I've had an ABS light problem ever since I bought my '02 F250 4x4. I thought it was the VSS, like on my '89 but replaced it (and the pigtail), and no luck. No codes, nada, so I finally decided to take it to the dealer and let them work for a couple of hours. I figured maybe they had more sophisticated diagnostic tools and could narrow it down. Well, first they called and said it took them two hours to not get any codes, road test, and decide that it had "bad battery & cable ends", so the tester can't get a good signal. Hmmmm... new battery 18 months ago, starts quick every time, but ok, maybe a cell went bad, and like I'm going to take the car back, put on new connectors and take it back to the dealer?
So, I said ok, and now I have a $500 battery & cable job, but they call back and say "bad coil pack somewhere is arcing and interfering with the testing tool". They want $365 to pull all the coils and test. Ummmm... I can get eight new coils for less than that and install them in an hour? And what kind of magic tester is this anyway?
Argh, anyone else solve an intermittent ABS light problem?
Can anyone recommend a decent Ford shop near Petaluma, CA?
If their diagnosis (sp) did not fix the problem make them put it back the way it was or not charge you.
I have had to do that before.
__________________
1996 F-250 extended cab long box five speed. Home made Tymar, 203 Stat, 60 gal in bed fuel cell, 315/75's, no muffler, ebpv welded open 3" to 3" DP, Babies. 290K, still chugging, and still smoking when cold.
UPDATED 8/1/08 Replace so far. 1 LUK flywheel+clutch, 2 thermostats, 2 set of brakes, 1 set of calipers, 5 CPS, 3 sets of tires, 2 Transfer pumps, 1 Injector modual, 1 Computer, 2 Alt, 2 sets of batteries, 1 Water pump, 6 Belts, 1 PS hose, 2 Sets ball joints, 2 set u-joints, 2 carrier bearing, 2 Speed sensors, 1 oil pres sender, 1 temp sender, 4 sets of e-break cables, 1 front fuel tank, 2 rear fuel tanks, 2 set of glow plugs, 6 Glow plug relays, Oil galley o-rings, Turbo pedistal o-rings, EBPV o-rings, 3 sets of Injector O-rings, 1 Vac-pump, 1 new carpet.Total $$$ in repairs v/s miles driven = 3.0 cents per mile. Add fuel to that it jumps to 14.8 cents per mile over the life of the truck.
Ok, my ABS light was occasionally coming on, especially on hard acceleration, downshifting of the auto trans. I also had some other strange electrical issues - radio randomly shutting off for example.
It turns out that a coil pack can fail in a strange way. The high voltage side of the coil apparently shorts to the low voltage side, occasionally scrambling any sensitive electronics in the car. Apparently the ABS module is the most sensitive part.
I swapped four of the coils with new ones, and when that didn't solve the problem, I swapped them with the other side and presto! No more problem.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
