I've got a 99 F-150 with 133K on it. Last Friday while driving home the yellow ABS warning light came on. The brakes are good, I checked the connector to the speed sensor on top of the rear end and it is connected. Tail lights and brake lights ok. The local dealer wants $110 just to look at it, any ideas on other connections or fuses that would cause the ABS light to come on? Does the ABS system just suddenly fail? Get dirty connections? Of course independant shops won't touch the ABS system and the dealer won't even start to look at it unless I pay $110. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Looks like you've done your homework. The only other thing I can think of is a sensor failure - unfortunately ABS sensors are a little bit pricey to be swapping out on a hunch. I'd pay the $110.

 

How pricey?

 

They are maybe $50-$60 each

 

I called a Ford dealership and the rear ABS sensor there is $38.57.
Local auto parts anywhere from 12.00- 19.00

 

Just a suggestion, remove the RABS sensor and clean off any debris from its tip. Been informed by local techs cleaning the sensors is the first step in diognosing. Am not an ABS technician and have concerns with mine also, hope this helps.

 

I have the same issue, where is this rear speed sensor exactly located??? Any pics of it?

 

Bill,

Thanks I'll do that. I disconnected it last Sunday, sprayed some chem tool and hooked it back up. Its pretty grungy under there so I'll do that again. I need to clean it better. I have some electical contact cleaner that I can use. To answer redneck's question: The rear ABS speed sensor is on top of the rear differential just forward of the cover plate for the ring and pinion gears. You'll see a wire coming down from the drivers side that has an oval plug on the end. Thats it. It is held on by one bolt I think its 7/16. If you change it clean the area real good. I went to the auto parts and looked at one, they are "L" shaped with a round probe about 3/4 inch in diameter. Has an O-ring where it inserts to keep crud out. I'm going to give mine one more good cleaning to see if that helps before I replace it. Its an easy job, just have to get under the rear end to reach it. Good luck and tell us how it goes.

Rick

 

I'll try and post a picture of it. Remember the good ol days when a mechanic would not charge you unless he actually worked on your car or replaced a part? I'll bet the day is coming when you'll call a dealer and you'll hear "If you wish to ask a question of or talented technicians please push 1 and enter your credit card information! If you do not wish to enter your credit card information, thank you and goodbye."

 

Better than $110.00 :-)

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