ABS anti lock braking system...

[jbm]

Got a 2006 Ford focus the ABS light on the dashboard is always on. Any ideas to check this? by DIY... No time to go to the shop.

[stack_it]

I sell cars for a living and I say don't buy a focus. Since you did, get it checked out. First thing to go is abs and the motor mounts.

[jbm]

motor mounts you mean the brake pads?

sorry kinda ignorant here... first time to have a ford

[WARMachine]

Digital Voltmeter. Youll get a code reading. You can also reset the reading to turn it off.

[WARMachine]

motor mounts you mean the brake pads?

sorry kinda ignorant here... first time to have a ford

Motor mounts as in what the motor is mounted to.

And never buy a FORD.

Found On Road Dead

[jbm]

Motor mounts as in what the motor is mounted to.

And never buy a FORD.

Found On Road Dead

just wanna try ford... coz i tried all the Japanese cars, and got a mercedes as my personal car.

[WARMachine]

I like Benz personally. Or Chevy.

[CBGB]

First things First. You already have the car, so telling you not to buy a Focus/ Ford is not going to help. ( ABS and motor mounts are the first to go.....are you fvcking high?)


No JBM you cant retrieve ABS codes yourself. You need to find a scanner. Your ABS module is set up in a multiplexed network. And if you dont know the difference between a motor mount and brake pads, I would recommend you leave it alone. imho

About the only thing you should check is the brake fluid. If it is low enough it will turn on the ABS light and the red brake light.

BTW, there is nothing wrong with the Focus. They can be damn good cars, expecially for an entry level vehicle.

[DSM4Life]

Bang the hood of your truck with a hammer. Get back to me and let me know if it works.

[RuhlFreak55]

wow...moronic ford haters....we have 3 fords with over 250k miles

ABS isn't something i **** with myself....you usually need a scanner and at least with the broncos the sensors are inside the hub assembly so troubleshooting it means taking the hub apart.

[zimmy]

Yah ...i'll never understand ford haters...i'm a chevy guy but I have never had any problems with fords...Owned a 84 bronco and that thing was a tank and never had any real problems...also had a 2001 Ford f150 lariott. I drive hard too so it's not like i babied them.

Back to topic on hand...you can go to autozone and they'll read it for you(with computer).

[CBGB]

JBM, if you can get to a local auto parts store and have your codes retrieved send them to me. I will do my best to point you in the right direction.


On a second note. You guys can bash on Ford all you want. Keep in mind that they are the only freestanding vehicle manufacturer in the States. They must be doing something right.

[lovbyts]

JBM he is talking about a totally different problem with the motor mounts but yes get them check also, it's the rubber donuts what fail in them.

As for the ABS light, check the fuse first.

Agreed with finding an auto part store to check the codes but after you check the fuse. It may also just be you are low on brake fluid or the pads are worn.

Ill come check it out for you in Jan. Manila Dec 24th - Jan 15th, bought my ticket yesterday.

[stack_it]

I didn't mean to throw abs in the sentence to say it's the first to go.... That being said, motor mounts are known for goin bad on those cars. Not in a way that most do tho. Rather than causing the motor to move around and all when it goes bad, it causes the whole car to vibrate. I've sold tons of these cars and a high percentage had this problem...


Jbm....
The focus can be a good car. I was just making you aware of a common problem to look for.

First things First. You already have the car, so telling you not to buy a Focus/ Ford is not going to help. ( ABS and motor mounts are the first to go.....are you fvcking high?)


No JBM you cant retrieve ABS codes yourself. You need to find a scanner. Your ABS module is set up in a multiplexed network. And if you dont know the difference between a motor mount and brake pads, I would recommend you leave it alone. imho

About the only thing you should check is the brake fluid. If it is low enough it will turn on the ABS light and the red brake light.

BTW, there is nothing wrong with the Focus. They can be damn good cars, expecially for an entry level vehicle.

[stack_it]

Most parts stores only read engine codes. Your prolly gonna have to go to a shop or dealer. Hopefully it's a simple fix. Abs repairs can be costly.

