Intermittent ABS Light

[pryornfld]

Me Again...
Anyway just a quick question concerning the ABS light. It came on today while my wife was driving, but it didn't remain on after it was shut down and re-started.I started/stopped the van several times and the ABS light reacted normally shutting down several sec after start. I had a check engine code re-set yesterday, could it be that this was the first start after the re-setting of the codes and it was trying to read them?
What safety concerns should I have at this point?I checked the fluids, look normal. Does the ABS have any impact on the braking other than the brake pulsing needed for skidding etc?

Thanks
DIon

[lewisnc100]

If its a wheel sensor the light won't come back on until you get over 10mph or so, then you might see it come back on. They are easy to test out with a multimeter.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by lewisnc100

If its a wheel sensor the light won't come back on until you get over 10mph or so, then you might see it come back on. They are easy to test out with a multimeter.

I just replaced my LR sensor on my 99. My light was on solidly for about a year. When I replaced it electrically but did not physically install it and started my car and the light was off. I found mine via the resistance check method of each sensor.

Regular braking is not affected as long as the red brake light is off.

[lewisnc100]

DRW1000, has your light stayed off since the change?

[pryornfld]

Since the post the light has not come on again. Could it be the fact that the computer was reset and the abs was doing a self test? What does the sensors look like?

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by lewisnc100

DRW1000, has your light stayed off since the change?

I just did it................................So yes but only for a couple of drives.

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by pryornfld

Since the post the light has not come on again. Could it be the fact that the computer was reset and the abs was doing a self test? What does the sensors look like?

I would think the fluid level would be more likely. The ABS wants the fluid to the max level.

The ABS sensor is in a moulded black case with about 2 feet of cables attached.

[pryornfld]

I will take a look at the fluid as well. Hope to get at it tomorrow as it is pouring rain here today.Unfortunately I don't have a garage to work in.Will post back after the repair.Is there any cleaner that I can use on the sensor to clean it?

[wiswind]

Use ONLY brake cleaner....as it leaves no residue.
Clean the gear-like actuator at each wheel to remove the build up of brake lining dust, which is normal.
Clean at ALL wheels.
Check the distance between the sensor and the gear teeth, in case one of the sensors has been bumped.

[pryornfld]

I noticed that my fluid level is below the max line. I added some today and so far no ABS light. Probably due for a new set of breaks. There are no leaks in the lines. How difficult to replace the breaks? I replaced the breaks on my cavalier, so how difficult for the van?

[DRW1000]

If you can do a cavilier then you should be able to do a Windstar. There is nothing out of the ordinary for my 99 with drums and rotors. A Haynes is a good reference to have on hand.

[walcom]

So you measure the resistance by disconnecting the harness and measuring across the pins? Do you have to remove the wheel(s) to do this?

[DRW1000]

Originally Posted by walcom

So you measure the resistance by disconnecting the harness and measuring across the pins? Do you have to remove the wheel(s) to do this?

Disconnect the sensor from the car's wiring and measure acroos the 2 pins of the sensor. You do not need to remove the wheels to do this on the rears. I can't remember about the fronts but I think if you drove up on some ramps you could access them with the wheels on.