Starting issues/ABS light/fuel gauge

ROSEBAZZAN

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
176,000 MILES

My SUV has been weak upon starting and as it turns over the ABS light comes on and stays on until I shut it off again and then I need a jump. Windows will not roll down, doors will not open, clicks at key turn. Today when I got a jump the ABS light was off but my gas light came on and the gauge showed empty. I just put gas in it. No visible leaks or smells. After driving the gauge returned to normal. There is a faint rubbing sound when turning either direction. Acceleration is hesitant. ABS code reader said U2023 I think or similar. My battery is only a few years old. What does the ABS mean and why does it affect starting my car? It runs so well otherwise. I have had it five years. No tune up or major work done on it. Just oil changes, brake pads and new tires. The reverse went out months ago. Everything else appears fine. I have no money and do not know where to begin to look to fix this. The bearings are sealed. The shocks squeak a little over bumps. What would bearings have to do with starting my car? Please help me. I need my car to travel 600 miles to see my new grand baby. But I am afraid to drive it. New timing chain installed. Needs a fuel filter I am sure. Please help me. You will be my hero. God bless. Rose

Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:05 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If the brakes are still working properly, it should be safe to drive. The code indicates an fault within the ABS module. The brakes should continue to be fine, however, the ABS will not function if needed (skidding, bad weather conditions).

For the weak start, I am going to ask you to check three things. First, either you have a bad battery, a weak connection at the battery, or the alternator is not charging. I am going to list them in the order to be checked.

First, a weak battery connection:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Next, if the terminals are clean and tight and you have eliminated that, check the battery. The battery should be charged prior to doing this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

If the battery is good, you need to check the alternator.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

You will need to use a volt meter/multi meter to check the battery and alternator. Here is a link that shows how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

___________________________________

Do these tests and let me know what you find. As far as the delayed start and ABS light, I do not feel they are related. However, the gauges and electrical concerns can be the result of a weak battery. That includes the ABS light being on.

Try that and let me know if you have other questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 7:47 PM