New owner of 99 Plain Ranger with ABS issues

[richard10250]

Greetings -

We just purchased a 1999 single cab Ford Ranger for our son's first vehicle. The truck has 80K miles and a 4 cyl 2.5 liter engine with an automatic transmission.

We had the truck inspected prior to purchase and two issues were identified. Bad ball joints and an intermittent ABS light. Since purchase we had the upper and lower ball joints replaced and while we were at it we had the timing belt changed and the water pump replaced.

We have not tackled the ABS light issue to date. The brakes seem to be fine. The mechanic that replaced the ball joints / timing belt seems to believe it is a faulty indicator. The dealership recommends the replacement of the control box which is about a $500 repair.

I considered have the local repair shop replace the ABS module but the say the replacement of the ABS module requires special equipment to reprogram for this unit.

Does that seem correct to you guys? Does this effectively eliminate the solution of used a control module from a junk yard vehicle?

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[adsm08]

The ABS module does need programmed when it's replaced, but those are rarely at fault on the Rangers.

I wouldn't shuck out $500 for any repair until it is explained fully why that is what's needed and how they arrived at that conclusion.

Find out what the codes were, post them up here, and we can give you a preliminary second opinion.

 

[richard10250]

Thanks for the quick response.

The local repair shop reported that there were no codes in the history despite the fact that the light had been on several times recently. Their theory is that the fault is in the wiring to the fault light itself. Not sure how to chase down that theory.

I didn't mention it before, but the amber ABS light and the red Brake light come on together. I was told that, by design, the red light is illuminated whenever the amber light is illuminated. Does that seem correct?

Is it safe to say that if there are no codes when the OBDII interface that there is no problem with the system and the fault is somewhere around the indicator lamp?

Thanks again!

 

[adsm08]

The red brake light will not come on just because the amber ABS light is on. On the other hand, if the red brake light comes one because the flow brake fluid sensor is tripped, it will illuminate the ABS light.

I would first check the brake fluid, and if it is low, I would then check the brakes themselves. The original design theory behind the fluid level sensor is that when the brakes get worn low it would drop the fluid level enough to turn the light on, thus telling the driver that it is time for new brakes.

No codes means no problems.

 

[richard10250]

So I just now triple checked the brake fluid level and it is very near the MAX line.

Is the only condition that triggers the brake light the low fluid switch? If that is true then it would seem that maybe the fluid level switch / wiring is faulty. Checked the connection to the fluid level switch and I do not see any obvious issues.

When I look at the wiring schematic it would seem that jumpering the TAN/LT GRN wire to the DK GRN/YEL wires at the fluid level switch would eliminate the switch for troubleshooting. Does that seem reasonable?

 

[adsm08]

Pinpoint test says to unplug the level switch and turn the key on, see if the light goes out.

Also, the parking brake will turn the light on, but not trip the ABS light.

 

[richard10250]

I tried the test, but at this moment the lights are not illuminated. My results were:

Normal condition - started and ran at idle - no lights (the problem is intermittent)
Disconnected brake fluid level sensor - started and ran at idle - amber ABS light only

What result was pinpoint anticipating?

While trying to remove the connector I actually removed what I believe is the complete sensor (long and rectangular). Since it is so easy to change the sensor then I think I will try replacing it and see what happens.

Your thoughts?

 

[adsm08]

The test indicated that the light should be out with the sensor unplugged.

Might not hurt to just replace the sensor. They are the most common failure in the system.

 

[Road Angels]

Sensor bad, had the same in my 99, also speedo and mileage where off, replaced the sensor and every thing was fixed except the fact that the miles where higher then what was indicated, also had no codes, while your at it clean out the rear diff. fluids mine where real ugly at the 80k mark

 

[richard10250]

Thanks for the input.

I assume you are referring to the sensor in the rear differential? In my case the speedometer seems to be correctly displaying the speed.

I am reviewing what to do with all the fluids since I don't know the vehicles maintenance history...

 

[richard10250]

Well I changed the sensor that sits under the brake fluid reservoir and it made no difference. Still have the amber ABS and the red BRAKE light illuminated.

Anyone got a suggestion on where to turn next?

 

[Road Angels]

Yes the speed sensor in the rear end for abs also unplug the e brake connection see if that cancels the red light