he just says "don't worry, the brakes are still working"). So, I presume parts and repair are quite expensive. Anybody would have an idea about this?

Thanks!

M

[DRW1000]

The ABS light steadily on (i.e. not flashing) does indicate a problem with the ABS system but the normal brakes are not affected. My ABS light has been on since November and I am planning to look into them when the weather gets warmer. Since I drove so many years without ABS I was not so worried.

Check the brake fluid as this could cause the problem (so I am told)

[rodeo02]

Generally, the weakest link to the ABS & traction control system is the wheel speed sensors. You have one for each wheel & they tend to go bad over time, or loose thier signal being subjected to harsh road & environmental conditions at the wheel hubs. They get rusty, caked with brake goo, broken wires/connectors. This will cause your ABS light to illuminate & can cause the ABS to modulate the brakes at odd times. If this happens, just pull the ABS fuse to deactive ABS until you can service it. Sophisticated code readers can read ABS & trac cntrl codes & tell you what sensor is malfunctioning. Most store bought models wont have these features.
G/luck
Joel