Just got a call from the dealership - I let them take a look at it becasue I no longer live where I -want- to work on my truck, but I can. Ok, that, and the fact that diagnosing this problem would have been beyond me.

They claim that the reason my ABS and Brake lights are on, and why my right rear tire keeps locking up, is that I need both a RABS valve, and some other valve, to the tune of $1200 (in parts? maybe that was labor too, but I doubt it).

This is crazy for a 91,000 mile 1999 truck. (4x4, 5-speed, 4.6L)

#1) I find it hard to believe that both valves went bad at the same time
and
#2) I haven't read too many posts in this forum (just got my truck), but it doesn't seem like this is a primary complaint of many people here, either.

Give me something to go on - some light at the end of my tunnel. Thank you for any help!

Best,
Gamma

 

Go for a second opinion. When it comes to something that just doesn't seem to be right, always go for a second. I have not heard of both valves going out at the same time either. You may even take it in to a brake shop. They should have the parts as well.

 

Well, I was mistaken. One is a valve (right under the master cylinder), and one is a sensor for the valve (behind the radio). Apparently if the valve below the master cylinder shorts out bad enough, it also shorts out the sensor, so both parts may need to be replaced.

What I didn't realize was that I only have rear ABS on this truck, while I was told many trucks came with all-wheel ABS. But I digress.

The mechanic at the dealership was very honest, and he said that I may be able to just replace the valve and see if the sensor does come back to life - but his Ohm readings suggested it could be the sensor as well.

He also suggested just leaving it alone. He found that the reason my right rear brake was locking up so fast was due to excessive brake dust from the cheap shoes someone put back there. He suggested going with semi-metallic shoes and seeing if the problem recurred.

I guess that's what I'll do for now.

$1200 ??? These F-150's just jumped a spot lower in my book. Nothing should be that complex on an every-day truck. A Honda truck maybe, and I'd understand it on an Escalade, but not a work truck.

 

It seema that most parts cost around 100.00 dollars or more on these trucks. I have been fixing the one I bought up and so far every sensor has cost over 100.00. But in all honesty I think that who every owned my truck before beat it up and neglected it. the TLC I am giving it is bringing it back around just lots of $$. It will be a good truck though.

Lance