Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

ABS light stays on

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 30, 2005 | 06:21 PM
  #1  
Nesdnews's Avatar
Nesdnews
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Post ABS light stays on

My abs light came on about a month ago. I have had the brakes replaced by my husband and for all of about 10 minutes of driving time the light went out. Then once again it came back on. The Chilton manual mentioned that this is something that only the dealer can check and it must be put on the computer and diognosed. I am hoping to get a little insight as to what may be the problem and how much money I have to look at putting out. Any one have this problem or have you ran across this? I perfer being able to have hubbie fix as it is SSOOOO much cheaper. Any information would be GREATLY appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2005 | 06:25 PM
  #2  
IB Tim's Avatar
IB Tim
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Club FTE Gold Member
...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! Please read the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand this site.
Stick around someone will be by shortly to answer your question.
We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!

Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2005 | 09:47 PM
  #3  
uncleben03's Avatar
uncleben03
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Urbana, IA
What year is it? I have a 2000 v8 and i have the same situation. I have read on this board that sometimes the most likely cause is a bad speed sensor in the rear differential housing. Apparently its about a 10 or 15 dollar part and just requires being unbolted from the rear differential and replaced. I haven't got around to it but I figure since it's only 10 bucks or so, that would be the cheapest place to start chasing the problem at.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2005 | 01:27 AM
  #4  
Jharger's Avatar
Jharger
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix
That's pretty funny that the Chilton manual says an ABS light can only be read through the computer by a dealer. The ABS light on the dash doesn't come from the computer. It comes right from the ABS controller - which is a computer on it's own, by definition, but it's not the PCM or the main car computer.

ABS light is a basic idiot light that just tells the mechanic to look at the system. I've heard of it coming on due to bad voltage regulators and the ABS itself id fine. But the most common cause I've seen sdo far is the diff sensors get dirty with metal shavings and send a false signal to the ABS controller. Try cleaning these first then replace if needed.

And since when is a dealer the only means of fixing a car? Come on. We don't have to believe it just because someon put it down on paper.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2005 | 07:01 AM
  #5  
jaylie's Avatar
jaylie
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I have a 2000 explorer,my abs light was on. I replaced the rear differential speed sensor. this took care of the problem. Only a $20 part and very easy to replace.just disconnect wire,unbolt,and replace. if you need any further help let me know.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2005 | 08:28 AM
  #6  
JSchilberg's Avatar
JSchilberg
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Texas
From: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=352392

'99 2WD XLT ABS Light - Problem Solved

Howdy Gang,

Let me begin by saying many thanks to those who contributed their Explorer "ABS light on" experiences. Your contributions enabled me to remove the rear speed sensor and repair my problem (my '99 XLT's rear sensor is mounted above the rear U-Joint, on the top front-side of the differential, and is held in place with a single 10mm bolt).

The original sensor failed at approximately 75,000 miles and, when removed, tested "open" (infinite resistance) with an ohm meter. The new sensor reads in the area of 1800 ohms. I was able to find the part at a local Auto Zone after the manager did a rather lengthy search. He eventually came up with a part made by Wells, with Auto Zone part number SU2175. It cost $11.99.

Following replacement, it took about two or three seconds after starting the engine and my ABS light was FINALLY extinguished after being lit for nearly 25,000 miles. Ahhhh, an instrument panel at peace with itself.

Anyway, thanks again to the many people whose earlier contributions made my effort both painless and inexpensive.

Warmest regards,

John
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2005 | 10:48 AM
  #7  
Jharger's Avatar
Jharger
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix
Cool. Glad it worked. Glad you didn't go the Chilton recommended route. Who needs a dealer anyway?
 
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2005 | 04:13 PM
  #8  
Nesdnews's Avatar
Nesdnews
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
It is a 2002 and it has been having a funny sound when starting off in the back end. I will definatly get with my husband and let him read all the great suggestions given here and maybe we will get lucky and save a few bucks.
Thanks for the help
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 12, 2005 | 03:42 PM
  #9  
2000MountaineerV's Avatar
2000MountaineerV
New User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Abs

I've had the same problem with my 2000 Mountaineer 5.0 V8. I at first thought ABS wasn't working on it but I guess it's some glitch. I have the extended warrenty so I'll probably take it in to my dealer.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The Metal Panda
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Jan 16, 2012 11:21 AM
Loopy
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
Jan 13, 2011 08:40 PM
doubleford
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
7
Oct 29, 2010 07:24 PM
cratemotor
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
17
Dec 3, 2007 12:23 PM
earl964
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
Nov 16, 2007 10:23 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:43 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE