So a week ago, I had a good load of sod in my 05 F150 4WD. After a few miles, the ABS light came on and has stayed on. Will this go back off by itself after a time, or is this a get it fixed deal? Tried unhooking the battery, but no help.

 

Go to advance auto and buy the Actron ABS scanner for $100 it's the lowest price I found. It says it works on vehicles up to 2005, but it worked on my 2006 fine. I set it up as a 2005 on the scanner.

My dealer wanted $135 to scan and tell me what the problem was. Mine ended up being just a dirty LF wheel sensor this time. I previously replaced the rear speed sensor in November.

That being said, the rear speed sensor is the most common problem that I found from my research.

 

thanks for the info. I will go to one of our auto stores where they do free scans, maybe will shed some light on it. But it was strange that it happened at the same time I loaded the truck quite heavy.

 

None of my local stores would scan the ABS codes as it takes a dedicated scanner. The regular scanners won't scan ABS codes. It could be that they don't want to accept any liability for messing with the ABS system. It would save you some money if you can locate one that will scan ABS codes.

BTW, I did take my old bad rear speed sensor apart after replacing it. The old speed sensor had got moisture in it past the internal o-ring that caused the internal connections to the hall-effect sensor to corode away.

 

Do a check for a possibly damaged wire to the sensors.

 

Do a scan first. After you have the code(s), do a visual in the area that the code is generated from. Then follow the diagnostic tree in the powertrain and emissions manual or shop manual. The ABS should be in the regular shop manual.

 

Thanks for the replies. I did stop at 2 local parts stores, and they both said they can't (or wont) scan ABS codes. I will look around under there before heading to the shop. I have a $50 deductible warranty, so will see what they say. A bad wire would be a nice find, but what are the odds?

 

Equus Products Innova 3150 ABS + OBD-II scan tool available from the ToolSource.com for $195 will retrieve ABS codes as well as engine management codes in all of the current protocols and is upgradeable.

 

Went to Advance auto, but didnt find this scanner. One question, will it also clear the trouble light on the dash? Cheapest one on ebay was 119.

 

Go online and order it from there and pick up in store, you can check stock at the local stores.

You just missed another sale last week for 20% off ordering online and free shipping or local pickup.

The trouble light will go out when you fix the problem.

 

I had an ABS light going on/off and pulsing brake pedal on my rig last month. I ALMOST went and spent $150+ on a scanner that would read ABS...until I did some more research.

If you've got a laptop available get one of these:
OBD 2 USB interface scan tool CAN ISO KWP PWM VPW J1939 : eBay Motors (item 250362675547 end time Feb-18-10 11:23:57 PST)

Then you can download, at low cost or for free, several good OBD2 programs that will read the ABS codes, etc. Also, the programs available do alot more than the autozone equus scanners and the like. More capability for a fraction of the cost.

The scanner told me it was the front passender wheel sensor...needed to be cleaned.

 

Just got an email, Advance is running another sale today thru 27th. Spend $100 online and get a $50 coupon via email towards your next purchase of $50 or more. Includes free shipping or local pickup.

You could buy the Actron ABS scanner $99.99 and a pack or razor blades to get over the $100 mark. Then get a $50 coupon to spend on other parts or supplies for your truck.

 

Thank you

 

Do you have any links for the abs software that would work with this? Thinking about buying this.
Thx

 

^ If you look at that auction, the seller lists plenty of try before you buy free software that he sends the unit with on a cd.