ABS light & cruise control issue

[Blacksheepdj]

Lately, the ABS light has been coming on. Steady, no blinking, but it's on. Not 24-7, but when it does come on, it stays on. Also, sometimes my cruise control works, sometimes I hit the buttons and nothing happens.

From what I've read here, it seems like it might be the sensor attached to the brake master cylinder. Does this sound right to everyone? Anything else I should check first?

Thanks!

 

[MustangP51]

The ABS light is probably being caused by a failing wheel speed sensor. You can check them by disconnecting the wire from the sensor and use a multimeter to check the resistance. If you get an Open Line, or 0 resistance reading then the sensor is bad.

I have never checked the cruise control deactivation switch on the master cylinder, but im sure it is just a normal switch and can be checked with a multimeter as well. connect the meter to the switch, see what it reads, then step on the brake, if the reading changes from open line to 0 resistance or vice-versa the switch is working, If not then I would assume it has failed.

 

[Blacksheepdj]

The ABS light is probably being caused by a failing wheel speed sensor. You can check them by disconnecting the wire from the sensor and use a multimeter to check the resistance. If you get an Open Line, or 0 resistance reading then the sensor is bad.

I have never checked the cruise control deactivation switch on the master cylinder, but im sure it is just a normal switch and can be checked with a multimeter as well. connect the meter to the switch, see what it reads, then step on the brake, if the reading changes from open line to 0 resistance or vice-versa the switch is working, If not then I would assume it has failed.

You don't think it's likely that they'd both come from the same location? Both problems have started in the last two weeks. Seems like an amazing coincidence that two separate problems would pop up. That's why I saw the mention of the sensor on the MC and went "that must be it!"

 

[MustangP51]

You don't think it's likely that they'd both come from the same location? Both problems have started in the last two weeks. Seems like an amazing coincidence that two separate problems would pop up. That's why I saw the mention of the sensor on the MC and went "that must be it!"

I cant give you a sure answer on if it is the sensor on the master cylinder for both problems, I could be wrong but I don't think the sensor on the master cylinder is part of the abs system. I would start by checking the MC sensor.

Good Luck

 

[Blacksheepdj]

I cant give you a sure answer on if it is the sensor on the master cylinder for both problems, I could be wrong but I don't think the sensor on the master cylinder is part of the abs system. I would start by checking the MC sensor.

Good Luck

I could very easily be wrong. I was just hopefull from what I saw on a few threads (example). I went on AllData at work today and printed out the pinpoint test, so I might give that a go and see what comes from it.

 

[fordbluefamily]

On my 04, we had the same problem. The ABS light came on while i was driving with the cruise set, and it disengaged the cruise. They are very related. I believe it was a wheel speed sensor, but i need to get out my folder of reciepts because its been a while since we had that problem. While it was happening, the ABS would randomly engage itself on anything more than a slow easy stop. makes sense it would be a sensor.

 

[Blacksheepdj]

On my 04, we had the same problem. The ABS light came on while i was driving with the cruise set, and it disengaged the cruise. They are very related. I believe it was a wheel speed sensor, but i need to get out my folder of reciepts because its been a while since we had that problem. While it was happening, the ABS would randomly engage itself on anything more than a slow easy stop. makes sense it would be a sensor.

Thanks for the info (and for checking, if you get a chance).

As of today, the ABS light has not come on, but the cruise is still dead. Gotta do some testing, I suppose.

I appreciate all the help!

 

[fordbluefamily]

I found the reciept. The EEC code was P1206 and they performed TSB 042109 by replacing the Throttle Position Sensor. Part number 3L5Z-9B989-AA with a nomenclature of potentiometer. I was right it was a sensor, but not the one I thought. Makes sense, this sensor is tied to both systems. Get a scan from Azone and see if you have this same code. I remember it took them about 15 minutes to change this part.

*Edit*

I found the very next reciept was for the ABS light being on again, and THEN they replaced a wheel speed sensor. however the cruise was working with the second one and the ABS light was on steady the second time, but flashed like yours with the first problem. I found an earlier reciept where they replaced this sensor for a Check Engine Light, so my truck is on its third TPS... Sounds like a high fail item to me.

 

[Silver04XLT]

This same exact thing was happening to me. I replaced the rear sensor located on the pumpkin but still got the light so thats not the problem but when I tried to check the front sensors I was not able to break the bolts on the caliper loose so I couldnt check those. I was also curious about the sensor on the master cylinder. Would anyone be able to tell me how to get that off to check it or replace it? I looked at it but was unable to get it off. Thanks guys!