[CBGB]

I didn't mean to throw abs in the sentence to say it's the first to go.... That being said, motor mounts are known for goin bad on those cars. Not in a way that most do tho. Rather than causing the motor to move around and all when it goes bad, it causes the whole car to vibrate. I've sold tons of these cars and a high percentage had this problem...


Jbm....
The focus can be a good car. I was just making you aware of a common problem to look for.

I'm aware of the roll restrictor problems. Most times that can be fixed by removing the rocks and dirt that build up behind them. Either way, the reason I put it that way was it sounded to me like you were talking bad about his car. He already owns it. He needed advise on repairing it.

[stack_it]

I'm aware of the roll restrictor problems. Most times that can be fixed by removing the rocks and dirt that build up behind them. Either way, the reason I put it that way was it sounded to me like you were talking bad about his car. He already owns it. He needed advise on repairing it.

I can see how it was read that way. I typed it in a hurry and actually forgot that I posted in this thread. The cars can be really good cars.

[TITANIUM]

I guess going to a trade school paid off at some point...

Anyways, fords are notorious for certain types of electrical problems.

Starting in 1994, I believe, every car manufacturer went to the OBD2 scanning systems for the ECM systems.

For about $150, you can buy a scanner, and diagnose it your self.

The ABS system in fords, aren't that bad.(I've seen worse ones).

There are different ways that the ecu reads the different braking systems in the car.

Usually, the electric sensors get fried from the heat, and need to be replaced.

BUT, ya, there is always that "BUT" in there, it could be the computer itself that runs the abs system.

My advice, spend the $150 bucks on a scanner from Summit or Jegs, or whoever, and scan it yourself.

It will tell you what it is, and take it from there.

Don't just clear the code out, because your buddy says it's a bum code.

Get the car checked out by a mechanic you trust.

Try to stay away from the dealerships.

They are for warranties and last resorts.

Best

T

[CBGB]

I can see how it was read that way. I typed it in a hurry and actually forgot that I posted in this thread. The cars can be really good cars.

Looks like he forgot about it too...lol

[CBGB]

I guess going to a trade school paid off at some point...

Anyways, fords are notorious for certain types of electrical problems.

Starting in 1994, I believe, every car manufacturer went to the OBD2 scanning systems for the ECM systems.

For about $150, you can buy a scanner, and diagnose it your self.

The ABS system in fords, aren't that bad.(I've seen worse ones).

There are different ways that the ecu reads the different braking systems in the car.

Usually, the electric sensors get fried from the heat, and need to be replaced.

BUT, ya, there is always that "BUT" in there, it could be the computer itself that runs the abs system.

My advice, spend the $150 bucks on a scanner from Summit or Jegs, or whoever, and scan it yourself.

It will tell you what it is, and take it from there.

Don't just clear the code out, because your buddy says it's a bum code.

Get the car checked out by a mechanic you trust.

Try to stay away from the dealerships.

They are for warranties and last resorts.

Best

T

I dont know where to start. I like/ respect you. Maybe I should leave this alone.

[jbm]

Thanks for the reply guys... about motor mounts sorry for the ignorance coz in our country we call it engine support... lolol!
Gonna take your advices.

Just wanna try Ford this time.
Just sold my Honda accord why not try Ford... hehe!
anyways still got my Merc and I love it!

[jbm]

JBM he is talking about a totally different problem with the motor mounts but yes get them check also, it's the rubber donuts what fail in them.

As for the ABS light, check the fuse first.

Agreed with finding an auto part store to check the codes but after you check the fuse. It may also just be you are low on brake fluid or the pads are worn.

Ill come check it out for you in Jan. Manila Dec 24th - Jan 15th, bought my ticket yesterday.

Hope we could hook up bro! If schedule permits....

[CBGB]

I can't leave this alone

I guess going to a trade school paid off at some point...

