ABS light stays on and 4x4HIGH light flashes (04 Limited, 4WD, V8)

[Alberto Todaro]

My truck only has 42,x.. miles on it and is NOT by any means driven hard or in rough territory.

What could the problem be? Bad sensor? If so, where? Easy/Cheap to fix on my own?

Help. Thanks

I just realized that I have been here since 6/03 when I owned my last customized Explorer, and this is my 1st post. Sorry.

I'd greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

Most likely a wheel speed sensor in the ABS system is at fault. Without being able to look at the wheel speed sensors, the 4WD system in "Auto" will not function correctly. I'd have a shop with the proper scan-tool scan the system and they'll be able to tell you what code is in it. From there, you can decide to either fix it yourself, or have it done.
I've even recently seen ice and snow build up on the tone wheel on the CV shafts causing an ABS code to pop up. Thaw the car out, reset the code, and all is well again. Yours may well be something this simple, or could be a broken wire or bad wheel speed sensor, but most likely, it's not going to be that big of a deal to fix.

 

[Alberto Todaro]

Most likely a wheel speed sensor in the ABS system is at fault. Without being able to look at the wheel speed sensors, the 4WD system in "Auto" will not function correctly. I'd have a shop with the proper scan-tool scan the system and they'll be able to tell you what code is in it. From there, you can decide to either fix it yourself, or have it done.
I've even recently seen ice and snow build up on the tone wheel on the CV shafts causing an ABS code to pop up. Thaw the car out, reset the code, and all is well again. Yours may well be something this simple, or could be a broken wire or bad wheel speed sensor, but most likely, it's not going to be that big of a deal to fix.

It's likely the sensor like you mentioned. I did notice last snowfall (which happened a few days after the dash lights came on) that the rear tires would lose traction and the 4WD AUTO would not kick on like it usually would.

Local Autozones and Pepboys can only check engine codes, and I am not willing to pay the stealership $60+ an hour with a 1 hour minimum, to tell me its a cheap part and easy access part I can fix myself.

What do these sensors run in price? Are they/it plug and play? And where are they/it located?

Thanks!

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

An independent repair shop that works on late-model vehicles generally has the equipment to scan the ABS systems. If you don't know of any in your area, ask a NAPA store to point you to a local NAPA Authorized Auto Care Center. Just try to avoid any large franchises like Midas, Car-X, Meineke, etc. Those places are just flat out rip-off artists.
Otherwise, call a larger used car dealership and ask them who they use. Used car dealers are typically very frugal and want the best service for the buck for repairs they can't do themselves.

The wheel speed sensors are available at NAPA, Carquest, etc. I'd avoid going to Uh-Oh Zone for one...The quality of their parts is questionable lots of times.
They should be pretty self-explanatory to change yourself. Typically it's just one little bolt holding them on to the caliper bracket. Unless it's like a GM where the wheel speed sensor is integrated into the wheel bearing hub assembly. Then replacement of the entire bearing is necessary. I can't for the life of me remember what these were like...I'd like to say they had a seperate sensor, but without crawling underneath mine I can't be 100% certain.

 

[Alberto Todaro]

An independent repair shop that works on late-model vehicles generally has the equipment to scan the ABS systems. If you don't know of any in your area, ask a NAPA store to point you to a local NAPA Authorized Auto Care Center. Just try to avoid any large franchises like Midas, Car-X, Meineke, etc. Those places are just flat out rip-off artists.
Otherwise, call a larger used car dealership and ask them who they use. Used car dealers are typically very frugal and want the best service for the buck for repairs they can't do themselves.

The wheel speed sensors are available at NAPA, Carquest, etc. I'd avoid going to Uh-Oh Zone for one...The quality of their parts is questionable lots of times.
They should be pretty self-explanatory to change yourself. Typically it's just one little bolt holding them on to the caliper bracket. Unless it's like a GM where the wheel speed sensor is integrated into the wheel bearing hub assembly. Then replacement of the entire bearing is necessary. I can't for the life of me remember what these were like...I'd like to say they had a seperate sensor, but without crawling underneath mine I can't be 100% certain.

Ok. Thanks.

 

[bigapple]

be careful with that ABS light... either its a bad sensor or one of the sensors is picking up massive pressure on a brake caliper... i had a light come on one nite and i drove it for a few more days figuring i could make it till the weekend... when ur on the interstate and ur steering wheel isnt even guiding one of ur wheels, ur most likely to **** ur pants cuz i almost did... i had a busted hub bearing and the wheel was basically being held on thru the brake rotor by means of the brake caliper... i always pay attention to the ABS lights now cuz i almost died... mite not be the same issue with urs but i suggest checking each wheel to see if the bearings r gone... ford is known for making ****ty ones at times

 

[Alberto Todaro]

be careful with that ABS light... either its a bad sensor or one of the sensors is picking up massive pressure on a brake caliper... i had a light come on one nite and i drove it for a few more days figuring i could make it till the weekend... when ur on the interstate and ur steering wheel isnt even guiding one of ur wheels, ur most likely to **** ur pants cuz i almost did... i had a busted hub bearing and the wheel was basically being held on thru the brake rotor by means of the brake caliper... i always pay attention to the ABS lights now cuz i almost died... mite not be the same issue with urs but i suggest checking each wheel to see if the bearings r gone... ford is known for making ****ty ones at times

I've also checked my brakes since the lights came on. Fortunately it's not what you mentioned.