ABS light turns on after hard acceleration

[Dingbat]

Recently the ABS light on my 97 Ranger has been turning on after hard accelerations. During the acceleration, the BRAKE light will turn on, then it turns off and the ABS light comes on, and stays on. It used to only happen on high rpm, pedal to the metal accelerations, but now it seems to happen way more during normal driving conditions. It'll happen regardless of any wheel slip.

From what I've read it seems a lot of the ABS light issues have to do with the sensor on the rear differential, but I have yet to find someone with the same problem. The differential does appear to be ever so slowly leaking oil, even though I just replaced the gasket and topped it off a couple years ago.

Also, I did just have my Emergency Brake fixed about a year ago. It tended to stick on. But, it only stayed fixed for a couple weeks, then it pretty much stopped working all together. (never going back to that place again) But I wouldn't think that would have anything to do with this problem.

So, I don't know if my problem is that sensor, or something else. Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[dogboy]

Have you checked your brake fluid level?

I know the BRAKE light comes on when your brake fluid is low. Which would make sense becuase when you accelerate hard, the fluid moves to the back of the master cyl. resivoir, which, if the sensor is in the front, then it reads no fluid.


That's my thought.


And would aslo explian why my my ABS light is on. I forgot to plug in the wire that goes to the master cyl, and both lights were off. I plugged the wire in (one of the prongs is damaged which I need to fix) and the Brake light came on, and at the same time, the ABS light came on.

 

[woodyedmiston]

Yep, yep, yep. Check your fluid level first. Then take a look at your brake wear - if fluid level is low and you don't have leaks, the pads are going away.

 

[Dingbat]

You're right. The brake fluid was a bit low. Reservoir was about half full. I topped it off and the light never came on today.

I think I had noticed a couple years ago it was a little low and topped it off then. It must be leaking slowly or something. Woody, you say worn pads causes low fluid levels? How does that work?