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antilock brake fail?

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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 06:23 PM
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antilock brake fail?

Question for the EX experienced. We've recieved a fair amount of ice on the roads here in Portland, Oregon. I live on the west side and the ice is worse here than the rest of the valley.

My question is should the pedel pulse and the ABS light flicker when the tires are locking up on ice? I had my 05 Ex LTD lock all 4 with light brake pressure on some ice headed down a slight decline. I was also able to make them lock on snow easily. No pedel pulsing, no dash light flashing. The ABS light on all other cars and trucks that I've driven would flash when the ABS was active and you would feel the pedel pulse. Is the EX different? I have brand new BFG Rugged Trail TA's. I got the truck from a local Ford Dealer two weeks ago.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 09:13 PM
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I would suspect the light to only flash during ABS failure or if it detects different speeds from the three sensors. There is a sensor on each front wheel and one on the rear differential, if they read different speeds the ABS system gets confused because they all should be going the same place.

The pulsing I believe is the abs module reducing the pressure going to the calipers to prevent lock up. However I don't think it can remove the pressure completely. If you don't have traction to spin the wheels, even the slightest pressure can't be over come.

I believe this is fundamental to all ABS brake systems.
 
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Old Dec 16, 2008 | 10:23 PM
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I think you can hook a code reader up to the port under the steering wheel and it can run a check on the anti-lock system. These systems are expensive and very complicated.
My friend had a Turbo T-bird, he put over size tires on it and the anti-lock system light came on and he liked to have never found out why it was on.
If you have over sized tires it may very well be the problem (if you actually have a problem).
Seems like oversized tires affect some truck anti-lock brakes and not others.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 10:02 AM
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as what urban is saying..i am the extreme but i have 44in tires and my ABS is nowhere to be seen.NO ABS light or anything.maybe your just like me?lol.gearjamer i would take it back if you just got it,they should do a scan for codes for free.i would hope atleast, and for the record i am in oregon as well...(myrtle point but moving to salem in 6 months) and was wondering if you knew anything about snow?ice? and how much you get a year up there?MODS feel free to move or delete this if i take it offtopic.sorry, im just curious.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 10:51 AM
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Snow and Ice are rare in the Salem area. We get hit in the Portland area at least once every winter. Usually more ice than snow. I think the current situation is one of the heaver I've seen in the past 9yrs I've been living here. I'm way out on the west side (Forest Grove). I've seen more cars with chains in the last couple of days than any other year. I've been ok without chains so far. But with 8,000 pounds and new tires I wouldn't expect any problems with average stuff. Unfourtunatelly we've had anything but average. At the store yesterday the parking lot was solid ice at 10 am. Many side streets are like that. Main streets are much better.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2008 | 12:20 PM
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well glad to hear salem doesnt get to much,though i love snow, not so much ice. you should give that dealer a call where you got it from and see if they can run the codes..good luck
 
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Old Dec 18, 2008 | 12:03 AM
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I lied. The new tonight said Salem is expecting some snow and ice with the comming storm. It may not happen but we will see.

I tested the wife's Escape today and it locked up on the ice as well. The pedel would shudder for a moment then just lock up. So I think the ABS will reduce the presure to a minimum then that's it. The mother in law won't let me test her Explorer Sport trac to compare for some reason. :-p
 
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Old Dec 18, 2008 | 05:47 AM
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i would gladly check for you but i no my abs does not work anyways so i am of o use to u sorry
 
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