03 Explorer ABS Pulsating
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
03 Explorer ABS Pulsating
My wifes 03 explorer is acting up..Now when I step on the Brake It pulsates like it is trying not to skid..Like the abs is activating and then The abs lite goes on and it disables the abs. Its doing it for just plain Braking and for no reason.. Any suggestions? After It disables it the light stays on and Pulsing of brake pedal and wheels stop. Any Known Cause?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
As mentioned above, it's probably a wheel speed sensor. If you don't have access to an ABS or professional scan tool to pull the diagnostic code from the ABS module, the rear sensor is probably the place to start.
If your 2003 has RSC/AdvancTrac/stability control it will have a wheel speed sensor for each wheel. If that's the case, it's probably in your best interest to pull the diagnostic codes. If it does not, then it will only have a single rear wheel speed sensor and if you must shotgun a part, start with the rear wheel speed sensor.
-Rod
If your 2003 has RSC/AdvancTrac/stability control it will have a wheel speed sensor for each wheel. If that's the case, it's probably in your best interest to pull the diagnostic codes. If it does not, then it will only have a single rear wheel speed sensor and if you must shotgun a part, start with the rear wheel speed sensor.
-Rod
New User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I had that on my 98 Explorer... I pulled the fuse for a quick fix till I could get it fixed. I replaced fuse after a few weeks and problem has been solved, that was a year ago and still working properly. It should be a rear sensor.
Only problem pulling the fuse is that it also controlled my Tachometer and odometer.
Only problem pulling the fuse is that it also controlled my Tachometer and odometer.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
Replaced rear sensor and No dice..Light still on...I guess there are front ones too now that I gotta mess with???????
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Jack vehicle up and check for failing wheel bearings, a bad wheel bearing can trigger an ABS light and cause these symptoms as well. Sounds like a wheel bearing problem to me.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Florida
check for wheel movement and spin the wheels while listening for noise (grinding sounds) Do you have any shake or shimmies (even slight bit) while driving? You can also pull ABS codes and see if you get any intermittent ABS wheel codes (Example" loss of right front wheel sensor signal), Then check the corresponding wheel. Also look for cracked abs sensor leads around the wheels or corroded connections Is your ABS light on at start-up and stay on (hard code) or does it come on after you start to move the vehicle?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
The first few days the light would be off and then come on after about a minute..Now it just stays on for good..And No I dont get any unusual sounds from the front and nothing seems amiss.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mikulskn
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
7
Jun 26, 2013 11:23 PM
geoffdrivesadiesel
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Nov 19, 2011 05:50 PM
