[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Feb-02 AT 06:57 PM (EST)]I finally unearthed the Mother Lode of information regarding those nasty RABS warning lights and problems with the Ford Aerostar system. Here is an article discussing exclusively the Aerostar and the many odd problems associated with the RABS system. This brings to light why many problems happen with different types of Aerostars, the why and wherefore. Great color graphics and meaty discussion. Superceeds all the manuals I've ever seen or read about on this subject. I couldn't get the actual page reference to jump to so you'll have to follow along to get there.

[link:http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/|http://www.automotiverebuilder.com/]

This takes you to the main page, which strangely is 'Engine Rebuilder'. Select 'Search Back Issues', and at the search screen type in 'Ford 4.0' and leave the lower window set to 'All forums' (I tried other, more obvious searches like Ford Brake Problems, etc. but the article always appeared way back near the end. There are 61 pages to sort through) Go to the bottom, use the next page feature until you reach page 7, article "Diagnosing Ford Brake System Problems" Bill Williams, June 1999.

If any of you more computer literate types can fashion a better link, please do so. This will be a huge benefit to all users for this very common malady.

ADDENDUM:

I just noticed on the printout of the article I did, there is a complete link to the article: Try this

[link:http//www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf69936.htm|http//www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf69936.htm]

 

>I finally unearthed the Mother Lode of information regarding
>those nasty RABS warning lights and problems with the Ford
>Aerostar system.

>[link:www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf69936.htm|http//www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf69936.htm]

(you gots to remember to remove the "http://" from the URL, after the "&l;link:" part, because the stupid text parsing script won't do it for you, and you end up with a link that's "http://http//..." that won't work. With access to the source, I bet I could fix that in a half-hour, including testing. But we'll just have to live with it.)

That really is a good article. The first condition he covers, the stuck proportioning valve shuttle, is one I ran into on a '70s Toyota in about 1979, drove me nuts for a couple of days -- I'd relined the brakes, replaced a wheel cylinder, and couldn't get the light to go out. Same problem as outlined in the article.

Regards,
Al S.

 

Well, I've tried both the babcox and automotiverebuilder sites to find this article to no avail. the closest I've gotten is www.babcox.com/editorial/bf/bf60133.htm. When I switch the number to 69936, the page isn't "found". If either of youse guys have the article, please let me know so it can be emailed. Thanks!

 

try this RABS info link click

most of the good Aero service info has died on the web due to age....remember, the last one was made 9 years ago

search Babcox auto industry service magazine back articles click

great source of auto service information right from the top gun primo techs

 

"Though all of Ford's rear anti-lock systems are basically the same, one mild difference is the addition of a pressure differential switch (Delta P) found in the Aerostar's fluid level circuit. This Delta P switch is found in one of two places: On 1990-1991 Aerostars, the Delta P switch is found screwed into the front of the master cylinder. On 1992 and newer Aerostars, this switch is located on the combination valve assembly."

"Combination valve assembly" - is that attached to the MC?

Also, I should clarify that I searched the Brake and Front End back issues for "Bill Williams" and rifled through the 106 results and pulled only the article I cited earlier (from 2001).

 

comb. valve is directly below MC and is fed by line from MC
one end of comb. valve then feeds RABS valve which is the double solenoid valve lower down

 

Hi Itsrobbyg:

Welcome to our FTE forum

 

Check out http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://...bf/bf69936.htm for three links to the article. Note that only one picture is avaiable.

 

Good info! I have that light on in the Aero...it's probably just a loose connection, now I know where to look

 

also search the Aero forum "RABS" keyword
many old timers have fought the RABS wars already and written up their tried and true solutions....
i found the info from real experience posted on Aero forum to solve my RABS problems
have good brakes now....RABS works and rear end does not try and pass me by while braking in snow and ice

reading the Ford service manual on RABS will leave one cold and slightly crackers

try to get a Ford dealer to work on one of these....even a major safety issue like RABS....cold day in hell before they will touch one...where has American corporation pride in quality, service and durability went? Shanghai?
The GOD of stock options?