99 Ranger braking issues
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From: seattle
99 Ranger braking issues
My truck has a loud clicking noise coming from under the driver side front tire when I brake. The brake pedal is not engaging properly, it is stiff, then gives a little, stiff then gives etc. The brakes aren't grabbing properly either. This doesn't happen every time, only about 80% of the time. I replaced the VSS a few months ago for braking and speedometer issues which did resolve, up until now, the speedometer is acting up again as well, but I never had stopping problems before. Please help. 
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From: seattle
I asked my uncle, (see, I'm just a girl) and he said that it doesn't have 4abs. Speedometer is basically bouncing all around, but if I let the gas off briefly, it will go to correct speed.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Eastern WA
I think it's time to pull the tire/wheel and do a visual inspection looking for damage/wear/misalignment/etc on the brake components. On the speedo thing, I'd check the contacts in the connector and on the VSS for corrosion. Pay careful attention to the contacts to make sure there is no damage (bent or pushed in resulting in a poor connection). Also, look at the wiring leading up to the VSS for any wear/abrasion/pinching which could cause a short. After that, I'd suspect you once again have a faulty VSS. Just because a part is new doesn't guarantee that it's not defective; once in a great while a bad part slips out the door. Did you save your receipt for it? If so, and since it's so easy to replace, I'd take it back and try another one.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; May 21, 2004 at 04:06 AM.
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From: seattle
I already had my uncle pull the tire, he checked all components, including the bearings, they were loose, but he tightened them, it didn't make a difference. I will go down to Ford today and buy another VSS and all wires have been checked. Thank you, I'll let you know if this works.
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From: seattle
Okay, I replaced the VSS, didn't work. Today is the first time that it has rained since my problem started. I was stopped at a light, and when my windshield wipers kicked on, the speedo surged from 0-30 and the brake pedal did that ticking noise and began to depress more. This was all while I was stopped at a light. I am nervous about driving this thing. Please help.
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From: Connecticut
On your '99, if you have RABS, then the VSS signal goes directly to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM),and from there it gets distributed to the computer, the cruise control system, and the speedometer.
If you have 4WABS, then the VSS signal goes to a seperate 4WABS Module first, then it gets distributed to the GEM, the computer, the cruise control system, and speedo.
So depending on your type of ABS system, you might next want to consider the GEM or the 4WABS Module.
Also, check the wiring harness under the driver's seat area. This is where some of the wiring relevant to the ABS system is located. There is a known issue with chafing and/or moisture getting under there and corroding the wires, causing symptoms similar to a bad VSS.
If you have 4WABS, then the VSS signal goes to a seperate 4WABS Module first, then it gets distributed to the GEM, the computer, the cruise control system, and speedo.
So depending on your type of ABS system, you might next want to consider the GEM or the 4WABS Module.
Also, check the wiring harness under the driver's seat area. This is where some of the wiring relevant to the ABS system is located. There is a known issue with chafing and/or moisture getting under there and corroding the wires, causing symptoms similar to a bad VSS.
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From: seattle
Okay, we took the front seat out, checked all wires.... no angry looking wires. All is clean and dry. I guess that I'll take it down to Ford on Monday morning and let them do their magic with all of their fancy equipment. Thank you all for your help. I'll let you know what they say. 
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Okay, thet said that it is the RAB & module, they are quoting me $229.92 + installation and tax. Is this something that I can do myself(is it complicated), or do I have to have them do it? I called my local parts store and they said that you have to get this part from Ford.
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From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by chipnchevy
Okay, thet said that it is the RAB & module, they are quoting me $229.92 + installation and tax. Is this something that I can do myself(is it complicated), or do I have to have them do it? I called my local parts store and they said that you have to get this part from Ford.
However, I believe if you have just have RABS, then your module is replaceable without needing to be programmed. It is located behind the ashtray a little to the right, you have to yank the radio and ashtray assembly to get at it. You can get a remanned unit from RockAuto, if I recall correctly.
Maybe someone else can confirm this.
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From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by chipnchevy
I'm gonna take it to Ford and let them replace it. They won't warranty the part if they don't install it.
Let us know how it turns out.
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From: seattle
Well, it seems to have worked. Still disappointed in my dealership, they managed to squeeze 560.00 out of me for a 229.00 part, but my truck stops safely and effectively now, and I guess that's worth it.
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