2004 EB expedition check avancetrac/abs light/4x4 hi flashing

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josh1095

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I'm copying and pasting this from ford truck enthusiasts, haven't had a response on it. I've learned a bit more researching. Orignal post as follows:

Title says it pretty much. So it's intermittent and always goes away if i cycle the key, turn off/on. I can drive 60 miles and it won't come on, i can drive 15 and it'll come on.. It's fairly random.

Edit: It WILL do the same thing, minus the "4x4Hi" light flashing, when driving in "2H" mode.
It's very intermittent. Varying speeds, brake, no brake, 2H or A4WD mode. Can't pinpoint it

Here's my basic understanding of the system, correct me please if i am missing something:
The advancetrac system is checking tire speed at both rear wheels. If it detects one moving faster it engages a clutch in the T-case that transfers power to the front differential. The signal is most likely generated by 2 hall effect sensors and a "tone" ring located on both the right and left hub/drive shaft.(I found out the tone ring is integrated into the wheel hub/bearings on all 4)

So, my 2 questions are:
1) what's the most likely culprit? Wiring, abs module(if it handles that stuff),sensor(s), tone ring crack?
Due to how intermittent it is and it doesn't happen when doing anything in particular i'm leaning towards sensor or wiring. Idk though, that's why I am asking.
2) Is there any way to pull the codes from whatever module logs the rear speed sensor outputs for both wheels? There is no CEL and like i said, cycle the key and the advancetrac is working just fine, no ABS light, etc.
If i could read it and find out ex.: Right Rear speed sensor signal lost/out of range". Something to that effect it would cut my troubleshooting by 50%.

Thank you guys. As always, i appreciate any help.
When i fix this i will update it and tell everyone what the problem was so it may help others in the future.

** I have tested advancetrac on loose gravel, it works fine. When the light comes on it does NOT work. Have to cycle key. Very intermittent and happens traveling at varied speeds. Seems to be in straight line travel when i've seen it most. 15 to 65 mph it will occur.

***Will ABS codes store or do i need the light on for the code to be read? I have the slippery road icon(advancetrac?), the ABS light, and the message reading "check advanctrac" in the display when this occurs. Also as stated above, if i'm in A4WD when it happens the 4x4 light will flash. If i turn it to 2H it stops flashing but the other 2 lights stay on.

Thank you all very much.
 

docraymund

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When it is intermittent, usually it is due to corroded connectors or faulty wiring. Check all connections and do voltage drop tests on all wirings. You need to know the voltage that these systems use sometimes it's only 5 volts reference signal. Go along from there. You can also download FORSCAN on your laptop and connect it via elm 327 bluetooth device. It's more specific for Ford vehicles.
 
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josh1095

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FORSCAN? Wow, man thanks for the info. Looks like i have a lot of googling to do. I'm a clinical engineer so i'm no stranger to a voltmeter/o-scope.
SO you think that abs codes could be pulled using this device/software? I mean, if that were the case, i could use the loaner from O'reilly and get a read on em. Or does FORscan pull more info than the standard auto parts loaner scanner?

I just looked up the BT obd2 device and it's extraordinarily cheap.
I'd love to have a system like i have on my 97 GSX, full real time readings of every single component i want to log or monitor. I use a obd2 to USB made specifically by the company that wrote the software so it'd be quite different than a ford expy. Apples and oranges on that one, far different things.
I hope to get a log telling me "FR R signal dropped/intermittent/out of range". Ya know, just having that info can cut down my troubleshooting, potentially, by 75%. Ruling out 3 wheels/sensors would make this far far simpler.

I'll look more into this but yea, if i can pull ABS sensor info using that software then it's well worth the $ for any hardware or software license. I imagine Ford would charge 80 to 120 just to do a read on it.
 
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josh1095

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Slight update. Ordered the ELM327 bluetooth obd2, it was a KONNWEI MINI OBD2 ELM327(copypasta). Do not order this. It will connect to my 2014 focus but cannot connect to the 04 expy.
I just read in the other thread someone made about a "riorand" brand one that is confirmed to work with the 2nd gen expy. Will order it soon.

