So I have a 2002 F-250 XLT 4WD CC and have had an intermittent ABS light come on and off with no regular pattern. Will a Code Reader tell me which side to start troubleshooting? As the original owner @220,000 miles, I don't think the hub assembly or ABS cabling was ever changed. Your thoughts...

 

I was able to read ABS codes with an Autel AL619 on my '07 F150. There may be less expensive/freeware/laptop options, though.

I'm assuming FORscan can read ABS codes, but confirm that.

 

Even an inexpensive code reader should work for you. The bigger issue can be interpreting the results. On our 2000 Windstar, bad solder joints on the ABS circuit board threw about 13 codes at once and it took quite a bit of research to isolate the problem. BTW, on the Windstar, the ABS never quit working despite the ABS light and failing solder joints.

An intermittent problem on just about any electronic system on these trucks is usually due to corrosion in one or more of the connectors on the system. Keep in mind that neither the12 VDC or especially the 5 VDC REF voltages the computer uses on these circuits may NOT overcome resistance caused by corrosion. The pulse signal from the ABS tone ring may not overcome corrosion either.

A code reader may guide you to the connector, but I would start inspecting the connectors behind the front inner fenders, then move to the rear axle, followed by an inspection of each of the connectors at the ABS module / controller, located inside the engine compartment on the front left fender. Just trace the brake lines from the wheels to find it.

I have gently cleaned the pins and sockets on various connectors with finely stranded 18 guage wire. I sprayed a generous amount of electrical contact cleaner into the socket and the gently inserted the strands of the wire into them and twisted it a few times, then repeated the spray. I cleaned the pins almost the same way, stripping a length of wire, removing several strands and then sliding another bit of insulation over the remaining strands so I could slip it over the pin and rotate it, again while the pin was wet with contact cleaner.

Clean the seals and then lightly lubricate the seals using dielectric grease on them you reconnect the connectors.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

PS...

My problem happened to be with a transmission code, but, bad connections are bad connections, regardless of the circuit and the solution is the same. I found that on my '01 several pins/sockets on the connectors on the inner fender were slightly corroded, as evidenced by a light coating of white "powder" on the pins.

 

You want a reader that specifically says it can handle ABS and SRS. Most inexpensive readers will not. eg the AL519 will not, the AL619 will.