Hello All:

This forum was so helpful last time I had a problem (Check Engine Light - DPFE sensor), I have returned to bug you once again. A new problem arose today and after reviewing about 30 pages in this forum, I gave up on trying to piece together the answer and decided to just ask about it directly.

First, I have a 99 Ranger supercab 4x4, automatic 3.0L, with four wheel ABS and approximately 95K miles. I was returning from a work-related trip this afternoon when I noticed my ABS warning light illuminated. When I arrived at my house, I checked the brake fluid level and all was normal. Sadly to say, this single act exhausted all of my automotive knowledge.

After reviewing the posts in this forum, I was confronted with advice on a master cylinder, some type of switch related to the ABS system, bundles of cables, etc., all of which could have been in Latin.

If someone, or hopefully several of you, can find the time to respond, I would appreciate any advice that you can offer. I will attempt to carry through the suggestions and will update you with results. Further, some things I did pick up on while reading other ABS posts that may be important here: this was the first time the light has ever came on; and there has been no problem with my speedometer.

Second question, which may be related in some way, I am experiencing a rough "jerk" when coming to a complete stop and then again after starting from the complete stop. Gear changes from second on are smooth as silk, but when the auto tranny shifts down to and up from first gear is when I experience the problem. Tranny fluid is at an appropriate level, so I am at a loss for what is going on.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

Hey all,

I took the time to read the ABS posts more thoroughly, and it appears that my problems may stem from a faulty VSS. My new two new questions are: 1) am I correct; and 2) do the front-end sensors need to be replaced as well, since I have 4-wheel ABS?

Thanks again, you guys are the best!

 

Go ahead and try replacing the VSS on the rear differential if your tranny is acting funny as well, don't concern yourself with the ABS wheel sensors for now.

Unfortunately, 4WABS codes need to be read by a scanner, so if the light persists, you may have to find a way to pull the codes.

The jerking you are experiencing starting off from 1st gear and coasting down in 1st gear could also be the infamous "driveline thunk" issue described in the following PDF file:

Ranger SuperCab Driveshaft Slip Yoke Lubrication

...

 

Rockledge,

Thanks for the response. I am taking the truck to my uncle's shop on Saturday with a copy of your post in hand. I will let you know the results thereafter.

Regardless of the outcome, I just want you to know how much I appreciate your advice and this forum.

 

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

Rockledge,

Thanks for the help. New VSS sensor installed today ($23.00 at Ford dealership, Autozone didn't have one) and ABS light went off. But as the old saying goes, "Six of one, half a dozen of the other," while we were under the truck, we noticed that power steering fluid was leaking from the rack and pinion. I will be back in the shop at the end of the month to replace it.

However, at the end of the day, the ABS light is off. I think I will attempt the driveshaft slip yolk lubrication when the rack and pinion are replaced. I will update.

Thanks again,

 

did you ever find out what caused the rough "jerk" when coming to a complete stop and then again after starting from the complete stop? My Ford Ranger does this too.