I've got a Ford E-350 dually chassis on my Chinook MH. V-10, It had this problem when I bought it and I didn't think it would be a big deal. ABS light was on all the time. Dealer said you can't get a new one for the dually, they looked all over and found a used one and installed it. Around $800 installed!! First trip out and the brake light comes on, then maybe the ABS light, then ABS goes out and maybe the red brake light and this goes on the whole time I'm driving. We drove to the west side last weekend, about 500 miles round trip, and they both would go on and off and you can hear the module clicking under the dash. The ABS never stays on but the red brake light will and sometimes stays on for an hour or more, then go off. Anyway, took it back to dealer and mechanic said the ABS module is bad and company has another used one they'll send up. After reading all the other old posts tonight I'm wondering if it might be something else causing the problem..... any and all help will be much appreciated..

 

Is anyone using a scanner to read the DTC's for this condition?

 

Some of the other posts spoke of changing out a sensor on the differential? The Mechanic said he tried to read the ABS module but couldn't so it must be bad...... parts changing I'm thinking.
I read too where if the red brake light on the dash is on the ABS won't work anyway? Just thinking there might be other forces in play here that the dealer isn't looking at, or flat doesn't have a clue about, that we're missing.
Or, that I need to pull the fuse/bulb and forget it, just not that type and would like to fix it if possible. Thanks,

 

Not sure if this is apples to apples or not but...I have a 92 E350 with a 7.3. My dash "Brake" light goes on and off intermittently as well. I was told that this light indicates 3 things. A possible vacuum leak(low vacuum), emergency brake is on, or the fluid in the master cylinder is low.

Apparently the vacuum sensor can be a bit problematic and cause erratic operation of the indicator light. Whether this is true or not I'm not sure, but unless changing it is a horrendous pain, or disgustingly expensive, I'll probably just change out this sensor and go from there.

 

Thanks for the reply, from what I've read here already sounds like the vacuum issue is a 7.3 diesel deal. Mine is the V10 gas job. I checked fluid level and it's ok, need to check the sensor and the switch on the emergency brake though.

 

Way too many confusing facts tossed into this mix..............here's what I know........

IF the dash ABS light is on it MIGHT mean the rear center differential speed sensor has failed. Best case scenario for this would be it's sensing element is covered by fine particles from normal operation---removing and cleaning it MIGHT extinguish the dash ABS light. Note: This indication can NOT be cleared with any scanner I know of however once this error is corrected either by cleaning or replacing the sensor the light will go out on its own.

IF the ABS module has failed it WILL be readable through the OBD-II system---anyone telling you otherwise might not be your best choice of mechanic.

The red brake warning light could be caused by low fluid but if that level is acceptable then it could be a wiring issue. MH's tend to be a bit "chopped up" with lots of builder modifications that aren't exactly consistent with Ford's original design of the chassis. It's a bit puzzling this dealer can't diagnose and solve this issue for you. Perhaps its time to look for a well known and respected independent shop nearby?

 

Thanks! That's what I'm thinking, I think I've located a good semi-retired Ford mechanic I'm talking to tomorrow. Sorry about all the confusing facts... Or lack of, I'll post what I find out and the hopefully good finale to this saga.

 

Hope your new guy can dig to the bottom of all this for you.

Would love to know the outcome---interesting set of circumstances for sure!

 

Found a shop with a couple of Ford guys that have been around the block a few times! Hopefully we'll get something figured out. I'm wondering about ground issues too since a little corrosion is involved. They're going to work on it tomorrow, I'll keep you informed.

 

Well, they checked it over and the only thing wrong is a bad ABS module, oh, and it was the wrong one for this vehicle... Got another used one, from a 97 E350 finally this time that's supposed to work. According to these guys these modules were a problem for Ford, and it doesn't sound like it ever really got resolved. Ford just quit making the module. Sounds like a lot of people just ran them that way and took out the bulb, really not my style, but it may come to that! Waiting to get it back to see what I got...

 

So got the right module in and it's working fine!! Mechanic said maybe the clicking noise under the dash was the (relay?) Trying to talk to the module that wasn't the right one possibly. Dash lights are all doing what they should. Now I've got an intermittent growling noise when I'm turning tight and accelerating. Cripes, nothing like starting with a 17 yr old vehicle to have a project!!

 

Just returned from 2200 mile trip in the Chinook. Brakes working good with no ABS or Brake lights coming on!! ( except for the few seconds when first starting as they should. ) 10 deg and snow in SD, found out the heater in the van and camper work good, thankfully!
I heard the growling noise while turning tight a couple times but could never find it. Then 1500 miles into trip I've not heard it again.. maybe a rock or something stuck somewhere that finally fell out?!?! I felt hubs, brakes, anywhere I thought something might be causing a problem or heating, and never found anything. Hopefully alls good.
Thanks again for the help and great site to gain wisdom and be entertained!!!

 

Glad these brake issues have been worked out---nothing like a nagging problem to worry us to death, fearing the worst if on a trip.

Your tight turn/accelerating intermittent noise might be caused by locking the wheel and hitting the gas. If its not a loose brake pad rub then perhaps its tire growl from being pushed into a severe slip, skidding if you will.

If this noise isn't present during normal driving and everything up front suspension-wise is in good working order it might be just as simple as the tire slipping thing.

Thanks for the update!