Anyways, fords are notorious for certain types of electrical problems.
NoI believe thats Jaguar you're thinking of
Starting in 1994, I believe, every car manufacturer went to the OBD2 scanning systems for the ECM systems.
1995
For about $150, you can buy a scanner, and diagnose it your self.
Scanners give system info. Not the component or cause. Replacing parts by codes alone gets expensive real fast
The ABS system in fords, aren't that bad.(I've seen worse ones).
Same basic design as 99% of the vehicles on the road. Hall effect sensors and electronically controlled hydraulics
There are different ways that the ecu reads the different braking systems in the car.

Usually, the electric sensors get fried from the heat, and need to be replaced.
Maybe....but more often than not vibration distorts the internal windings
BUT, ya, there is always that "BUT" in there, it could be the computer itself that runs the abs system.

My advice, spend the $150 bucks on a scanner from Summit or Jegs, or whoever, and scan it yourself.

It will tell you what it is, and take it from there.
No
Don't just clear the code out, because your buddy says it's a bum code.

Get the car checked out by a mechanic you trust.
Certainly
Try to stay away from the dealerships.

They are for warranties and last resorts.
I'm offended. NOBODY knows your car better.
Best

T

[Altoidmike]

Got a 2006 Ford focus the ABS light on the dashboard is always on. Any ideas to check this? by DIY... No time to go to the shop.

Run to auto zone, get a code reader they don't charge anything I don't believe. The hook up should be by the top of the brake pedal close to the steering column. It will tell you whats wrong, most likely it will be a ABS sensor which is a easy change just like changing your brakes.

[stack_it]

do not buy a code reader... Unless you spend a very large amount of money on a good one it will do you no good. Use that money to take it to a shop. The $100 scanners everyones talking about reads engine codes only. It will not read anything unless your check engine light is on.

[Altoidmike]

do not buy a code reader... Unless you spend a very large amount of money on a good one it will do you no good. Use that money to take it to a shop. The $100 scanners everyones talking about reads engine codes only. It will not read anything unless your check engine light is on.

They read anything that the ECU is sending out as an error, so they will read a ABS light. At least they do on my car, which is how I fixed my ABS problem.

[stack_it]

I have to agree a little with T on the dealer being for warranties. There overpriced and try to take advantage of people without car knowledge.

I just had my car key stolen and my spare ended up not being programmed. I paid $400 to Lexus for 2 keys and that is nowhere near what it would have cost me if one of the previous owners would have done the same. Since it was the first time Lexus covered the $1250 ecu and the labor to install it. That means I would have paid $2000 to replace a stolen key.

[stack_it]

They read anything that the ECU is sending out as an error, so they will read a ABS light. At least they do on my car, which is how I fixed my ABS problem.

Is your scanner one of the cheap ones? All the cheap ones I've seen only read engine lights. The workers at autozone won't even scan your car if the engine lights not on.

Our shop just bought a $2700 snap on scanner. This thing is awesome and tells you everything. Makes the mechanics job a lot easier.

[RuhlFreak55]

do not buy a code reader... Unless you spend a very large amount of money on a good one it will do you no good. Use that money to take it to a shop. The $100 scanners everyones talking about reads engine codes only. It will not read anything unless your check engine light is on.

are you retarded? what...you think the car has more than one computer to run things???? unless it's a custom job it's all in one unit....if the scanner reads the output from that ECU....then it reads the output....which includes anything that would make a dashboard light light up

[RuhlFreak55]

I can't leave this alone

ummm dealers are pretty much retarded.....two instances i can recall....our Excursion sat over there for like 2 months because...get this....they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it....ended up just needing batteries essentially.
and 2.....the morons shattered the back window of my bronco ****ing around trying to fix my tailgate.....

[RuhlFreak55]

I have to agree a little with T on the dealer being for warranties. There overpriced and try to take advantage of people without car knowledge.

I just had my car key stolen and my spare ended up not being programmed. I paid $400 to Lexus for 2 keys and that is nowhere near what it would have cost me if one of the previous owners would have done the same. Since it was the first time Lexus covered the $1250 ecu and the labor to install it. That means I would have paid $2000 to replace a stolen key.

that's why you don't buy a glorified toyota.

