95 Windstar ABS light

[justn]

Just wondering if it was safe to still drive with the ABS light on. I have checked the fluid level it is good. Ive seen that the speed sensor may be the problem, could someone tell me how is the best way to clean it, where is it located and what does it look like.

Thanks

[s1120]

Well mine has had the light on for...oh about 4 years now.

As long as you know you do not have ABS, its not a huge problem. Have you had the system checked? As far as the sensors? they are located at each wheel. Just look for the wire going to the hubs, and thats it. Oh and its not a matter of cleaning. Something is broken. In my case the control unit is bad. Im not going to spend the cash, so I just drive with no ABS.

[wiswind]

One thing to check is the brake fluid level in the master cylinder.
The ABS light can come on if that level is too low.
On the windstar, the trigger point is real close to the "full" line.

In my signature, there is a link to pictures that I have posted that show a variety of repair projects on my '96.
In the pictures, look for the front disk, and rear drum brake jobs.
In some of the pictures, you will see a gear - looking item, behind the brake pads or shoes.
This gear is the "exciter" ring.
If you follow the electrical wire that goes to each wheel, it will connect to a sensor.
The sensor sends a signal each time one of the teeth of the gear passes it.
This signal tells the ABS system how fast that wheel is turning.

One common thing that happens is that one of the wheel sensors becomes too far from the gear.
The sensor should NOT be touching the gear, but should be close to it.
In this case, you would adjust the sensor so that it is closer to the gear.

To clean the ABS gear and sensor, use brake parts cleaner to flush the brake dust away.

Also, look for any signs that something has damaged the wire that goes to the wheel.....

[Hartsock]

When I bought our 96 WS a couple months ago I asked the dealer why the ABS light did not come on at all. They told me the control unit was bad and had made the decision not to replace the unit. When we have the money to replace it we will. Not concerned about not having ABS, we have never had it on a car... though I would like to.

Is there any way to save money on replacing the unit? Are there repaired units on the market? A few years ago when the engine control unit on one of our cars went bad I was able to by a repaired unit to save some money.

Dana

[justn]

Thanks for the info , I will take a look at the sensors and clean them, if that doesn't work I guess no ABS for me, wont put money into the vechicle.

[s1120]

Originally Posted by Hartsock

When I bought our 96 WS a couple months ago I asked the dealer why the ABS light did not come on at all. They told me the control unit was bad and had made the decision not to replace the unit. When we have the money to replace it we will. Not concerned about not having ABS, we have never had it on a car... though I would like to.

Is there any way to save money on replacing the unit? Are there repaired units on the market? A few years ago when the engine control unit on one of our cars went bad I was able to by a repaired unit to save some money.

Dana

As far as I have found there are no reman units out there. I could not find one anyway a year or so ago. As for having ABS. I kinda like it better without it.