Windstar ABS Problems

AK_Chappy · Nov 16, 2005

My wife's 95.5 Windstar has had some on-going issues for quite some time now. Background: Started with a "Check Engine" light. code said EGR Valve stuck open. Changed every part in system. No difference. Reset it one day, and it just didn't come back. (it was pretty chilly) Spring rolled around, light came back. Turned out to say #2 Cylinder Misfire. Finally isolated down to blown head gasket.......for #5 Cylinder. Had to change the computer to get it to reflect the correct misfire. Had top end rebuilt. Light stayed out for quite a while (hmmm, cool chilly summer and winter again) Spring, light came back. #4 Cylinder misfire. Engine will run a little rough every now and then and fuel mileage sucks. Cussed out the van and said "I will drive it until I blow up the engine. Light or no light." Now the ABS is starting to act up. Wife said it would kick in like an extreme stop, but would happen during a normal stop. I was driving tonight and lo and behold, it finally did it for me. It seemed to do it more during turns combined with braking. What do you experts out there think? Chafed wire for a sensor? Bad Sensor, maybe? How do I check for a bad sensor? Sorry for the long post, just needed to vent about this old POS van. AK Chappy

Hunky Dory · Nov 16, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Try this: ABS Guide I've got ABS troubles too and am looking for circuit fundamentals. I suspect that my trouble is from ice forming in a connector because of when and how it went bad. Speedo and odometer not working and mileage computer says 0. I've had atrocious problems related to connectors or mechanical activators -- never a control unit or "computer". Am guessing this is the same; a lost signal.

Bob_VT · Nov 16, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Chappy Rust dirt debris and an occasional broken wire will interfere. You can clean the sensors with brake cleaner. I am not sure about the ford (I had the abs on a taurus and when I did brake jobs I normally cleaned the sensors and installed new rotors) but on a GM a diagnostic computer can/will tell you which sensor is bad. The front sensors are integrated into the wheel bearing hubs. I know that nissan (shared platform of the windstar) had a recall because sensor plugs were leaking and allowing water inside the plug initiating false signals.

AK_Chappy · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Thanks Bob and Hunky Dory, I will read through that ABS guide tonight after work. I will be looking at the sensors and wires this weekend. AK Chappy

one more cast · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

I fixed my Lumina ABS problems by removing the ABS relay from the fuse box. No more ABS for me and that annoying warning light bulb finally burned out after about a year or so. I couldn't see putting $600 into the ABS system on a car that is only worth about $1500.

dolluper · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

While your cleaning and poking around check your wheel bearings,follow wiring to abs pump if it is close to a spark ignition wire move it away,as the sensor wires run on a very low voltage,I have come across the problem of a ign wire leaking and causing problems with a sensor wire,check pump connector is tight,when was the last time you changed the brake fuild with new???? Fords hate old contaminated[water] fuild the pumps crap out and costly If all checks out get the codes read

LubeDude · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

This will offer no help other than telling you to get rid of it while it is still running and moving under its own power. These vehicles are one of the worst Fords ever produceed. They have engine, wiring, and transmission problems all from Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a close freind working in a Ford dealership and he hates them and Ford cant even fix them. I also have a freind that has one and cant afford to replace it right now, he has all the interior fuses pulled and the door locks also. Has had the engine replaced once and the transmision twice. Not to mention the front end almost falling off. And on and on!!!! Dump it!

AK_Chappy · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

LOL, LD the wife and I hate that van. We are only planning on being here for a couple of years, so we will drive this one into the ground. We can then junk it and buy a new vehicle. Trading it in really isn't an option right now. We are trying to get all of our bills paid off. We don't want to add another monthly cost. Changing the brake fluid is a good idea. I personally have never changed it. Having ABS, I can't just crack open the lines and keep adding new fluid, can I? I have heard that this will cause the ABS light to come on, system to completely disengage, and do no good at all afterwards. Any truth to that? AK Chappy

LubeDude · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Sounds like you are in the same position my freind is in. Ive been there also. I have heard just what you say about the ABS, Dont know for sure. Say, are you coming up this spring??? There are some Bass up here with your name on them.

AK_Chappy · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

I wish I could. I won't be in town. I will be playing in the big sandbox until early July. AK Chappy

LubeDude · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Bummer, My prayers go with you. Thanks for your service.

dolluper · Nov 17, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Hummm Geez I wonder how you would change a defective pump if you could not bleed the system,boy I'm baffed I.ve being doing it wrong all these years,come on guys forget what you hear it's crap.It's much better to get the moisture out of the system rather than replacing a 4 or 5 hundred dollar pump.Gravity bleeding is the best for any braking system and mantatory on some Corvettes.Crack the cailiper bleeders and watch her drip of coarse your light will come on if the system is low it's a safety feature,some people wouldn,t know otherwise. When your done bleeding test drive if the peddle is fine and light comes on clear the codes, it won't come on again till there is a problem usually in four cycles

AK_Chappy · Nov 18, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

dolluper, I will be doing exactly that this weekend. Hey, if the ABS quits working completely, it's no big deal. Just means the van is one step closer to the big junkyard in the sky...

AK Chappy

dolluper · Nov 18, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Then you would be helping out other owners and I'm sure they would be greatfull

dolluper · Nov 18, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

I was thinking about one of your passed issues[shouldn't bring it up but]the one about the EGR,if it wasn't carbon pugged or leaking,there is a little devil called a PNP switch {Park neutral position]that when it screws up can cause a EGR malfunction code and other engine issues,one like shutting down the EGR system totally Ford is not the only one GM does it too If your shifter is loose [or already thrown out the window

} you might want to look at it Here's a bunch of Ford codes http://www.visi.com/~rhanson/obdII_codes-full-text.htm Some Abs codes B1432=control module failure C1101=intermit valve failure C1185=main relay circuit failure B1317=Battery volts high B1318=bat volts low C1198=LF iso valve coil circuit failure C1194=LF dump valve coil circuit failure C1214 =Rf iso v coil failure cir C1210=RF dump v coil failure cir C1206 =r iso v coil failure cir C1202=r dump v coil cir failure C1155=LF wheel sensor input failure C1158 =LF wheel sensor coherency fault C1258=LF sensor wheel speed comparison fault C1233=LF sensor wheel input missing C1145 RF sensor input failure C1148= Rf sensor coherency fault C1259 =RF sensor speed comparison fault C1234=RF sensor input missing C1230=Ra sensor input circuit failure C1229=RA sensor coherency fault C1260=Ra wheel sensor speed comparison fault C1237 R wheel sensor input missing

dolluper · Nov 18, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

^ bump

AK_Chappy · Nov 18, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Appreciate that dolluper. Thanks for the link!!! Wish I woulda found that the first time. Oh Well, life goes on. AK Chappy

AK_Chappy · Nov 26, 2005

Re: Windstar ABS Problems

Well, I finally went out today and checked the sensors. I started on the driver's side. Looked a little rusty, but not bad, sanded it as best as I could while installed. (I am now two sockets shorter-grrrr. darn rusted bolts.) Went to the passenger side. The ring that goes on the CV shaft is broken and had slid out. I ain't gonna change a CV shaft for that. I told her that it just means her ABS light will stay on. AK Chappy

Windstar ABS Problems

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