ABS dash light

[PaulZ]

Been on ever since I got it. No problem driving I read that I should unplug the sensor to see if that does anything. Where do I find it? 1999 Ranger.

 

[RonD]

1999 Ranger uses the rear axle ABS sensor for speedometer, so if speedo works then that ABS sensor is OK

Do you have RABS or 4WABS?

4 wheel ABS(4WABS) will have this in the engine bay: https://www.ranger-forums.com/attachments/suspension-tech-36/19348d1298826495-4-wheel-abs-2-wheel-abs-imag0044.jpg

Can't miss it, on drivers side next to the Master Brake cylinder

If you don't see it then you have RABS(rear ABS)
RABS module is in the cab on a bracket mounted to firewall above gas pedal

Google: F59F-2C018-AA
That's the part number for it so you can see what it looks like

4WABS module is the one in the engine bay, with the 5 brake lines

Either module grounds the ABS bulb in the dash to turn it on
Modules ground the bulb when there is a problem in the system
So yes, unplugging either module will remove that ground so bulb will stay off

Fixing the ABS system is a better option, in my opinion

 

[PaulZ]

Thanks Ron. If you ever write a book, I'm in.

I do have that under my hood, so 4w abs. What's next?

 

[franklin2]

If you have a way to scan the codes, the ABS computer should give a code that gives a hint to what is wrong. If you do not have a way to scan the codes, possibly a local parts store will do it for free, some do.

 

[RonD]

Unplug it's 24 pin connector

Diagram will be the same for 1998-2000

Or you can cut/unpin the dark green wire(pin16), its the ground for the ABS bulb on the dash

+1 on getting the codes
ABS codes are "C" codes, chassis codes
There are 4 types of OBD2 codes
"P" codes which are the most common, Power train, engine/trans codes
"B" Codes which are Body electrical codes
"C" codes which are chassis and ABS codes for the most part
"U" codes which are Data communication codes

Example of C codes seen here: https://www.troublecodes.net/ccodes/

scroll down to C1000 to see the common ABS codes

 

[PaulZ]

I pugged my scanner (Auto Link AL313) in but don't see C codes or abs anywhere..

 

[RonD]

Some will some won't you will need to look that up on the Makers website

But if ABS light is on there WILL BE "C" codes, for sure

AL319 says this: "Retrieves generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0), manufacturer specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes"

No mention of B or C codes, so can't see them


The AL619 says "AL619 scan tool can perform ABS/SRS diagnostic to get ABS/SRS codes to quickly locate the problem areas"
So this model should read P, B, C and U codes

 

[PaulZ]

I don't see it in their literature either. Thursday I start auto repair at the local college, they should have something. Been staring at it this long..

Thanks again guys,

 

[PaulZ]

Ok got it on a reader, says rear sensor. Minor $$, but a bit hard to change on the ground.

 

[RonD]

What's the exact code number?

 

[PaulZ]

C1230

 

[RonD]

Yes, C1230 is a fault in rear axle ABS sensor

2 wire plug in, 1 bolt holds it in

But in a 1999 your speedometer should also be effected if this sensor was bad
Does speedometer work?

 

[PaulZ]

Yes it does. Hmm

 

[RonD]

The GEM module is spliced into the 2 wires from the rear ABS sensor, and GEM module uses that 25,000ppm speed pulse, and converts it to the 8,000ppm pulse that Ford uses for speedometers, computers and cruise control
So without that pulse speedometer would be incorrect or not working at all
In a 1999 Ranger there would also be a code, P0500 and CEL(check engine light) would come on

So ABS light is an issue with the ABS module, its rear axle sensor circuit
Could just be dirty connection, unplug module's connector and plug it back in, that cleans the contacts at the module
See of the code comes back

This rear axle ABS sensor generates its own AC voltage when rear axles are spinning, so doesn't require voltage from the ABS module or GEM module
Called a Variable Reluctance(VR) sensor
Most ABS sensors are VR type as are most RPM sensors, in engines and transmissions
You can try changing it, it is possible an incorrect signal effects ABS module but not GEM

 

[PaulZ]

Tried resetting the connector, no help. Looks like the wiring goes up the drivers side. I have taken the 4wd motor off the transfer case before, there is one wire that goes to the tail shaft someplace. Don’t know what it does, but it and everything else there is hooked up. 4wd works, takes a bit to go into 4WL but it works.

I could try a new sensor even though the Speedo works fine..definitely a 1999. The connections was clean as a whistle.

thanks Ron