2003 Ford Explorer ABS Light

Tiny
ADMAN98
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,700 MILES
My ABS light comes on about 1-3 mintues after I start my vehicle. Now I know more than average about vehicles and repairs. What would be the best way to find out what the problem is and how to fix it? This is our family car and I would hate to bring it in to a shop and have them look at it for days. But I will if I have to. The light has been on for a few weeks, is it safe? And for how long?
Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 9:52 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
The light comes on if the brake fluid is low or there is a sensor problem. If the light is on, take it to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan the computer for codes. Most will do it for free. That should identify where the problem is coming from.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, February 13th, 2009 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
ADMAN98
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Now the ABS light went off for about the first 20-30 mintues of a 45 mintue drive on 2-16-09. Also my cruise control does not work. Plus about a month ago, my door ajar light would come on and stay on for the first 5-10 mintues of a drive and then go off. So I believe this is an electrical problem, but where would I start to look at? I am going to bring the vehicle in this weekend, but just curious as to your thoughts on this added info.

Adam
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:
I think I would start checking grounds. If you find all body grounds are ok, then I would consider having the Body Control Module (BCM) checked.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
ADMAN98
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I checked the vehicle codes with the code reader that autozone uses, but it read no codes. I haven't checked all the grounds yet, but now my a/c or heat only works in the max position. This is a '03 explorer and it has rear air/heat, which works fine in all positions. But in the front vents, nothing will come out unless it is in the number "4" or max position. Any thoughts, or is it still the grounds?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, March 23rd, 2009 AT 8:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
As far as the fan problem, it could be related to the BCM too. However, since it only works on high, I would check the blower motor resister.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, March 23rd, 2009 AT 10:35 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related ABS Light Content

How to Get ABS Codes Video
VIDEO
How to Get ABS Codes Video
Instructional repair video
VIEW MORE