2003 ford windstar abs c1185 trouble code

frenchbull · Posted at Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:47 pm

I had the front pads replaced and rotors resurfaced and rear brakes serviced. And at the same time the ABS and red brake warning light came on. The mechanic was dumbfounded said he didn't do anything to make that problem occurr. He changed the pads and the problem seemed corrected. Approx. 200 miles later. the brakes were applied hard ,and soon after, the lights came back on intermittently. Seems like the lights come on quickly when the car is hot and been driven a while. If the car is cold or has sat overnight, the lights don't come on. Took it to the dealer, they ran a diagnostic ($100) said it needed a new ECU ($700). Don't mind paying if that's what it really needs, but it just seems like the problem occurred when the pads were replaced and maybe the original mechanic bent or tore something. The dealer is adamant that the C1185 code would not be affected by anything the original mechanic did (replacing the front brakes, resurfacing the rotors and rear brake service). I feel backed into a corner. Your thoughts.

justanold · Posted at Tue Jul 24, 2007 4:42 am

HELLO! Need some clarification and info. you state several times that the "lights" come on. would that be the RED brake light and the orange ABS light? miles? what is a rear brake service? did they just check the rear brakes? you said the mechanic replaced the pads twice. is this correct? good answers to all will receive the same in return. i think you've been had. Cool

frenchbull · Posted at Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:14 pm

justanold · Posted at Wed Jul 25, 2007 4:44 pm

HELLO! One quick verification test. with the light out..slowly accellerate to 25 MPH. light didn't come on. now repeat from a stop..accellerate hard to 25 MPH or more. light came on. get back with results. i'll be here for a few hours. Cool

dhtuttle · Posted at Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:14 pm

justanold · Posted at Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:39 pm

HELLO! I haven't heard back yet. tell me what your symptoms and codes are. have you tried the verification test yet? what have you been told? when did it start? do both lights come on? let me know. Cool

dhtuttle · Posted at Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:23 am

frenchbull · Posted at Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:00 pm

frenchbull · Posted at Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:05 pm

Sorry I didn't reply right away. (work issues) I drove the van as you suggested (slowly accelerating to 25 mph and hard acceleration to 25 mph or more). The lights did not come on. However my wife drove the van in the rain and went through a few water puddles and the lights came on. So the acceleration test did not cause the lights to come on but going through water puddles did. So now, the lights come on: 1. if the car has been driven a long time. Restarted and driven again without a chance to cooldown. 2. Driven through some water puddles. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

j4racin · Posted at Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:32 am

Hi, my name is Jeff from Charlotte, NC (Nascar capital) and I'm a first time user. I just happened to cross this thread and joined so that I could give you my .02 cents. I have a 2003 Windstar SE Sport with the same exact problem. I have been trying to figure this out for quite a while now. I have not been able to figure out if its heat or speed that triggers the lights to illuminate. It's always both yellow (ABS) and red (e-brake) lights. The problem is sort of intermitent. I have changed the front pads and inspected all the sensors visually and wiped the sensors clean with a mild detergent. A co-worker and I went to the dealership together and bought the same vans (mine green, his silver). He has not had this problem. I have already replaced the alternator and his is fine. Mine has less mileage and stays in the garage. His stays outside and is neglected, yet, he has had no service repairs since the purchase. I believe the vehicles were assembled in Canada. The bottom line is we all share the same problem. I am sure there are many many more out there too. We need to figure out what is causing these lights to illuminate. Lets all stick with this thread until we resolve this issue. My brakes are good, new pads and brake lines bled. The master cylinder fluid level is full. There are no leaks anywhere. Ah, just thought of something. Does anyones brake pedal make a creeking (scrunching) noise when depressed. Mine does and it has nothing to do with the pedel forward adjustment. Does anybody elses brake pedal make scrunchy noises when pumped? Maybe it's a clue. Lets keep thinking and updating. It's 4:30am and I need some sleep. I shall check back later on. Good night.

Jeff