My ABS is messed up and i think it might be a relay, where would the "main relay" for the ABS system be? According to hayes its not in the power distrobution box. and once i find it how do i test a relay?

 

Not sire what year you have but on mine, the ABS sensor is located on top of the rear diff.

 

its a 96, it gives me a code that it isnt getting power and the fuse is good so i think it might be a relay

 

I opened up my relay box this is what i saw
should there be a relay in those two open spots? there are wires goin to them

 

Yes, my '94 EB has both those relays. The 15a fuse (blue) on the left supplies power to the ABS and will cause the ABS light to come on and the speedo to not read.

 

I have the same problem code 17 and those two relays are missing also how did you make out been driving me nuts also please let me know Thanks Peter 96 351

 

I see this is kind of old but to add.

The missing relays are for trailer lights, I think only for the towing package. The remaining relay (Main power relay) is part of the ABS system as well as the upper most relay (Pump relay) in the lager box. As well as fuses 2,5,8 in the large box.

 

well thanks for the info, ill go out and check thoes. i just about gave up for a while but now im in autos in school and have acces to allot more equipment and service manuals so i hope to get it fixed soon.

 

If your still having the problem I’ll add more.

The relay in the smaller box provides power to the solenoid valves, when it’s de-energized the light is on, when it’s energized the solenoid valves are powered up and the resulting change in state of the relay cuts power to the light.

I have a pinpoint test if you would like.

 

Screwy I am having a code 17 and have the same relays missing I can't seem to figure it out I would love the pin point tests let me know thanks Peter

 

i replaced the relay and checked the fuses but nothing changed, the ABS light is always lit, doesnt even shut off for a second when i start it like it should, mabye a fuseable link? or the whole systems shot, Hayes doesnt have much, mable ill check the mitchel manual at school for somemore details

 

dyarumian: Do you have a code?

blrman1962: Possible causes of code 17 are:
30 amp fuse open
Intermittent connections to battery, main relay or ground
Main relay coil or contacts open
Open or short to ground in Circuit 532 (O/Y) (power wire from relay to valves)
Open or short to ground in Circuit 599 (PK/LG) (wire from computer to energize relay)
Short to ground through anti-lock hydraulic control unit (2C215)
Intermittent valve failures
High resistance valves

Where any other codes present with code 17? Specifically codes 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27?

 

no just the code 17 I will look again but I did it 3 times code 17 do you have a pin point test? peter

 

This is the start of fords pinpoint test. Due to the possibility of different answers for each step It’s hard to post the whole test and all possible combinations of it.

Next step if answer is no:
Because code 17 is not stored in memory it must be re-triggered every time the truck is started. It says to turn key on and retrieve codes (if any) and turn key back off, then repeat a few times till your certain only code 17 is produced. I assume this is the case and answered yes only code 17. (you should still verify this) This test is to verify that code 17 is not intermittent.

Next step if answer is only code 17 and not intermittent.


Measure and record battery voltage.
Install Rotunda Breakout Box 014-00322 and Rotunda Breakout Box Adapter with Overlay 007-00103 or equivalent.
Jumper Breakout Box Pin 19 to Pin 1 OR Pin 14.
Set up DVOM to measure voltage between Breakout Box Pins 17 and Pin 1 or Pin 14.
Key on. Make and record voltage measurement and key off.
Is the measured voltage between 9.5V and 16.0V AND within 0.5V of the measured battery voltage?

Because I highly doubt you have fords breakout box here is what to do. Record battery voltage. Remove the connector from the ABS control unit (located on the driver side of the engine compartment) and jump pin 19 to 1 or 14. Then test the voltage between pins 17 and 1, or pins 17 and 14. To help I’ve included the following diagram. Also key must be on for this test.

I made it VERY large so you could see it clearly.

 

i get 17 and 32