Hi, I've seen a couple threads related to this but didn't quite get the answer I wanted. I have a 1999 Ranger XLT 3.0 4x4 manual. My front ABS would sporadically engage, which was quite dangerous and almost led to an accident. I would suddenly lose braking power when the wheels were nowhere close to locking up (think coming to a stop light on a dry, paved road at 10 mph). My mechanic recommended unplugging the sensor until I decided how much money I wanted to spend fixing it. He unplugged what he said was the front ABS sensor, and he said the rear ABS would still be functional. However, whatever he unplugged also disengaged my speedometer and odometer. I'm not so worried about the speedometer because I have a GPS speedometer I can use, but I'd rather have a functional odometer for obvious reasons. Is there a way I can disengage the front ABS without losing speedo and/or odo? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum

A 1999 Ranger with 4 wheel ABS was different than 1999 2 wheel ABS Rangers, 4WABS was an option

The 4WABS module also provided the Speed signal for speedo/odo, cruise and for the computer, you have a manual so computer speed signal is not a big issue although you should get a P0500 code, no speed signal

2WABS got speed signal from rear ABS sensor but via GEM module not thru ABS module

So first things first, when you first had the problem did the ABS light come on while it was malfunctioning?

And did unplugging the sensor fix the problem?
And is ABS light on now?

There are 2 front ABS sensors, one on the left hub and one on the right hub
And one on the rear diferential

s

 

Thanks! Mine is the 4WABS option. I'm guessing the check engine light is a P0500 code - I'll have it checked.

When I first had the problem ABS light did not come on while malfunctioning. Unplugging the sensors fixed the problem. ABS and check engine lights came on (both solid, not flashing) after the front sensors were unplugged.

I've heard people say that, while malfunctioning, the vehicle will pull one way or another, depending on which sensor is bad. However, I did not notice my vehicle pulling one way or the other. It seemed that when ABS engaged, it did so on both sides. Would this indicate that both sensors or bad? Or could it indicate that the problem is with wiring and not the sensor proper?

Cullin

 

It maybe the 4WABS module not a sensor at all, if ABS light didn't come on when it first malfunctioned
The ABS module monitors sensors so if one starts to act up it will turn on the ABS light instantly
The ABS would compare speed on each front wheel if one wheels speed dropped quickly(lock up) it would reduce brake pressure to that wheel, which is what it reads like did happen
And it didn't pull to one side so it reduced brake pressure on both sides which is good

There is a test port for the 4WABS module but you need a Ford ABS scanner to use it if I remember correctly
Give a local Ford service department a call and see what they charge to look at the ABS codes and test module "sanity"

 

Thanks, I'll give them a call.

Should they be reading the codes with the ABS sensors connected or disconnected? If I reconnect the sensors, the ABS and check engine lights will presumably go out (at least, after I reset by disconnecting the battery). I can check to see whether this is the case later today. If it is the case, will their computer still be useful without any codes than illuminate dash lights?

 

There should be a code set from disconnecting the sensor, so that would be there, you can reconnect the sensor and see if ABS light goes out and speedo starts working again
Up to you to drive it that way but if you know what to expect it may not be so bad

The disconnected sensor code would still be there but ABS light would be off, but let someone know you did disconnect a sensor so that code can be discounted in diagnoses

 

Did you ever find the issue?, I have a 99, mine did this before and after replacing front hub, and sensors it still does it ?...Thanks