91 Explorer ABS light
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91 Explorer ABS light
My wife's 91 Explorer EB 4X4 has the ABS light coming on while driving. Could this be from bad front brakes? Just changed rear brakes a couple of months ago and knew the front brakes were starting to squeal so they were not too far behind. NO wobble or shimmy and she stops fine but the wife no like light on dash. How do I make it go away?
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From: NJ
When the ABS light comes on and stays lit, then there is a problem with the ABS system. Have the computer codes read and find out what the specific problem is. I think that PepBoys does this for free, but not sure.
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99 Explorer ABS Light
I was reading your post about the ABS light in your Explorer and thought I would give a shot at seeing if I couldn't try to diagnose the problem with my vehicle on here as well. The ABS Light in my 99 Explorer came on about a week ago during an incident of hard breaking to avoid hitting some crazy woman in a Lexus. It has not gone off since. I went to AutoZone and had them read the computer --- no code... he tried three times and got nothing. I have removed the battery cable and tried to reset the computer... no luck... when you crank the vehicle it is still on. I would love to be able to diagnose this problem and fix it myself so I could save some money, but I'm not sure how to go about it if the computer doesn't report an error. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nathan
Thanks,
Nathan
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hey guys ive had that problem with my moms 1994 X. if it doesnt read anything and everything is working fine, its just a wire problem. Thats what her deal was. Its pretty costly to have it done because it could be many things so its very time consuming for a mechanic. Id have it check out to make sure their isnt a serious problem but otherwise, in her case, it wasnt worth the time money and effort. I just took apart the dash and put some electrical tape over it. not the best solution but nothing was wrong, it was checked out thoroughly, brought to the dealer even, but eveyrthing has been fine since (about a year). dont know if that helps but...
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jayhawk -
I understand where you're coming from on that... believe me, I have thought about pulling the bulb from the dash so it doesn't stay on... but when it is lit, the ABS is not supposed to be working. I want my ABS to work in the event I ever need it. That's why I want to try to troubleshoot the problem on my own. Time I've got, money... well I could use more, effort I can come up with.
I understand where you're coming from on that... believe me, I have thought about pulling the bulb from the dash so it doesn't stay on... but when it is lit, the ABS is not supposed to be working. I want my ABS to work in the event I ever need it. That's why I want to try to troubleshoot the problem on my own. Time I've got, money... well I could use more, effort I can come up with.
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From: Virginia
Very likely that if your ABS light is coming on while driving, the ABS module is failing. I am having this trouble with my 93, it sometimes comes on at a red light or if I let the vehicle idle to warm up. The ABS valve is not holding pressure and as you run the vehicle, the pressure builds past the point the valve can maintain. Doesn't affect the normal braking though. If you have the RABS, it is a cheaper to repair that module than the 4 wheel ABS. I think all of the 91 and 92's have RABS.
Good luck, Eric
Good luck, Eric
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Thanks for the info, Eric! That was my next step but I was hoping it was a little simpler. Do you know exactly where the module is? Book says it in the center of the dash area but there are a lot of "modules" in the center.
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From: Virginia
Hello,
I am not certain, but I believe the only ABS that was offered on the 91 and 92 models was RABS. That module is in the drivers rear wheel well. You should be able to pick up one in a junk yard if you dont want to buy one new. The install is fairly easy, especially if the junkyard lets you take it off (practice, or like Haynes says, install is the reverse of the removal, LOL). I have the 4 wheel ABS and have gotten mine to go off for the most part by replacing the pads and rotors. If the pads are low or the rotor is warped, it will set off the ABS light. Also, I might add, charging your cellphone when you crank or cut off your car will sometimes cause this light to come on. Do not even have a clue, but read this somewhere. May be gossip, but it has been very true for me. Now I only charge up while I'm moving.
Hope that helps, Eric
I am not certain, but I believe the only ABS that was offered on the 91 and 92 models was RABS. That module is in the drivers rear wheel well. You should be able to pick up one in a junk yard if you dont want to buy one new. The install is fairly easy, especially if the junkyard lets you take it off (practice, or like Haynes says, install is the reverse of the removal, LOL). I have the 4 wheel ABS and have gotten mine to go off for the most part by replacing the pads and rotors. If the pads are low or the rotor is warped, it will set off the ABS light. Also, I might add, charging your cellphone when you crank or cut off your car will sometimes cause this light to come on. Do not even have a clue, but read this somewhere. May be gossip, but it has been very true for me. Now I only charge up while I'm moving.
Hope that helps, Eric
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From: North East
no no no no that moudle in the back is the electronic 4x4 controler the moulde for the rabs is in the center of the dash toard the drivers side i never replaced but go to autozones website here is the link
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800dc499.jsp
http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBr...3d800dc499.jsp
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jclj2003, thanks for the info but that picture doesn't look like anything under my dash. Does anyone know what a 1992 Explorer module is suppose to look like (black box, gold box, etc.)?Also, to update my adventure......I changed the RABS valve but that cured my lack of brake fluid to the rearend. I now have rear brakes but even after bleeding 5 times, they are still spongy. I still have the ABS light on and I still cannot get any codes to blink so I am still leaning towards a bad module. Any more suggestions?
P.S. When I stepped on the brake pedal and then turn the key switch to the on position, MY light goes out. But it comes back when I release the brake pedal.....go figure!
P.S. When I stepped on the brake pedal and then turn the key switch to the on position, MY light goes out. But it comes back when I release the brake pedal.....go figure!
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From: North East
i worked on a 92 with the same problem the box is up behind the heater control panel and is from what i can remeber is gold if you whant just reg brakes just unplug the box that will make the light go off but you will not have rabs but i was going to change it but i ssaid the hell with it bc i would have to tear apart the dash in the center to replace
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From: North East
soory forgot to add you might have to adjust the rear brakes bc they might not be pressing againts the drum enugh that was my problem with mine with spongy brakes but i changed the wheel cylinders and the brake shoes and adjusted the self adjuster and have had no problem now with it and that was backin march also you might have a leaky wheel cylinder in the back and might be leting the fluid out i think they are like 10- 15 bux at a good parts store good luck
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Thanks but I have all new brakes and they are adjusted right. No leaking wheel cylinders. Before I changed the RABS valve, I had no fluid coming out of the back wheel cylinders at all. I'm going to try the RABS module next. Thanks again!!
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I just fixed my rabs light on my 91 explorer. I grounded the wire located by the parking brake pedal to get the trouble code. My code was 9. This told me it was the speed sensor locaded on the rear axle. I pulled it out and discovered there was no reading on my ohm meter. Bought a new on for $30 and it fixed the problem. Let me know if you need the codes.