Why does my "ABS" light keep popping on?

Question

I have a 1998 Taurus SE with anti-lock brakes. The ABS dashboard light keeps popping on. I'm about to take it in for service, but I wanted to write first. When the light is off, the ABS brakes work, when it's on they work as traditional brakes. When I park and shut off the car for an hour or so, then go again the light will be off, and the brakes work anti-lock again. Then after several minutes the light goes on again, etc. Any ideas as to what may be causing this? I don't want some shop taking advantage of my ignorance. Thank you,
- Jeff

Answer 1

Unfortunately problems like that require either the car be hooked up to a computer to read the system or replacing parts. My guess would be one of the speed sensors on the wheel is going or has gone bad and will need replaced. They are usually in the $100 to $200 dollar range.

Good luck!

Answer 2

This most likely is the ABS sensor.. when they get break dust on them and FORDS are notorius for this the ABS light comes on and it does just that. I would say its either the ABS sensor is dirty or bad. But it most likely is only one.. so dont let the garage take you for a RIDE so to speak! no pun intented. I would if possible. take the wheels off 1 by one and blow the break dust out of them and see if that helps first before going anywhere..

Answer 3

There is a definite fault in the system. Wheel speed sensors are usually the culprit, but it could be a number of other things too. Take it to a qualified service person.

Answer 4

From your description, it sounds like one of your wheel speed sensors is going bad, ie: not readiong the same speed as the other three. This is one ofd the most comon problems with anti-lock brakes.

Answer 5

Do you generaly apply your brakes enough on a daily basis to cause the Anti-lock to activate??

Well there's your problem.

Answer 6

probably a bad anti breaking mechanism or computer problem....