And I still haven't found that 2 prong plug to short out...

 

also do I need to check the module behind the glove box?

 

okay so I decided to get the multimeter and check the wiring on the ABS valve. Just testing for continuity.

I unplugged the plastic connector going from the ABS valve, there were 4 prongs recessed in the valve-end of the connection. They were grouped in 2s so logically I tested 2 on the left, then 2 on the right.

Well only 1 pair had continuity. Is this normal?

Also I unplugged the speed sensor in the rear and checked for continuity in the sensor, none. normal?

 

Okay, found the test wire. It was not a 2 prong, and not just to the right of center. It was a singe prong connection right next to the ABS module behind the glove compartment. Took it apart, grounded it, got 7 flashes.

• Anti-lock electronic control module internal fuse blown or internal open circuit
• Shorted isolation solenoid internal to the RABS valve
• Intermittent short or shorted circuit in Circuit 599 (PK/LG)
• Contamination or bent Pins 1 and 3 of RABS valve connector shorting together

Basically this narrows it down to an issue with the MODULE or the VALVE.

So next question, how do I test the module?
And how do I test the valve?
And how do I test the Circuit 599?
(i think I can handle the pin inspection )

 

So does it go off when you use your turn signals too. And is your third brake light lit up dimly?

 

nope and nope.

If I use turn signals it stays on. No other lights. Just the damn ABS defiantly staring at me.

I ordered an ABS module. $100, since the p.o. said he already changed the ABS valve I figured the module would be a good place to start.

 

Ok. Let us know if it fixes your problem. I have a similar problem but have not done any diging on it yet.

 

Have you done this and checked for codes?

Rusty

 

Yes I did do the procedure for error detection.
All 1997 7.3 HD models have the test wire behind the glove compartment though. Grounded it, got 6 short flashes and 1 long flash, totaling 7. Corresponds to the possible failures in the above quote.

 

Missed that post. I hope you find the fix soon.

Rusty

 

My thanks for all the insight. if I have learned one thing from all this, it is this: (for anyone ever considering going to the "ford people" please read all of this)

NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER trust a dealer ("the ford place").

In the past I have had mixed results but this one really sold me on stealership service dpts.

As I said earlier I took the truck to the "ford place" (the exact dealer will remain unnamed, UNLESS THEY DON'T REFUND ME FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS) and I specifically told the man, "run full diagnostics on the ABS system."

I do not think this happened... I waited for about an hour before they even took the truck into the shop, then waited another half hour before some *temporarily unnamed* kid came out and wanted me to follow him back. So I did. When I got to the truck, I saw no computers, no electrical diagnostic hardware of any kind. All he did was crawl under the truck and jiggle the speed sensor wires on top of the pumpkin and said "these here were loose."

SO he tightened them down and fired her up, still had the light! No change! Here is the following dialogue:
ME: "hey, when I was under there last, I noticed the ABS valve was a remanufactured part, maybe it has malfunctioned because of poor remanufacture? Is this common?"
FORD TECH: "...uuuh, yeah, that's what the computer was reading a shoruad fpj...mmmhrmm....herrmmerermm..." - walks off.

Boom, $149.00, and that is what I got.

So I went home. Spent about 2 hours digging around on the internet until I found enough details on doing the error code test myself, performed it, and found out the ABS module was bad. (pinpoint test L2 or something in the 1996 book, where you check resistance between Pin#13 in the module lead and the vehicle ground, got 4 ohms which means there is no short to ground in the circuit, or failing isolation solenoid in the ABS valve) had to be the module.

Anyone want to guess what the *temporarily unnamed* "Ford place" wanted to repair an ABS valve that WAS OPERATING CORRECTLY?
----> $1,064.68

Highway robbery without a gun. That is all I have to say about that. Sorry, just had to rant about that for a bit.

As far as my ABS issue, the module should be in some time this weekend or first of next week. All signs point to the module, so I really hope this does it. I will be sure to update everyone when I plug her in.

 

After driving today, the module WAS the problem.
Replaced it this morning, drove all day, no light.
The *temporarily unnamed* Ford place employs tards.
This forum was/is WAAAAY more helpful.

Thanks for all the assistance!

 

Do you have a ford part number?

 

No surprise. Doesn't seem to matter what make, or type of vehicle. Dealership service departments are "pediatricians", trained and accustomed to work on fairly new vehicles, no more than 10 or so years old. Think about their used lots; you never see a vehicle from the '90s on a used lot of a new car dealership. I own a '96 Saturn, of the line that went out of production in '02, and that community faces the same thing. The brand doesn't even exist anymore, so the closest thing to a "dealer" is a Chevy or Cadillac dealership that has become a "authorized service emporium" (or whatever they're calling it) for Saturn. They might have hired in a few Saturn mechanics when the dealerships shut down years ago, but they're eventually retiring / resigning.

Let's face it; like the S-Series Saturn community, we're driving "vintage" trucks, and you need to find mechanics who specifically know vehicles, esp. diesels, of our "vintage". If you're lucky, you'll find a fellow who retired from the local Ford dealership around the turn of the century, and couldn't stand retirement and hung his own shingle. And of course, the forums, this one and many others, are absolute gold mines.

Walk into the 10 Ford dealerships nearest to you, head back to the service counter, and ask the writer-upper if he knows what OBS stands for. How many of them do you think would have a clue what you're talking about?