Abs Light

[Skywalker 2000]

I own a Ford Windstar Lx 2000 3.8 V6. Recently I noticed that the ABS light was on and off on several occasions, then the check engine light was on too. I brought it to Ford garage for diagnosis and the mechanic fixed the check engine light and told me the ABS light was due to faulty fuse which he replaced. With reference to the check engine light, a few parts were replaced and all in all the cost came up to $779.17. With that, I felt confident that everything was in order since it was checked by a Ford mechanic and it took 2 days for him to check the problems. But unfortunately, the ABS light turns on again so I brought the vehicle back in thinking that it was still under warranty and that rechecking the problem that he was supposed to fix shouldn't cost me any money. I was wrong. it took him more than 3 hours to check the problem and this time, he came up with the ABS module as faulty and to replace and install that would cost me another $583.98. I decided not to replace the module at the moment because it's expensive and I have just spent $700++ earlier. The second diagnosis cost me another $97.15 for nothing -- no repair done. I have just bought this Ford from a Ford dealer about a month ago and now there seem to be problems. By the way, right now my concern is with the ABS light which will turn on after about a couple miles and would stay on. I know this indicates that ABS system is not in operation but is there any way I could fix this myself without incurring so much. Is it possible that the problem may not necessarily be with the module since it sometimes stay off for quite a distance before it came on. Please help.

[markbest3705]

You should check the ABS module on your rear brakes first. The ABS module can be checked with a multimeter. A Chilton's Auto repair manual will tell you what the correct ohms reading range is for a good module. I had the module changed at a reputable auto repair shop, not a Ford Dealership and it worked fine. My ABS light would come on my Windstar after I reached speeds of about 55 mph. It would reset after ignition shutoff/startup. My light is coming on again after about three years and my guess is that another ABS module has failed on the other three wheels.

I hope this posting helps, please let me know!

Mark

[jstonge]

I have a 2001 Windstar. A couple years ago I had to replace my ABS module. I did it myself cost about $400 for a rebuilt module. Has been working fine since. Recently, the light came on again but did go off. Using the car today I noticed that on dry roads and braking when the car was just about stopped the ABS would kick in just like icy raod conditions.

I am wondering if this time it might be a wheel sender that is causing the problem??

[BryanF]

just leave it be dude. as long as the conventional brakes still work, you're good. if you encounter slick road conditions, just pump the brakes like an old-school car without ABS.

[microsfoftxpuser21]

worst mistake have it taken a look at seriosly those van arent meant for that have light read by some one who has a otc computer more advance then the actron and get the code so u can figure it out

[rosehip]

i have same abs & brake lite will not go off. call me 623-980-6082

[sunnyford]

My 2002 Windstar had a similar problem--seemingly random illumination of the ABS light. I say "seemingly random" because after paying the Fix Or Repair Daily Dealer $179.95 for no fix, I noticed the light came on once immediately after I moved the driver's (powered on my van) seat full back. My wife drives it pretty much full forward. Poking around under the driver's seat produced a loose wire in one of the (yellow or red, can't remember) connectors. Fixed that with a $1.79 connector from Pep Boys and it's been over 2 years since I've seen the ABS light. Go figure...

[kerryland]

My ABS and Brake light had been on and off for the past year (2001 Windstar). I had it checked last year and they told me not to worry about it unless there was some change. Recently when the light comes on, I feel in my pedal and sort of thumping. I took it in today and they told me the ABS module was bad. The repair shop said they could replace the module, but they couldn't program it. They said it is something only a dealer can do. I called the dealer and asked about it. And "advisor" at the dealer gave me his "patented" ABS speech. He explained that the ABS system is not needed and to tell the repair shop to simply unplug it.

Okay, so they unplugged it. Now I have a bunch of other crap. I have no speedometer, odometer, the O/D off light is flashing, and my auto doors will not open when the van is running (they did before).

Any advice?