98 Ford Windstar ABS Problem

[struttgart]

Hi,

I am new to this forum and could use some real help with this one.

First, I will give you a little history. My wife and I purchased a 1998 3.8L Ford Windstar three years ago. EArlier this year our ABS light came on and the Ford dealer did a complete rear brake and cylinder (I think that is what they are called?) replacement. During the may long weekend I took the van camping. The brakes worked find on the drive up. It rained all weekend and when I drove it home the brakes were very squishy. I would press the brakes which would work fine but then the pedal would slowly compress to the floor. I took it in to a local mechanic and he told me it was the ABS power unit that was shot and it would be $2500CDN to buy a new part.

Now to my questions. Does this sound right or is the mechanic tryong to hose me? Secondly, is it possible to bypass the ABS all together and return the van to manual braking?

I hope someone can help clarify things a bit for me because I know very little about vehicles.

Ciao,
Cory <((><

[DRW1000]

Usually when the ABS system is not working and fails its own self test it lights up the amber ABS light and disables the ABS system. Normal braking is not affected. If your Red Brake light is on then your normal brake system has a problem.

[ModMech]

Correct,

And yes, $2500 CDN is WAY too much. The HCUs are only about $900 US, and under $200 for the labor.

Operating a vehicle with ABS that does not work, is NO DIFFERENT than if it were never installed.

[i8uiky]

"I would press the brakes which would work fine but then the pedal would slowly compress to the floor."

this sounds like internal leak in the master cylinder.sounds like you should find a new mechanic

[Dngrsone]

Make sure your brake fluid level is all the way to that line.

It could also be something really stupid like the system wasn't bled properly... but it does sound like the master cylinder is leaking.