I have a 04 Expedition (XLT). The problem that I am having is occassionally while driving all of a sudden the ABS brakes engage for no reason? I know of problems when you get them wet that they can engage, but both times it has happened it has been dry. Does anyone have any clue on this? Thanks Nate

 

What is it doing that makes you think it is engaging? Does it have traction assist? If it has traction assist then it would react to any slip of one wheel dry or wet. (IE IN GRAVEL OR DIRT)

 

It does have the traction asssist, however I am pretty sure that it is the ABS. Both times have been driving straight at about 35mph. All of a sudden the ABS engages. Scares the crap out of you. I put my foot on the brake and it dis-engages as it comes to a stop and then drives fine. I have to drive 700 miles home after the holidays and am scared to death. Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks,

Nate

 

This is one you probably should go to the dealer and let them scan the system for codes. No telling how simple or complex the problem may be. I wouldnt gamble with safety.

 

Until you can get it to the dealer, just pull the fuse for the ABS and disable it.
It'll drive just like an older car that never had ABS. YOU will actually have to apply the proper amount of force to the brake peddle to stop the car without locking the brakes.

 

I'm not sure how the Traction Control in the Expy works, but it often uses the ABS module to slow or stop a wheel that has lost traction. Unless you know what you're doing, go get it looked at ASAP. I'm a little leary about just disabling the ABS module. On some vehicles (like my wife's Volvo S80, the vehicle shuts itself down if it starts up and can't find the ABS module). We had intermittent problems with the ABS module and whenever it failed it would take out both the ABS and Traction control features. The car would stay running, however when I started it with the ABS fuses removed, the would run for 5-10 seconds and shut down with a brake failure warning. BTW, ABS modules are expensive buggers (at least for the Volvo). There are a few places that will repair them for much less than a replacement.

Totoro
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2003 Ford Expedition EB
2000 Volvo S80 T6

 

Search one of my threads, I think it is a combination of a bad brake sensor and differential speed sensor (on top of transmission)... very scary indeed... unplug ABS fuse until worked out.


ABS light with 'stutter/slide' while braking, can remove ABS fuse to stop premature ABS engagement (brake slide/stutter) and then replace rear differential sensor (NAPA #530780 = $11)

this may help out later too
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...ml#post3983953

 

I had a Vette that did this at high speed, quite scary.