Anyway, i thought i'd stop by and borrow the code reader at O'reillys. Sure enough, it had indeed stored the ABS codes.
There were 3 total. As follows:

C1236: left rear speed signal lost
C1963: stability control malfunction
C1277: Steering wheel angle 1 and 2 malfunction

So the first one is probably the most likely. Going to go through the wiring and see if it's just a dirty connection. The other 2 are most likely products of the first one. I would still like to have a good live view of these signals and for ~$25 and FORscan it seems i can have that. For future use if nothing else.
Will update when i finally fix this and can confirm a bluetooth obd2 tool that actually works.

**So this one is the only one in the lower range that i couldn't find a negative review on. Looks like it works with everything domestic with obd2. I think i got a good one on the way.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NLQAHS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

UPDATE: This works and can access ALL modules using Forscan. Buy it. OR, the obdlink mx or sx. Confirmed working on 2004 expy.
 
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jdecker

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Had the same codes on mine. Had to replace left rear hub and steering wheel position sensor. You will need to calibrate the wheel position sensor, which forscan can do (you might have to download the extended license). Not sure if the adapter you ordered will be able to do the MS CAN protocol though. If you have to have wireless I would recommend the Obdlink MX, but I just use an old laptop and the cheap usb version elm327 that has been modified for MSCAN - you can find them on ebay for around $20. Good luck!
 
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josh1095

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Thanks for the info. Damn.........i just did some searching and you're right, this is a crapshoot with the one i ordered. It can be modified though. Just have to take it apart.
Or, this is one that has been modified: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ELM327-USB-...ed-/281861294247?_trksid=p2141725.m3641.l6368
I'm digging around on the Forscan site now but the one you listed above was the top recommendation from forscan themselves. Fingers crossed!

I think the one i ordered specifically says J1850 PWM, that's the protocol ford uses but the 2003 and 2004 seem to be oddballs, so to speak.
In any event, i have a good starting spot and this is just another spare vehicle that won't get many miles. I'll tear into it soon and thanks for the info about the steering wheel cal.
 
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josh1095

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Ok,I found the problem today. The wiring is good. That's a plus. After verifying the abs module was seeing the sensor(unplug and cycle power to see if abs/trac light comes on) i did the obvious thing i should've done immediately upon purchasing the truck: Check for play in the rear bearing.
Well it's not good. Far too much slop. At least i solved the issue. Installing both rear hub assemblies with abs sensors next weekend. Should be fun lol.
The steering column disc i'm going to wait on. I'm not sure how old that error is. Could be very old. With Forscan running i'll be able to clear the error codes in abs and see if i get any issues out of it after the rear hubs are replaced.

Anyone know the size of the rear axle nut? Not listed in my Haynes manual. Google searches yield nothing except one guy saying "35 or 36, not sure". Gotta be a deep well too.

*** 2004 Ford Expedition rear axle nut size is 35mm. Do not use a 36.
 
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josh1095

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I can confirm 100% that the BAFX 34t5 obd2 module works. It connects with forscan and you can get into all modules.
Now here's something to remember: DO NOT clear ABS codes. It basically blanks the module so your traction light flashes. In order to recalibrate it you needed a license key. In order to get a license key you have to first get approved on the forscan forums, then email the admins and hope they give you a temporary key.
If not, Ford will do it for 90 bucks.
I have found others who unfortunately made the same mistake.
 
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josh1095

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I'm on it. http://search.ebscohost.com/Communi...632553C67389375C376C370C375C371C370C376C33013

This is an amazing site. Thanks to the OP who posted it some years ago.

Haynes is trash but this link is excellent in detail.
For all those wondering? And SO many people guessing. The 2004 expy is a 35mm axle nut. You want to use a 36? Go ahead..........but i seriously wouldn't. As most people say they used a 36 i'd like to see how rounded the edges of those axle nuts are after a removal and a torque down. It's honestly dumb.

Forscan is a wonderful tool when used with a GOOD elm327 device. Fortunately i found one. That's another gray area. There should be a sticky. Yes, the obdlink mx works as well, so does the sx but the bafx is wireless and costs 21 bucks.

I will wait for the license and should get it within a few days. I drove it with the flashing traction light, no issues, just annoying. When i get the license i can do the abs module calibration to stop the flashing light.

I really wish i could just edit my original post and condense this to usable, easy to find, confirmed data. Hopefully google will pull this up for someone searching for the proper obd scanner

Thank you for the links bedrck, i do appreciate that very much and will check them out when finished or if i need supplemental info that my link does not provide.
 
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