abs light and brake light illuminated

[raegirl]

The brake repair kit is easy enough to replace, but it won't necessarily keep the fuse from blowing as happened in my case, but honestly, with as many people as have done this that I can find on the internet I would suggest this fix before paying someone else for repairs since the part is in fact only $27 and does seem to be part of the problem if not the whole problem. I am only concerned with my own windstar that I went too long with the problem before seeking info/assistance and so caused an issue with the actual wiring connected to the speed control/masterbrake cylinder...

Does anyone else continue to get the blown fuse even after replacing this part and leaving it disconnected? Do you lose a/c, rear blower fans, odometer, speedometer? My ABS light is constantly on now, but I haven't topped off the brake fluid yet since putting on the brake repair kit...ANy more suggestions?

[musbejelly]

I have a 2001 ford windstar and i am having the same trouble. I am still researching but I think your problem might be a rear wheel seal leak. The cylindar only cost 15.99 at autozone so check it out and let me know if that works for you.

[wikkedGTS]

I have had the same problem before. The ABS sensor is kind of magnet that will sense when the wheels are about to lock up and releases the brakes momentarily. What you guys don't know is that when the lights are on then you have no ABS what so ever. You still have working brakes but they will lock up if you slam on them. What I do is take the braking system apart( calipers, disks, drums, etc) and clean them up really good and just give it a quick wash with water and they are good to go. It is basically dust particles that short out the sensor.

[Flyingjackal456]

My van has ABS light come on only when cruising at 71-73 mph if i'm going 80 or 65 it's ok...

If the ABS light comes on, it will store a DTC code in the computer, if you have a scan tool... scan it, or borrow or many auto shops will scan it for free. (Autozone)

[Gringo69]

Try going here to see if your problem relates. 2003 ford windstar abs c1185 trouble code

[mark v]

The sensors are sealed, you cant clean them and brake particles cant get in a sealed unit!

Originally Posted by wikkedGTS

I have had the same problem before. The ABS sensor is kind of magnet that will sense when the wheels are about to lock up and releases the brakes momentarily. What you guys don't know is that when the lights are on then you have no ABS what so ever. You still have working brakes but they will lock up if you slam on them. What I do is take the braking system apart( calipers, disks, drums, etc) and clean them up really good and just give it a quick wash with water and they are good to go. It is basically dust particles that short out the sensor.

[Flyingjackal456]

Your right mark, but the brake particles can stick to the outer shell of the sensor, blocking the proper reading...therefore brake particles can cripple the sensor temporarily and cleaning can hep.

[mark v]

I should of took a picture of my rear brake sensors before I cleaned them when I did my rear brake job. If you saw what they both looked like you wouldnt think that cleaning helps.

You can put lots of dirt on a magnet and it will still read a signal through the dirt. These sensors were designed to do this.

My front left has a thick coating of road crap and brake dust and still works.

My right front failed. It is supposed to show like 2000 or so OHM's and read zero when I tested it.

[hgarcia85]

I was having the same problem with my 2001 Ford Windstar, took it to the dealer and they said it was the Break Light Switch which is found somewhere under the break pedal. I replaced it and no problems since... the part is only like $17 at AutoZone.

[Flyingjackal456]

Originally Posted by mark v

You can put lots of dirt on a magnet and it will still read a signal through the dirt. These sensors were designed to do this.

True, but not when the dirt is metallic such as brake dust, or worse rotor dust. And yes the magnet will read, but performance will be diminished.