My 2003 Custom XL has 275K on the odometer. Yesterday, for the first time, the ABS dash light came on, and stayed on until I got home and cut it off. Today, I started up with no warning light.

I've never had to mess with the ABS system in the past, except to check it out in the wintertime by trying to purposely skid on ice and hear and feel the brake pads pulsating

With the mileage I've got on it, what would be a good first step to take? Loose wire connections? I've got a can of CRC electronic contact spray that I could use. I'm not sure where all the components are located, though. Thoughts?

 

I would scan it for codes so I was not guessing

 

agreed - codes could tell you it's a wheel sensor and which one

 

I checked it with my Innova 5510 scanner, and found no codes. Maybe a loose connection that made again. Thanks for replying.

 

Mine was doing that. The rear shoe had decentigrated. I only replaced one because the other side looks good. Its actually doing it again. My first step is going to be to pull the other drum. Should have just done both the first time.

 

Did you specifically scan for Brake/ABS codes? It is a different sub-menu. Not all scanners have it.
This just appears to be the OBD scan for engine codes.

I had this issue, and till I was able to get ABS codes read, I had no clue. Ended up being the ABS module going bad. Was able to fix it myself. Post #8 has the codes and links to info.