2007 Ford Explorer

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Oct 9, 2025 | 01:27 PM

explorer2007

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2007 Ford Explorer

Hello all,
just joined the forum and I am looking for some direction with a problem I am having. I have a 2007 explorer XLT 4wd it has 234,000 on it. I had a bad left front wheel bearing and replaced it with a motorcraft one which came with the sensor as well. Now the issue I am having is it isn't always consistent which makes it a bit more challenging to diagnose. From a stop, light acceleration the traction light would flash 3 times and then go off and would only happen one time per drive cycle, and it can go days between when it happens, it would pull power and a grinding noise but now it just comes on for a split second and drives normal. What might be the things to look for or test ? Any help is greatly appreciated

I also had the left rear brake caliper drag and the rotor got hot but the problem was present before that

Last edited by explorer2007; Oct 9, 2025 at 03:19 PM.

Oct 9, 2025 | 02:37 PM

AppleFordParts

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From: White Bear Lake

Sounds like abs sensor may have failed. Possible the sensor or tone ring has been damaged when the bearing was installed as well. You need to have scanner that can read ABS/Traction control data. If you can look at all 4 wheel's speed data. I wonder if one is dropping out or not reading at low speeds and triggering the ABS. GM and Fords will do that especially with front hub assemblies.

-Dan F

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Oct 9, 2025 | 03:14 PM

explorer2007

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@AppleFordParts That is possible. I am going to edit my original post as I left some info out. I replaced the left front wheel bearing. I had the left rear caliper drag and the rotor got hot like 300+ degrees checked with a infrared temp gun. But this problem was present before that but was not before changing the bad wheel bearing. could it possibly be a issue with the ABS module its self ? I do have access to a snap on scan tool but not sure if it is able to show that data as it is an older scanner

Oct 9, 2025 | 03:27 PM

AppleFordParts

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From: White Bear Lake

The overheated rotor could possibly damage the sensor but since like you said the issue started after the bearing change, I am thinking that is the source of the problem. As far as the module being the issue sure it's possible but it'd be one helluva coincidence. I'd bet the scanner is fine to use being the vehicle is an 07.

-Dan F

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Oct 9, 2025 | 03:55 PM

explorer2007

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yeah I didn't noticed the issue prior to the bearing change. I had replaced it with an aftermarket hub assembly and thought it didn't like the sensor so got a motorcraft hub assembly. I will give the scanner a try and see what I can come up with. What is strange is that it can do days and drive without an issue and then randomly the light will flash for a split second and then it is fine. It is random of when it might do it as well. It did it this morning after 15 minutes of driving and I will see if it decides to do it this evening on my way home from work. Also it normally happens will going straight it has not done it while turning

Oct 10, 2025 | 08:27 AM

explorer2007

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Sitting at a stoplight on flat ground the light turned green and I eased on the gas pedal. The traction light flashed 3 times but it did not activate. Now after seeing a video about how the tone rings can crack I am beginning to wonder if that could be the issue, being that it doesn't happen consistently.