My 2002 f350 has been sitting for 6 months, had to charge batteries to get started. When I did ABS light on dash is on. Disconnected batteries hoping to reset,but still on.. Never have had a issue with truck, but need her to tow in 2 days, and ideas guys? thanks

 

Is the charging system working properly?

 

I have been having similar issues, but mine are intermittent. I can start the truck and I will stay on for a bit and go off, or it will stay on. If that is the case, I shut it back down and the light will cycle normally. I probably need to check all my sensors and see if I have one going out. Question is: where are the sensors located?

 

When I had this problem, it turned out to be a broken ABS sensor wire going to the left front hub. The plastic retainer broke and let the tire rub the wire in two. I spliced it with a good weather proff splice and replaced the retainer with a big tie wrap. It could be other things like VSS etc. but check your wires too.

 

The ABS sensors on the front axle are on the top of the axle tubes right at the brake debris shield if you have 4WABS. On the rear axle the VSS located in the housing on the drivers side/top/forward. Pull the VSS and wipe it clean, see if that helps.

 

If you have 4WABS on your 2002 also check fuse 25 (10A). It is for the 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brake module.

 

I had the same issue with my 01 when the batteries got low. I put my AE on it and it said "ABS Voltage low" I reset the light with the AE and have never had a problem since. I guess if the battery voltage drop below a certain value, it flags a hard code. If you know someone with the Auto Enginuity program, they can reset it for you. Otherwise you'll probably have to take it to a shop.

 

How is your brake fluid level?

 

As far as this being a critical issue ... it isn't. If the ABS light is on, you don't have ABS, but you will have fully functional brakes. The only difference is that the brakes will not pulse during a panic stop.

Braking effort and response will be the same no matter what, except in a panic stop. If you cannot get the ABS problem figured out before needing it for a trip, drive it anyway, just be aware of it. Basically, your braking system will be as if you have regular brakes.

 

SRTEACH is right, I drove mine "a while" before I found the broken sensor wire. Only difference was the light was lit !

 

I had a similar problem with ABS and Brake lights both on. I disconnected the brake fluid level connector off the side of the master cylinder and both lights went out. Reconnected the connector and added brake fluid to the reservoir (fluid was low) and lights stayed out.

 

Reason I asked about the fluid is because years ago my light came on when parked on my sloped driveway. When I backed onto the level street the abs light went out. That's how I learned the light will come on when the fluid is low.