Clearing an ABS light.

[Erich Zeppelin]

My ABS light came on, found out I was low on fluid, topped it off, light still on, disconnected the battery, still on. Do I need a to have a shop clear it?

 

[stamp11127]

Go to an autoparts store and see if they will read the codes then ask them to clear it. Some parts stores offer it as a free service.

FYI - the hydraulic system is mostly a closed system. Shouldn't be "losing" brake fluid. See if you have a leak at the calipers, hoses/lines and master cylinder. As brake pads wear, the pistons in the calipers will protrude more lowering the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.

 

[FordandPolaris]

It's possible the fluid level has nothing to do with the ABS light. When the light is on, the system automatically has disabled itself for one reason or another. Usually the red brake light signals very low fluid. I would have the ABS codes pulled

 

[jlo82585]

ABS light is totally separate from your fluid level. you have a problem with your ABS. likely a bad wheel sensor but the above post is correct. you need to read your ABS codes. In my experience a bad ABS module feels like your brakes are not working until your ABS light turns on ( showing the ABS system has turned off ) then your brakes feel like a vehicle without ABS..

 

[Erich Zeppelin]

I know that the ABS light was off, came on, added brake fluid ( leak at left front caliper ) my question is, how do I reset the ABS light? Can I do it myself or do I need to take it to a shop?

 

[Bedrck47]

you need to have the codes read with a code reader that also reads ABS codes
Some code readers are able to read ABS codes and some don't
and then have it reset

You should be able to do it yourself

 

[srs7324]

ABS Light

My ABS light has come on 2 times in the 10 years.
Both times I had a bad ABS sensor causing the issue.
It can be located on the very top middle of the rear axle housing.
There is 1 bolt holding it in place, remove the bolt , it will take a little effort, but pull upwards on the sensor and it will pop out.
Unhook the sensor cable reinstall the new ABS sensor in reverse order.

Depending on your lift you may need to jack the rear of the truck up a bit it or you may not.

 

[Bedrck47]

don't forget to mention that there are also two other sensors in addition to the one in the rear Just telling someone to change the one in the rear can be misleading

Best bet is to have the codes read and then change the one that is needed

 

[Erich Zeppelin]

O'kay guy's, went to Big O and had her scanned, bad VSS. Replaced and all is good in the Universe.

 

[Bedrck47]

thanks for the update Glad you got it fixed

Sometimes the rear sensor will show a fault and if you pull the sensor and clean it and then reinstall, the fault will clear itself.

 

[Erich Zeppelin]

Lol! Yeah, I tried the cleaning it trick, didn't work. The part was $18.99 at NAPA.

 

[srs7324]

Gee it was the rear VSS / ABS sensor.
Good thing it was not the other 2 sensors that do not exist on 99 Expeditions.
The very next time my brake pads make a squealing noise they may only need to be cleaned rather than replaced or should I check what the scan tool has to say?

 

[Bedrck47]

srs7324 What are the two sensors you refer to that you say don't exist on 99 Expeditions

 

[Bedrck47]

Gee it was the rear VSS / ABS sensor.
Good thing it was not the other 2 sensors that do not exist on 99 Expeditions.
The very next time my brake pads make a squealing noise they may only need to be cleaned rather than replaced or should I check what the scan tool has to say?

Do I detect a little bit of sarcasm in your above remark??