[CBGB]

ummm dealers are pretty much retarded.....two instances i can recall....our Excursion sat over there for like 2 months because...get this....they couldn't figure out what was wrong with it....ended up just needing batteries essentially.
and 2.....the morons shattered the back window of my bronco ****ing around trying to fix my tailgate.....

I dont know how Lexus runs things. Two grand for a key....We charge $76 to cut and program a new key. If you already have two and we dont have to access your passive anti theft system its $25.

I have been employed by Ford for 12 years now and I will tell you without a doubt. We know our shit. There is nobody and I mean nobody that knows your car better. I take a lot of pride in what I do. You may have had a run in with a bad dealer, but in no way reflects us as a whole. I'm a Senior Master Tech. I'm not talking about ASE's here. I'm talking 8 years of school to get where I am. Go to Joe Blows garage and see who they employ. And our labor rate is within $5 of anybody else in town.

BTW the Focus we're talking about has no less than 5 different control modules. As a base model.

[jbm]

JBM, if you can get to a local auto parts store and have your codes retrieved send them to me. I will do my best to point you in the right direction.


On a second note. You guys can bash on Ford all you want. Keep in mind that they are the only freestanding vehicle manufacturer in the States. They must be doing something right.

ok! thanks... CBGB

[stack_it]

I can cut and program a ford key for the $12 the blanks cost us and I can do a Lexus key for just slightly more. Thing is my master key was stolen and in order to program a new you have to have the master. The computer cannot be reprogrammed on my model. Therefore I had to buy 2 keys ($123 each) and pay 1 hours labor ($130) in order for Lexus to agree to replace the ecu for free. I am not bashing ford or there technicians. I'm just saying that for some repairs it's not logical or cost effective to go to a dealer. I don't have any problems with ford at all. If I was to buy an American car I would probably go with an f series. They seem to be the best built trucks. My dream truck is actually a diesel excursion lifted on 35's....


Ruhlfreak: I have atleast 3 cheap scanners laying around here at work and all they will read is engine light codes. Excuse me for not personally trying every scanner on the market. My opinions were based off personal experiences.

I dont know how Lexus runs things. Two grand for a key....We charge $76 to cut and program a new key. If you already have two and we dont have to access your passive anti theft system its $25.

I have been employed by Ford for 12 years now and I will tell you without a doubt. We know our shit. There is nobody and I mean nobody that knows your car better. I take a lot of pride in what I do. You may have had a run in with a bad dealer, but in no way reflects us as a whole. I'm a Senior Master Tech. I'm not talking about ASE's here. I'm talking 8 years of school to get where I am. Go to Joe Blows garage and see who they employ. And our labor rate is within $5 of anybody else in town.

BTW the Focus we're talking about has no less than 5 different control modules. As a base model.

[Altoidmike]

On a second note. You guys can bash on Ford all you want. Keep in mind that they are the only freestanding vehicle manufacturer in the States. They must be doing something right.

Mostly because ford owns Volvo and Mazda which are imports, not only that Volvo are amazing cars very safe (x90) and last a long time. They are smart about who they do business with.

[Epic1]

did you check the ring gears on the axles and makre you didnt mess any teeth up anywhere? that will throw a code usually.

[RuhlFreak55]

I dont know how Lexus runs things. Two grand for a key....We charge $76 to cut and program a new key. If you already have two and we dont have to access your passive anti theft system its $25.

I have been employed by Ford for 12 years now and I will tell you without a doubt. We know our shit. There is nobody and I mean nobody that knows your car better. I take a lot of pride in what I do. You may have had a run in with a bad dealer, but in no way reflects us as a whole. I'm a Senior Master Tech. I'm not talking about ASE's here. I'm talking 8 years of school to get where I am. Go to Joe Blows garage and see who they employ. And our labor rate is within $5 of anybody else in town.

BTW the Focus we're talking about has no less than 5 different control modules. As a base model.

remind me never to buy a new car......**** that complexity

[stack_it]

this thread went in the wrong direction....

Goodluck with the repairs. Hopefully it's something cheap and easy for u.