 

[fordbluefamily]

On the 04+ they were able to do away with the stand alone cruise controller that was mounted in the passengers side of the engine bay, they used the drive by wire throttle motor, along with throttle position sensor instead. An entirely different beast than 02 and 03. My guess would be the TPS sensor, its easy to change and shouldn't be too expensive. Its also one of the only parts I can see tied to both other than a vehicle speed sensor or something.

That said, I wouldn't do too much without knowing the codes your getting. You could be in for an expensive parts ride otherwise. Im hoping to be able to work around with my ELM327 scanner and get them out as ive read some information on the net about it.

 

[Curtis]

My 04 had these exact symptoms.

Sometimes cruse would work, other times not... even with the ABS light on or off.
The ABS light didn't come on all the time, but when it did, it stayed on until a restart.

I replaced the sensor on the master cylinder.
$20 part from ford
It did the trick

Ford wanted $70 for labor... I had it done in less than 5 mins. I try to imagine what the mechanic at the dealer would have done for the other 55 minutes I would have been charged for.

Be careful though, cause when you remove the old sensor, the brake fluid starts to come up through the hole, so have a rag close cause it will eat paint if it drips.


Id put money on this being your problem. And besides, its the cheapest and quickest to try yourself before you start replacing wheel speed sensors.

 

[Silver04XLT]

My 04 had these exact symptoms.

Sometimes cruse would work, other times not... even with the ABS light on or off.
The ABS light didn't come on all the time, but when it did, it stayed on until a restart.

I replaced the sensor on the master cylinder.
$20 part from ford
It did the trick

Ford wanted $70 for labor... I had it done in less than 5 mins. I try to imagine what the mechanic at the dealer would have done for the other 55 minutes I would have been charged for.

Be careful though, cause when you remove the old sensor, the brake fluid starts to come up through the hole, so have a rag close cause it will eat paint if it drips.


Id put money on this being your problem. And besides, its the cheapest and quickest to try yourself before you start replacing wheel speed sensors.

Do you happen to have the part number for this part off hand? Also did you have to bleed the brakes after you changed out the sensor?

 

[Curtis]

Do you happen to have the part number for this part off hand? Also did you have to bleed the brakes after you changed out the sensor?

Found my receipt, I believe the
p/n is 3L3Z9F924AB
description - switch asy
retail - $22.99

 

[Blacksheepdj]

Found my receipt, I believe the
p/n is 3L3Z9F924AB
description - switch asy
retail - $22.99

Thank you very much. Still haven't had time to tackle this with work and all, but it's nice to know it's a cheap fix. And buying the part will definitely be cheaper than paying the $100 service fee my "warranty" costs...

Thanks again to everyone!

 

[Curtis]

Thank you very much. Still haven't had time to tackle this with work and all, but it's nice to know it's a cheap fix. And buying the part will definitely be cheaper than paying the $100 service fee my "warranty" costs...

Thanks again to everyone!

Yeah be carefull of the extended warranties.
I put my X in to the dealership under my extended warranty.
Ford read the code for this pressure switch and cleared the light.
The warranty sent an adjuster out to check and the light wasnt on cause ford cleared it. Because they didnt see the light, they would not fix it.

So I bought it myself.

 

[fordbluefamily]

Stupid adjusters, that's a good reason to get a code scanner or ELM327 box. It shows what lights/codes WERE on/set and how long they have been cleared out. I would have thrown that in his face.

 

[motc777]

My 04 had these exact symptoms.

Sometimes cruse would work, other times not... even with the ABS light on or off.
The ABS light didn't come on all the time, but when it did, it stayed on until a restart.

I replaced the sensor on the master cylinder.
$20 part from ford
It did the trick

Ford wanted $70 for labor... I had it done in less than 5 mins. I try to imagine what the mechanic at the dealer would have done for the other 55 minutes I would have been charged for.

Be careful though, cause when you remove the old sensor, the brake fluid starts to come up through the hole, so have a rag close cause it will eat paint if it drips.


Id put money on this being your problem. And besides, its the cheapest and quickest to try yourself before you start replacing wheel speed sensors.

This was the problem for me on my 2004 Mountaineer. Thanks!

Tells you how much the price differs in just 4 years. I paid with tax 43.00.