ABS light on - but cant read code!
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Gilbert, AZ
ABS light on - but cant read code!
Hey all,
My ABS light comes on intermittently and erraticly. It will come on by itself while driving, or when i start the truck up. But when I turn the truck off and restart, the light will go off! This makes it really hard to read the code. I have a regular actron scanner, will this even read ABS codes? My question is this. What are the probable causes for an ABS light to come on? Keep in mind I have absolutely no driveability problems when it comes to the brakes and I even just had all 4 rotors turned and put new brake pads on (brembos)... am I in trouble here with my brakes or what?
97 Explorer V8 AWD ~ 180,000 miles (front wheel bearings replaced around 20,000 miles ago)
My ABS light comes on intermittently and erraticly. It will come on by itself while driving, or when i start the truck up. But when I turn the truck off and restart, the light will go off! This makes it really hard to read the code. I have a regular actron scanner, will this even read ABS codes? My question is this. What are the probable causes for an ABS light to come on? Keep in mind I have absolutely no driveability problems when it comes to the brakes and I even just had all 4 rotors turned and put new brake pads on (brembos)... am I in trouble here with my brakes or what?
97 Explorer V8 AWD ~ 180,000 miles (front wheel bearings replaced around 20,000 miles ago)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Let's make sure we're on the same page here, you are referring to the yellow/amber "ABS" light and not the red "Brake" light, correct?
Either way, your standard Actron scan tool will not be able to access the ABS codes. Actron does sell an ABS Brake Scan tool for the ABS system, but unless you have a higher end, brand new Actron, it won't be built in to the scan tool. That being said, it won't hurt to try pulling diagnostic codes if you haven't already.
One common issue that has been known to cause the ABS light to come on in this vintage of Explorer is the rear ABS sensor mounted to the rear differential. However, since you mention you recently had brake work done, including having the rotors turned, you do need to inspect the front ABS sensors as well. I believe the the tone rings in the front on yours are built in to the hub/bearing assembly, but you could remove the sensor and inspect it and the wiring for damage or a build up of debris. If there are a lot of metal particles on it, try cleaning the particles and reinstalling. But, keep in mind, if there are metal particles on it, they are coming from somewhere, likely the wheel bearing.
-Rod
Either way, your standard Actron scan tool will not be able to access the ABS codes. Actron does sell an ABS Brake Scan tool for the ABS system, but unless you have a higher end, brand new Actron, it won't be built in to the scan tool. That being said, it won't hurt to try pulling diagnostic codes if you haven't already.
One common issue that has been known to cause the ABS light to come on in this vintage of Explorer is the rear ABS sensor mounted to the rear differential. However, since you mention you recently had brake work done, including having the rotors turned, you do need to inspect the front ABS sensors as well. I believe the the tone rings in the front on yours are built in to the hub/bearing assembly, but you could remove the sensor and inspect it and the wiring for damage or a build up of debris. If there are a lot of metal particles on it, try cleaning the particles and reinstalling. But, keep in mind, if there are metal particles on it, they are coming from somewhere, likely the wheel bearing.
-Rod
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
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From: Gilbert, AZ
Yea, the amber ABS light, not the red brake light. Where is the sensor mounted on the rear diff, is it on top? The wheel bearings shouldn't be the cause of metal shavings because they are fairly new. I wouldn't expect them to be falling apart yet. Maybe when the old ones went bad the sensors went foul but were never cleaned.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
I'd still start with the problematic rear sensor, or checking with friends to find someone that can access the ABS system and get the particular code. It's also possible it's not a sensor at all.
You might want to search the forum for the precise location on your 1997. I never had to change the one in my 2000 and the diagram in the 1998 FSM is zoomed in too far. It would appear to be on the top of the pumpkin with the wiring connected to it. You should be able to find the wires and follow them to the sensor.
-Rod
You might want to search the forum for the precise location on your 1997. I never had to change the one in my 2000 and the diagram in the 1998 FSM is zoomed in too far. It would appear to be on the top of the pumpkin with the wiring connected to it. You should be able to find the wires and follow them to the sensor.
-Rod
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Per the 1998 Factory Service Manual:
"A malfunction in the anti-lock brake system will cause the anti-lock brake control module to shut off or inhibit the system. However, normal power-assisted braking remains.
Malfunctions are indicated by the yellow ABS warning indicator in the instrument cluster (10849)."
-Rod
"A malfunction in the anti-lock brake system will cause the anti-lock brake control module to shut off or inhibit the system. However, normal power-assisted braking remains.
Malfunctions are indicated by the yellow ABS warning indicator in the instrument cluster (10849)."
-Rod
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