ABS Light On - No Code

[Bottom Line]

2004 XLT. Replaced both front hubs with new ones from Advance Auto. Shortly afterward, ABS light comes on and has stayed on. Have taken it for code scans to two different places (Advance, AutoZone). Both times scan tool cannot show any codes for ABS. What could cause light to be on but no code on scan tools?

 

[WaterBrat]

Not all scanners can read ABS. If your light is on then there probably is a code. Double check the ABS sensors are connected tightly and then maybe try reusing the old sensor cables. I hade an autozone hub that the cable went bad in about 14 months (on a 12 month warrenty) I had to borrow another scanner because mine did not do ABS. It least it told me which side went bad. My ABS light also included the AdvTrac off and blinking 4x4 light.

 

[Bottom Line]

With the light on I certainly thought there should be a code(s). Both places said their tool could read ABS codes.

 

[ROBinGa]

Did you use the ABS sensors that came with new parts? If you still have original Ford ABS sensor, you might try taking off the aftermarket ones and putting the Ford ones in their place. Others in the past have done that and solved the issue

 

[Bottom Line]

I junked the originals as soon as I took them off.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

I'd replace the front hubs, could be a defective abs sensor. Parts guy doesn't even know what their scanner can do. The light for ABS doesn't show up without any reason, there should be a code set or disconnect your battery, hopefully it might be a fluke and clear itself out.

 

[fordbluefamily]

You just need an abs capable reader. My money is on your hubs. I have been bitten by the cheap Chinese hubs having bad or incorrect wheel speeds reported and that will trip the ABS but will set a code for an ABS capable reader. Even the expensive parts store brands are mostly chinese these days. Most of the parts stores don't read ABS codes or don't know how rather. I would get motorcraft or timken bearings and call it a day. Return the others for a refund. Other common causes of ABS light are the pressure switch on the brake master cylinder. Does your cruise control work normally?

BTW, the ABS will clear the light on the first drive once fixed without pulling the battery or resetting.

 

[Sweersa]

My ABS light also included the AdvTrac off and blinking 4x4 light.

This happened to me when one of my front wheel bearings needed to be replaced. (It was wearing out, then going over a rough rail road track accelerated it's failure to the point where it tripped the lights)

 

[Bottom Line]

I had to replace the master cylinder switch about 6 mos before the hubs because of ABS light and no cruise control. New switch cured both issues.