I have a 1998 4x4 4.0 ranger. The ABS light came on and will not go out. I replace the rear axle sensor, light still on. I discovered that both my code readers only reads engine codes. The cost of the front sensors is 100.00+ so I'm not going to switch parts out. Also the fuse is OK. Any ideas? Thanks

 

See if you can find a parts store or mechanic that can read your ABS trouble codes. The ABS light being on is an indication that some part of the ABS system is not working. If worst comes to worst, take it to your Ford dealer for an ABS checkup.

Your regular service brakes are still working OK. You just don't have the ABS capability.

 

try cleaning the sensor and tone ring.........

 

Where is the tone ring located?

 

Just interjecting to rule it out, you cleared the code in the computer and then it came back on?

 

Can not clear the code. My reader only reads engine codes. I wish I could read them. Would narrow down the cause of the light.

 

You could do the "pull the battery cable and depress the brake for 10 seconds" method. You might have fixed the problem and the computer is still reading the old code. Without being able to clear them you just dont know!

 

Most any brake shop can scan the ABS computer for us & if you don't want to do that, we can use a jumper wire at the ABS computers under dash electrical connector, to have it flash the trouble codes on the dash ABS warning light.

Directions for doing this are in the "Tech Info" thread atop this forums thread listing page.

Actron now offers an ABS scantool, but I imagine it's costly, so maybe call around to see if any autoparts stores in your area use one & can scan your ABS system as michigan66 has suggested, as most parts stores will do it at no cost & you'll likely have to pay a brake shop or Dealer for their time to do it.

OR, as powersmoked suggested, check/clean the front ABS sensors & tone ring/ribs located on the front wheels, they pass close to the ABS sensors as the wheel rotates, so if they get fouled with mud, rust debris, ect, it can upset the signal the front sensors sends to the ABS computer, when it gets aggravated it'll turn the ABS trouble light on to aggravate us!!!! lol

If you want to pull the ABS codes, do it before you disconnect the battery B- cable to wipe the codes. Doing this also wipes the engine computers KAM, so the fuel trim tables & cold & warm idle memory are wiped, so if you do this, to avoid possible driveability problems, do the cold & warm idle relearn routine. A forum search will turn up how to do that.