abs light comes on after a couple of minutes

[bopritchard]

my 2001 windstar ABS & brake light is coming on...the brake fluid is fine and i've cleaned the wheel speed sensors...

when first starting the engine the light is off...it comes on after about 2 minutes...and it does that even when the car is in park...i originally thought it was coming on only after driving it, which made me think it had something to do with the speed sensors...but this happens even in park...

any ideas?

thanks

[bopritchard]

i just checked my rear brakes and the shoes are pretty much gone...could that cause the ABS light to come on...even when in park?

[CoachKarl]

My guess is . . . Yup . even in park.


Welcome boprichard ! (?) ! We can help.

Elaborate please. More details.

Engine size, what you've tried so far, in DETAIL.


Karl

[ModMech]

Speed sensors can cause an ABS light even when in "P" if the WIRES are damaged. To find out the problem, you will have to get the ABS codes pulled.

Worn shoes/pads CANNOT cause an ABS light, there is simply no way for the ABS to know the condition of the pads or shoes.

[carlos80]

have the codes pulled for the abs system. at this point it could be a number of things. i would lean more towards the low fluid level sensor.

[12Ounce]

....

I believe AutoZone.com has a section on testing the sensors individually.

[DRW1000]

I went to autozone.com but could not find the speed sensor testing section. I would imagine that if one has access to an oscilloscope the wheel sensors could be a straightforward test.

Make sure the level is at the max line. The ABS system is sensitive to the level. The level will go down as the pads/shoes wear.

[12Ounce]

It ain't much, but here is a little:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801d3f26.jsp

They don't have even this much on the '99 and later.

[adbradley]

After checking my Alldata subscription, the test procedure for a 1999 Windstar is as follows:

Measure the resistance between the two pins (component side) of the suspect anti-lock brake sensor connector.

- Is the resistance between 1710 and 2200 ohms?

YES - Repair the circuit in question.

NO - Install a new anti-lock brake sensor.

It also says to physically check the sensor for damaged or missing teeth and replace if necessary. Also, wiggle the sensor at the wheel end, feeling if it is loose. If loose, retorque the sensor. If there is any sign of water entry, pin corrosion or excessive debris, the sensor should be replaced.

[carlos80]

the problem with these suggestions is that we're not sure its the speed sensor(s) if you get the codes that might give us a better direction as to what the problem might be

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by carlos80

the problem with these suggestions is that we're not sure its the speed sensor(s)

If the resistance values are outside of the ranges listed then you do know that the particular speed sensor is bad. Granted without the codes you'd have to test all 4 wheel sensors, but if any of them are outside of the range then you know its bad and can be replaced. No gaurantee that will be the only issue, but you might get lucky.

[DRW1000]

I agree with LewisNC100. It is a very easy test and can save a lot of time and money in the long run.

I wonder if Adbradley entered a typo when he typed "1710 and 200 ohms".

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

It ain't much, but here is a little:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d801d3f26.jsp

They don't have even this much on the '99 and later.

Thanks 12ounce. Silly me I only checked the 99's.

[carlos80]

Originally Posted by DRW1000

I agree with LewisNC100. It is a very easy test and can save a lot of time and money in the long run.

I wonder if Adbradley entered a typo when he typed "1710 and 200 ohms".

if unable to pull codes then you have to work with what you can

[12Ounce]

DRW
What do you think of those photo illustrations on that link? Hard to see the ABS sensors in those shots!