The abs and brake lights come on intermittently; the owner book states this is a brake distriburtion issue. Any known repairs for this?

 

My wife's 2003 Windstar has the same problem. Have you had any luck with yours yet? I check my brakes on all 4 wheels including the wheel sensors and hoses and they are good. All that is left is the controller and that in it self is big bucks to replace. As for now we just ignore the lights. Please let me know if you have any new information and I will do the same if I can solve this as well. My wife is already talkingnew cars. This van is almost paid off 9 more payments.

 

Several years ago, through one of the junkyard request sites I was able to obtain an ABS control module and the hydrolic pump systemfor under $150.

 

New member with a 2001 Windstar.

I have read several owners sites and every possible solution to the abs/brake lights coming on or blinking.

I recently had the same issue. Sensors looked fine, pads and rotors were needing replaced and rear drums and shoes were also ready. I replaced them all but the abs and brake light still kept coming on.

I pulled the front calipers(dual piston) and discovered that at least one piston was frozen on each side.

I replaced the calipers and now the abs and brake lights do not flicker. My only conclusion is that since the sensors measure pressure, the lack of full pressure on the front calipers(due to the sticking pistons) lowered the amount of pressure and was sending a signal thru the ECU.

You might want to check the pistons(take them off the mounting but do not disconnect the brake line) Push the brake pedal gently and slowly while someone watches the pistons push outward. Don't push too fast or hard as you may unseat the piston. Both pistons should push outward at the same distance at the same time.

Some people disconnect the abs at the master cylinder, but it leave you without any abs.
Some people also think the problem is the pressure sensor. To test it, push the brakes down once to the floor when the van is cold. Push a second time after you release the brake and if it does not go down to the floor, the air pressuresensor is OK.

Hope this helps.

W

 

For some reason that happens to my windstar too (2001 LX 139,000 MILES)...u might be driving and it randomly turns on...i read somewhere that you have to replace the whole abs module but i am gonna wait and see what responses come up...

 

Hello All,

I just bought a used 2001 windstar and 1 day later discovered the brake/abs lights coming on. Have any of you further diagnosed this issue? I plan to check the calipers this weekend if i can find the time. everything else looks good and i don't have the money to put towards the module. I also have the door ajar light! my dash board looks like a Christmas tree when i am driving down the road! thanks for any help you can give me.