I have recently had my ABS system actuating on dry pavement for no apparent reason. Is there a way to diagnose this problem? ...bad sensor?

Also, is there a way to effectively turn off the ABS system (aka... yank a fuse?)

Thanks for any input


_______________________
'99 4.0 4x4XLT w/160K

 

Are you talking 4 wheel ABS? or the RABS?

This is what I know of RABS on my truck. I dont know about killing the system entirely, but sounds like your rear brakes may be adjusted or self-adjusted to tight. Mine's been doing that lately to and I'm getting ready to go dig into that here in an hour. I'll look around for a way to kill it, but I dont think its necessary.

 

When does the ABS engage?....near the end of the stop? if so, likely a bad speed sensor. You will have 4 wheel ABS and there are 3 sensors (one on the rear end and one on each front wheel hub). You can get someone to read the codes on the ABS system (your typical Autozones will not have this special diagnostic equipment) in order to determine which sensor is faulty.
Pat
99 SCAB, 3.0L, M5OD, 4x4 w/ Off-Road

 

Yes, that's it.

Thanks.

Can I treat this as an annoyance for right now or should it be given prompt attention?

 

Mine has been like this for 6 months. I replaced the sensor on the rear differential (it was the easiest and cheapest) but it did not correct the problem so I assume it must be one of the fronts. Instead of a hit and miss approach to the repair, I plan to take it to my mechanic to do the ABS diagnostics and determine which sensor I need to replace. Net-net to your question.....it is not a safe situation, but it does not require immediate repair. Pat

 

More background as FYI.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...k-problem.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...low-stops.html

 

It is unsafe. GM had a similar situation in their Sierra's a while back that included 1999 and up Sierras. Bad ABS wheel sensor. With the ABS engaging at low speed, people were rear ending cars in front of them and in some cases, would increase the stopping distance into an intersection. Some T-bone accidents were blamed on this problem. Pull the ABS fuse for now untill you get it repaired. With the ABS disabled, the brakes simply work like they did before the era of ABS, and will be safe.

 

Fred is correct. Problems that impact the vehicles safety should be tended to promptly.