2004 ford explorer ABS light

[jjmich83]

I've read multiple threads on this issue and have tried just about every thing I could. I recently replaced the rear diff in my explorer and the rear abs sensor is not reading. I've replaced the sensor, when I read out the wires from the abs module to the rear diff I get nothing. I searched for any broken wires or lose connectors and cant find anything. I cut in to the wires on the driver side and read out from there to the diff and got a good reading, and from the there to the abs module and got a good reading, but when I read from the module to the sensor I get nothing. The diff I installed I pulled off of a 2005 model which did not have the sensor installed on the diff, the sensors were installed on the wheels. Not sure if that could be the problem or not, this diff had a plug installed where the sensor goes. if anyone out there can give me some insight on this issue that would be awesome. This issue is causing the 4x4 auto to kick on.

 

[imp]

I've read multiple threads on this issue and have tried just about every thing I could. I recently replaced the rear diff in my explorer and the rear abs sensor is not reading. I've replaced the sensor, when I read out the wires from the abs module to the rear diff I get nothing. I searched for any broken wires or lose connectors and cant find anything. I cut in to the wires on the driver side and read out from there to the diff and got a good reading, and from the there to the abs module and got a good reading, but when I read from the module to the sensor I get nothing. The diff I installed I pulled off of a 2005 model which did not have the sensor installed on the diff, the sensors were installed on the wheels. Not sure if that could be the problem or not, this diff had a plug installed where the sensor goes. if anyone out there can give me some insight on this issue that would be awesome. This issue is causing the 4x4 auto to kick on.

@jjmich83
2004 had only one rear wheel sensor, mounted in the center section. 2005 had sensors at all 4 wheels, none in the rear center. The "tone-ring" used to trigger the sensor may be absent in the 2005 center section, even though there is a plugged hole; that allows the casting to be used either way.
It is not understandable the way you refer to checking the wiring harness. Don't know what a "good reading" is. The speed sensor wiring goes directly to the ABS Module. If you have access to the wire color-coding, you can open the wires coming from the sensor, at the Module. Then, you should read ZERO ohms with an OHMMETER connected to the ends of each wire, one at a time. Between either end of either wire and GROUND you should read very HIGH resistance, millions of OHMS. A low reading to ground indicates a SHORT circuit to ground. This is academic.
If your center section has no tone ring, there's the problem. The ABS light ON will have "thrown" a trouble code. You should retrieve that code. It will likely say "Rear Wheel Speed Sensor No Output". imp

 

[jjmich83]

It looks like the 2005 diff does not have the tone ring. Something I wish I would have noticed before putting everything together. How difficult is it to install one on this main gear or do I need to find an 04 model main gear?

 

[mountaineer2004]

My ABS light has been on for years...I just covered it with black tape.
The car has 157k miles, I'm happy it moves at all.

 

[imp]

My ABS light has been on for years...I just covered it with black tape.
The car has 157k miles, I'm happy it moves at all.

@mountaineer2004
My attitude exactly, except........if you trade it to a dealer, they will immediately deduct $1000, if they offer a trade in at all. Private buyer will likely be afraid of it.

Not disagreeing with your position, mind you, in fact I love it! Mine runs perfectly with the ABS on, and that because it needs the VIN entered into it. Why any module other than PCM needs the VIN escapes me. Just some more manufacturer's bullshit, I think. imp

 

[imp]

It looks like the 2005 diff does not have the tone ring. Something I wish I would have noticed before putting everything together. How difficult is it to install one on this main gear or do I need to find an 04 model main gear?

@jjmich83
Wish I could tell you, but unfortunately, I don't know how they did it, whether tone ring is removable or permanently affixed. I'll try to find out tonight by consulting my Shop Manual. imp

 

[jjmich83]

It ended up being the tone ring in the diff. the 2005 does not have them. I was able to get a ring from napa and press it on the diff. light went out as soon as the back wheels started rolling. thank you for the help.