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View Full Version : ABS (Amber) and Brakes (Red)


donf
Jun 1, 2008, 03:39 PM
I need a lot of guidance.

I have a 2003 Ford Windstar van that is suffering from either defective sending units or a blown circuit board.

On my panel display, The Amber "ABS" led is on intermittently, the Red Brakes indicator is constantly lit. However, I believe this to be a problem with either the sending units or the control card.

There are multiple indicators that come on from time to time for example, tire pressure, window washer bottle empty.

Where can I get a schematic of the control card and the sending units so I can test the circuits.

Also,any logic flowcharts would be handy.

ddollinger
Jun 3, 2008, 10:16 AM
From the information provided I would have "normally" diagnosed a defective brake master cylinder but the other lights coming on intermittingly throws a wrench into the works. There may be an issue with the ECU. I'm afraid that only a certified mechanic with the proper test equipment hooked up will be able to adequately diagnose this one.

donf
Jun 5, 2008, 06:07 AM
A new piece of the puzzle. Cruise Control is a solid failure. The light flashes on and drops off when you attempt to use cruise control.

ddollinger
Jun 6, 2008, 02:31 PM
The ABS system is a separate system all on its own. If there is a malfunction in that system it could affect your cruise control because they are related (i.e. tap the brakes and the cruise turns off). I would have the ABS system checked over by a certified mechanic, that is one system I would not trust having issues with. Sorry that I can't help you troubleshoot that one out but In my opinion I think that one would be better served if it was taken to a Ford Garage where they have the appropriate test equipment to get to the bottom of the problem. Although they will charge you to test it, a lot of times they will tell you what the problem is and you can just not give them authorization to fix it and do the work yourself although there are times when one issue is also masking another issue that is not uncovered until the first issue is fixed, if that makes any sense to you. It could be anything from 1 to 4 bad wheel sensors, a bad master cylinder, a bad apportioning valve, a bad ABS control unit or a combination of some or all of the above problems or none of the above but without the proper test equipment it is can be a very expensive exercise in futility throwing parts at it until the problem is fixed.

Good luck mate...