2001 Focus w/ZETEC Brake Light,ABS Light On

[Herz]

Got the brake light, ABS light, and traction control lights on randomly. Usually the Traction will light up first, then the ABS, and sometimes even the parking brake light. I verified that the fluid is correct, it is, and the p-brake lever is down all the way.

I got this car used 20k miles ago, and the traction control lights have always been on with no reason. Recent work about 5k miles ago was a new set of pads and rotors.

Work that has been done to this car is a new clutch that I installed, that required removing the axles that are pretty close to the abs sensors. Also removed and replaced low ball joints that required some hammering and jolts to the steering knuckle to remove some seized parts and rivets.

When the lights go on braking is not compromised, and fluid level remains the same. I have looked for leaks, and have found none. My guess is that it is a ABS wheel speed sensor or the actual ABS unit in which case I'll just pull the abs fuse.

 

[charbaby]

Well, I'd say that you have a sensor gone bad. There is an ABS test for this that can tell you which sensor is bad. Probably needs to be performed at the dealer or reputable shop. Because traction control uses the ABS to help you the driver stay in control, it's light will appear on the dash too!

Should you loose ABS/TC, you will still have normal braking but, without the other benefits of ABS/TC.

I don't want to say this incorrectly but here goes.
When the brake/vehicle manufactures designed ABS years ago, they were/are forced to follow rulings by the government(wheather DOT, EPA, NHTSA or all) that, should a vehicle loose ABS, that the brake system must have standard braking. Otherwise we'd have more accidents all over our roads.

In my state(NY), if there is an ABS light on the dash, you don't fail state inspection as if there is a CEL on.

I would at the very least have the system checked. What you do with the information is your own business.

 

[Herz]

Thanks for your reply, a new ABS sensor is 30 bucks, at the least I can try to replace them before bringing it to my mechanic, what do you think?

 

[Trav]

Use a scan tool that has ABS to help find the cause.It will tell you which sensor is bad if any.

 

[citationxeleven]

I had this on my Mazda and it turned out to be a bad left front speed sensor. On the dash the ABS & TCS lights stay lit telling you there is an ABS or Traction Control System fault. On my car I have replaced 2 of the 4 sensors between 100K-110K.

 

[Herz]

I discovered the bracket the holds the sensor to the firewall was lose, I re-bracketed it and so far with 4 days of driving it has not come on.

Thanks for all the replies, just wanted to update with what I think is the fix so far.

 

[Herz]

i meant the fenderwell, not firewall fyi.