ABS brake light on!!!

[FexplorerV8]

i have a 96 xlt v8 and my ABS light came on about a week ago, i checked the brake fluid, unpluged the battery over night, checked all of the brake pads... im out of ideas the light is still on and im gonna do a trip to Miami in 2 weeks i really need help with this thanks!! :roll:

 

[TheJMan]

My brother had a similar problem with his 1993 4.0. The ABS light would come on and I noticed the alternator was charging higher than normal, around 16 volts. Problem fixed when I tightened the positive battery cable to the battery terminal. No more ABS light, charges at 14 volts.

If I'm not mistaken, low brake fluid levels can also trigger the ABS light, or possibly dirty fluid has gotten on the fluid level sensor, but that's just a guess.

 

[FexplorerV8]

the alternator its reading normal, fluid its fine... and the light never goes away its always on from start!!!

 

[Fusion213]

Try jiggling the ABS sensor on the rear differential

 

[FexplorerV8]

what does it look like?

 

[huskyfan23]

Get the ABS code(s) pulled. Probably a dead RAB sensor but no sense in replacing it if it's not the culprit.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Try jiggling the ABS sensor on the rear differential

Agreed. Maybe a little terminal cleaner or similar spray on the connector while you're there.

 

[ExplorerSportNu]

Check the two lines one on each side (wires,etc.) going right behinde the rotor near the disc on passenger & driver side, one of my sensors on the end of this line where it goes into broke off which caused my abs light to come & stay on, if not check the code like husky said, you'll know for sure then

 

[FexplorerV8]

im gonna try to pull the code asap

 

[Glacier991]

lack of RABS isn't death. Your fronts may do 95% of the work instead of 65%. Don;t freak out.

 

[Rhett]

lack of RABS isn't death. Your fronts may do 95% of the work instead of 65%. Don;t freak out.

Your post confuses me. Not the part about fronts doing 95% of the work, as that I know. But the reference to RABS...

My understanding of the Ford ABS systems is that if ANY single sensor is malfunctioning, then ABS to *all* four wheels is turned off. Is this correct?
So, if he has a bad rear abs sensor, he wouldn't have just the rear abs off, it would be off on all four corners.

To my knowledge, only 91 and 92's Explorers had the RABS system. (well, 89-90 Bronco II's also). After that it was 4-wheel ABS.

 

[Glacier991]

Rhett - you're right, of course. I sometimes tend to think in terms of my 92. And yes only the early 1st gens had RABS....my bad! Sorry if I confused anyone... sometimes...well ya know... it ain't all there!

 

[FexplorerV8]

is there any website with a picture of the sensor? i got under the truck but i cant really find it plz help me!!
i think im gonna have to sell my truck soon... and i really wanna fix this!!

 

[huskyfan23]

Get down and look behind the steering knuckle. That's where it is.