I have an intermittent ABS Light on a 99 F150. Sometimes when I apply the brakes for the first time of the day, I have my foot on the brake and when almost coming to a stop the pedal sinks a bit maybe an inch lower than normal. The brake pedal never goes to the floor. This doesn't happen again until maybe the next day or 3. I know the brakes have not been flushed and probably need to have new pads put on as I believe they are original. Can the auto parts store read the ABS code with a reader or is that more of an Engine code reader?
ABS Light and slight sinking pedal.
- Thread starter oilstudent24
- Start date
- Status
Generally you need a better code reader than the auto parts places have.
An innova 3160 might read it, they claim most domestic ABS. I have one and it's nice.
Probably should do an inspection of the mechanical parts of the system first for corroded lines, leaky wheel cylinders etc. Before you drive it again.
An innova 3160 might read it, they claim most domestic ABS. I have one and it's nice.
Probably should do an inspection of the mechanical parts of the system first for corroded lines, leaky wheel cylinders etc. Before you drive it again.
I would exchange all the fluid and read the code.
When I got my F-150 used replacing all the fluid was a priority.
The lines to the back 2 wheels held blackened fluid and the pedal didn't do all that much to stop.
Start by taking a look for any weeping.
You could of boiled the older fluid and you may have some air somewhere in the system.
As it gets old it loses the ability to handle heat, it's boiling point decreases, and many problems can be solved if you bleed out the old stuff and put in new stuff.
However, any leaks or weeping should be handled first.
The lines to the back 2 wheels held blackened fluid and the pedal didn't do all that much to stop.
Start by taking a look for any weeping.
You could of boiled the older fluid and you may have some air somewhere in the system.
As it gets old it loses the ability to handle heat, it's boiling point decreases, and many problems can be solved if you bleed out the old stuff and put in new stuff.
However, any leaks or weeping should be handled first.
The ABS sensor/system may be having trouble functioning correctly with old pads, tripping the light. Swap pads out, take it from there.
+1 Change the brake fluid. Then go from there.
Last edited:
Could be air trapped in the ABS module.
Find a patch of ice or gravel and hit the brakes a few times and see if that helps after.
Also, you need to get the car in the air and check for leaks with a drop light, check wheel cyls, and the connection points.
Next step would be to really check to see if your brake pads are worn out. If they are, get a brake job done or do it yourself or with a buddy that knows how.
After all this is done and it all works, get a 1L bottle of Valvoline Dot 3 from WM and do a turkey baster / refill of the master cylinder. Bleed the brakes.
If all your bleeders are rusted and you don't want to bleed at a line and there is no air in the system, do another turkey baster of the Master a few weeks later as the fluid does move around in the system but slowly. If you have enough to do this a 3rd time a few weeks after that, your fluid will be clean and clear.
Find a patch of ice or gravel and hit the brakes a few times and see if that helps after.
Also, you need to get the car in the air and check for leaks with a drop light, check wheel cyls, and the connection points.
Next step would be to really check to see if your brake pads are worn out. If they are, get a brake job done or do it yourself or with a buddy that knows how.
After all this is done and it all works, get a 1L bottle of Valvoline Dot 3 from WM and do a turkey baster / refill of the master cylinder. Bleed the brakes.
If all your bleeders are rusted and you don't want to bleed at a line and there is no air in the system, do another turkey baster of the Master a few weeks later as the fluid does move around in the system but slowly. If you have enough to do this a 3rd time a few weeks after that, your fluid will be clean and clear.
Originally Posted By: Falken
If all your bleeders are rusted and you don't want to bleed at a line and there is no air in the system, do another turkey baster of the Master a few weeks later as the fluid does move around in the system but slowly. If you have enough to do this a 3rd time a few weeks after that, your fluid will be clean and clear.
Glad to hear that. Tried to bleed the brakes the other day, my bleeders are rusted on. All 4 corners.
If all your bleeders are rusted and you don't want to bleed at a line and there is no air in the system, do another turkey baster of the Master a few weeks later as the fluid does move around in the system but slowly. If you have enough to do this a 3rd time a few weeks after that, your fluid will be clean and clear.
Glad to hear that. Tried to bleed the brakes the other day, my bleeders are rusted on. All 4 corners.
Hopefully the lines are ok and just need a flush. Thanks for your replies.
Clean the ABS sensors with brake cleaner
- Status
Similar threads
