ABS light?

[Goldlexus]

I have read some past posts on the ABS light but none sounded like what we experienced today with our brakes. First let me say we have a 99 Windstar 3.8...We were coming down a slight hill when we heard a weird noise and my husband felt the brake pedal moving under his foot. After the noise stopped (didn't last long) the ABS light came on. The brakes are working fine, no problems stopping, we don't have the initial noise that we heard when going down the hill. The ABS light obviously turns off when we turn the van off. It comes on and goes off along with all the other lights at start up but than a couple of minutes later it comes back on and stays on until we turn the van off. Any ideas?

[toivoju]

Have you filled in brake fluid? I had the same (abs light), and when I just filled it absolutely full (over the full mark), the light went off and everything worked fine. Don't know about the noise.

[DRW1000]

I agree...check the fluid.

I think the noise you heard was the ABS activating. It does sound kind of strange and the pedal will pulsate.

The ABS light indicates that the ABS system has a problem and is deactivated. Your normal braking is unnaffected as long as the red brake light is off (and of course not burnt out). Low fluid normally affects the ABS first and illuminates this lamp and if the fluid level gets lower the red brake light will come on.

[Goldlexus]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

I agree...check the fluid.

I think the noise you heard was the ABS activating. It does sound kind of strange and the pedal will pulsate.

The ABS light indicates that the ABS system has a problem and is deactivated. Your normal braking is unnaffected as long as the red brake light is off (and of course not burnt out). Low fluid normally affects the ABS first and illuminates this lamp and if the fluid level gets lower the red brake light will come on.

Okay I went to check the fluid. My question now is how on earth am I suppose to get to it! It is way in the back under the black piece that goes up to the windshield. Do I take that off, what do I use to take it off? Doesn't look like regular screws. How irratating that the brake fluid resevore is not as easily accessable as all the other vital operating fluids.
Keep in mind I am not a mechanic but am able to do basic things. My husband IS NOT at all mechanically inclined so he is of no help. I am at least willing to try things.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by Goldlexus

Okay I went to check the fluid. My question now is how on earth am I suppose to get to it! It is way in the back under the black piece that goes up to the windshield. Do I take that off, what do I use to take it off? Doesn't look like regular screws. How irratating that the brake fluid resevore is not as easily accessable as all the other vital operating fluids.
Keep in mind I am not a mechanic but am able to do basic things. My husband IS NOT at all mechanically inclined so he is of no help. I am at least willing to try things.

Remove the cap from the resevoir. I used a small bottle of brake fluid. I kept the lid on tight and I manouvered it to beside the resevoir. I then took the cap off of the bottle and there is enough room to tilt the bottle and fill the resevoir.

I think it is great that you are willing to try things. Sometimes we can amaze ourselves with what we are capable of doing.

[Goldlexus]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

Remove the cap from the resevoir. I used a small bottle of brake fluid. I kept the lid on tight and I manouvered it to beside the resevoir. I then took the cap off of the bottle and there is enough room to tilt the bottle and fill the resevoir.

I think it is great that you are willing to try things. Sometimes we can amaze ourselves with what we are capable of doing.

Thanks, I kind of like learning new things. I have even replaced the spark plugs and wires in my older car a Olds Cutlass. I know it isnt brain surgery, it is very easy, but something hubby wouldn't even try. Anyway, about the brake fluid reservoir....I can't tell where or see a 'min.' or 'max' fill line. How do I know how much to put in. It is way under there. I can slide my hand in to get the cap off but I don't see how I have much room to tip even a small bottle of fluid into it. To make sure I am looking at the right thing..It is on the driver's side, under the black plastic piece that comes out from the windshield, behind what looks like maybe an air filter? Guessing on that, I never replaced the air filter myself, it is replaced by the mechanic. Anyway, is that right? Do I have to right location of the brake fluid reservoir?

[DRW1000]

It sounds like you are looking at the right thing. It is a white plastic bottle that is attached to a black disc shaped object. There are min and max lines on it but sometimes you need to clean it in order to see. Shine a bright light to try and see the fluid level.

[Goldlexus]

I added the brake fluid. The ABS light still comes on. Does it take awhile for the system to adjust? If not what else could be the problem?

[DRW1000]

One drive should do it.

Apparently the wheel sensors (especially the rear) get dirty with brake dust and thus the readings are considered out of range and the computer disables the ABS. This of course keeps the light on.

[Btd36]

check the fluid level.



Brian

[Goldlexus]

Originally Posted by Btd36

check the fluid level.



Brian

Thanks, but I did that already. I still have the abs light on. Read previous posts in this thread.

[ladylex]

I'm new here and the information given is very helpful. I have a 1998 Ford Windstar. My ABS light is on also. I am going to check the fluid and see if that works.

[way2old]

You need to have the trouble codes read for the ABS system. The light coming on means there is a problem with ABS and you only have regular braking. This is something that needs to be addressed soon. You will probably need to take it to a shop that has capabilities to read the ABS coses. I don't think the auto parts chain stores read ABS codes. Get codes, post back and we can offer more assistance.