2000 3.8 ABS Light at it again

MARZBX157 · #1 04-20-2007, 08:27 PM

As soon as the weather warms up, there goes the ABS light again. It just came on today after driving home from work. I checked my brake pressure switch and it is not leaking. Does anyone know what could be causing this problem and is there a fix for this?

Thanks

wiswind · #2 04-20-2007, 08:42 PM

Of course, the first thing is to make sure that the master cylinder is filled....up to the top of the full line.
Then, you could try inspecting the wheel sensors and spraying brake cleaner over them...and the gear like exciter ring.
Look for any broken wires, a sensor that is maybe a bit farther from the exciter ring than it should be, etc.

12Ounce · #3 04-21-2007, 08:52 AM

Do the above suggestions, and also make sure the tires are all the same size and at the same wear level ... make sure the inflation pressure is adequate.

If all of this doesn't help, you may have to get the system scanned at a dealership or a hi-tech brake shop. A Ford dealership did mine ... and gave me an easy to follow repair scheme ... a print-out of a few sheets.

MARZBX157 · #4 04-21-2007, 08:56 AM

Hey Wiswind, Thanks for the reply I'll get on it today. I did have to add brake fluid about a week ago cause it was low in the res. and I looked at the brake pressure switch and didnt notice any leaks but I only eye balled it. I'll check it more closely today. Thanks again

MARZBX157 · #5 04-21-2007, 09:23 AM

thanks 12Oz. But I did not have the ABS light on all winter long and now that the weather is nice it came on.

wiswind · #6 04-21-2007, 12:03 PM

It is normal for the fluid level in the master cylinder to drop slightly as the brake pads wear.
However, if it drops a lot.....look for some kind of leak.
Places to look include the pressure switch, but also at the calipers, and rear drum brake cylinders.
There are other places, but those are the most likely.
But, again, if it is just a small amount over a period of time, it could be just the normal usage.
A good thing to do in the spring is to check the brakes......see how much lining is left on the pads.....so you can plan ahead for a brake job, should one be needed.

frostie · #7 04-22-2007, 09:44 AM

I have this same problem on my 99. As soon as it gets warm, the ABS lights comes on randomly. It goes out with a key-on cycle. I managed to get to a garage with an ABS scanner when the light was on. They scanned my ABS system and came up with multiple errors, including a C1185 "internal relay failure". According to them, this points to an ABS electronic control module failure.

MARZBX157 · #8 04-23-2007, 08:33 PM

Thanks for the replies Gentlemen, I will stop at the nearest Autozone and get the code read the next time the ABS light comes on. I probably have a defective module like Frostie since the symptoms are the same.

Frostie,, let me know if you replace yours and how much the cost. I'll appreciate it.

12Ounce · #9 04-23-2007, 08:55 PM

I dunno about yours, but my AutoZones only read the "P" codes ... those dealing with the powertrain. The brake codes, I believe, are all grouped in the "C" (Chassis) codes ... and my AutoZone can't read them.

frostie · #10 04-23-2007, 08:55 PM

Just remember that you cannot shut the van off before it is scanned, and make sure that your Autozone can pull ABS codes (not all scanners can do this).

I have a replacement ECU from Ebay (for $75, so sure hope it works!), I just have not had time yet to have it installed.

Good luck.

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