ABS Light On

[arteliare]

I have a 2000 Windstar 143K Kms (around 90K Miles) the ABS Lights Turns On almost all the time. Is there an easy way to know whether or not is a ground fault or a loose cable?

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by arteliare

I have a 2000 Windstar 143K Kms (around 90K Miles) the ABS Lights Turns On almost all the time. Is there an easy way to know whether or not is a ground fault or a loose cable?

arteliare

Welcome to AFs!

In my opinion the best way to find why a trouble light is on is to read the fault code with a good auto scanner. Call around to the smaller shops and ask if they can read ABS codes. They "should, might, probably" charge less than the dealer who wants around $90.00 just to brush the dust off of your vehicle.

Regards

Dan

[tripletdaddy]

Have you tried some of the suggestions in the Windstar Forum for this problem using the search feature on the Windstar front page? There are many simple to fix causes that causes the light to come on. Does the other "brake warning" light come on? When the light on my van comes on, I just need to top off the brake fluid reservoir, but usually the other light comes on too. Others have found the abs wheel sensor and the exciter ring on the axle to need cleaning, etc. I highly recommend reading what is posted re. "abs light."

[LeSabre97mint]

The reason why I directed him to get the codes read is the fact that only the ABS light was coming on. The ABS wasn't coming on at slow speeds.

I just didn't want him trying a bunch of things without knowing the area to check.

Dan

[tripletdaddy]

True, paying for an abs scan would more rapidly and hopefully pinpoint the problem. (Someone's spoiled with their Snap-On Scanner! : Must be nice.) I was appealing to the no-cost minded, albeit, time consuming approach. I have read about so many simple solutions to stupid little problems like dirty sensors and excitor rings and sensor wiring problems, that that was the approach many took.

Arteliare, if you suspect a wiring isssue, it's definitely worth looking them over and being sure all of the connectors are tight and clean. Definitely a scan can narrow down more quickly where to look rather than everywhere.

Dan, I couldn't find in Arteliare's post, mention of "the abs not coming on at slow speeds." What I did find him say was " the ABS Lights Turns On almost all the time," though I'm not sure how crucial either point is. Why is it important that the abs light is not on while traveling at slow speeds?

Arteliare, is the abs light off every time you start the van? Typically, when does it come on? I assume you have no other warning lights come on, correct?

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by tripletdaddy

True, paying for an abs scan would more rapidly and hopefully pinpoint the problem. (Someone's spoiled with their Snap-On Scanner! : Must be nice.)

I don't have a clue as to what you're talking about?? Yes it is nice to have the S-O around. It's not mine YET. The SO scanner will tell you which door is ajar...that's very nice.

I was appealing to the no-cost minded, albeit, time consuming approach. I have read about so many simple solutions to stupid little problems like dirty sensors and excitor rings and sensor wiring problems, that that was the approach many took.

Yes..I've done that approach.

I'm willing to share the scanner with anyone that's willing to drive to my place. I'm blessed to have it so I will pay it forward.

Dan, I couldn't find in Arteliare's post, mention of "the abs not coming on at slow speeds." What I did find him say was " the ABS Lights Turns On almost all the time," though I'm not sure how crucial either point is. Why is it important that the abs light is not on while traveling at slow speeds?

What I should have said was if the ABS pump comes on at slow speeds. This is (well in my case on my 95) most of the time out of adjustment and dirty rear ABS sensors.

Dan

[tripletdaddy]

Minnesota is a nice place, but a little far, even with the lowering gas prices. I think I'll take your advice to find a local shop to read my ABS codes hopefully for less than a tank of gas.

I also have a 95, so I'm interested in your experiences. So if it comes on at slow speeds, you've found it may need adjustment. What do adjust/fix? And, if it has come on at faster speeds, what tends to be the cause and repair?
Thanks

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by tripletdaddy

Minnesota is a nice place, but a little far, even with the lowering gas prices. I think I'll take your advice to find a local shop to read my ABS codes hopefully for less than a tank of gas.

I also have a 95, so I'm interested in your experiences. So if it comes on at slow speeds, you've found it may need adjustment. What do adjust/fix? And, if it has come on at faster speeds, what tends to be the cause and repair?
Thanks

TD

Yes MN is nice..and a tank of gas is still around 30.00...

A couple things that I found will turn the ABS pump on around 5 mph. Dirty rear sensors which also may need to be moved closer to the ring, and wheel bearings out of adjustment.

The ABS computer keeps track how fast each wheel is turning. When one or more wheel is going slower or stopped the pump runs and pulses the brakes so the tires have a chance to grip.

Remove the rear brake drums and clean out the crud. Clean the ABS senors. They are bolted to the backing plate. As near as I can remember there is a slot to adjust the spacing to the ring and I lengthen the slot to get the sensor closer to the ring. Repack and adjust the rear wheel bearings.

Let me know if I need to clarify or explain things further.

Dan