Most of us rarely see an ABS (anti-lock braking system) light on. Yet when we do, there is an urgent need for action.
The ABS, an engineering wonder, prevents your Ford F-150 from skidding when it experiences a panic stop. Moreover, it improves vehicle handling and cuts down on braking distance. When the ABS light is on, it alerts you that something is wrong with it.
In this article, find out what is causing the ABS brake light on your F-150 and what you can do to fix it.
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Key Takeaways
- The ABS is caused by: a defective wheel speed sensor and its wiring, low brake fluid, a faulty ABS control module or pump, a blown fuse, and a low tire pressure.
- There is a fix for each listed thing, keep reading to find out.
What Is Causing The ABS (Brake) Light Warning To Go On In F-150?
There are several things that can cause the ABS, the brake warning light to go on in your vehicle.
Don’t disregard the light since it can cause more problems which will also probably be more costly.
Tip: Find the meaning of 19 most common warning lights in this article!
A Defective Wheel Speed Sensor
Every wheel hub on the Ford F-150 contains an ABS sensor, which detects the wheel speed and sends the data to the ABS control unit.
The ABS light in the instrument cluster turns on whenever a sensor develops a fault and transmits speed information that is incorrect or missing.
As a result of their proximity to the wheels and exposure to challenging circumstances, bad wheel speed sensors are one of the primary reasons for the ABS warning light in the F-150.
How To Fix The Defective Wheel Speed Sensor?
The physical inspection typically cannot reveal the F-150’s defective ABS sensor.
By attaching an OBDII scanner to your car and examining the error codes, you can only and most accurately diagnose an ABS speed sensor. It is very simple to identify the problematic sensor using the error code. To fix the problem, the defective sensor must be changed.
Note: Verify that the code reader you are using can read the ABS codes for your car.
A Broken Speed Sensor Cable Or A Defective Connection
On your F-150, the sensor may be working correctly, but a frayed wire or corroded connector is breaking up the signal.
How To Fix A Broken Speed Sensor Cable?
The afflicted sensor’s cabling and connections should be physically examined for corrosion or evidence of damage before the sensor is replaced.
Low Brake Fluid
The F-150’s ABS light may come on if the brake fluid level is abnormally low. First, check the fluid level in the reservoir for braking fluid; it should be close to the high marking.
How To Fix The Low Brake Fluid?
If the brake fluid is low, adding more should stop the F-150’s ABS warning light from coming on.
Therefore, further investigation of the cause of the low brake fluid level is crucial.
Worn rotors, worn brake pads, and system leaks are the three main reasons for low brake fluid.
Examine the rotors and brake pads for damage, and look for any indications of a fluid leak on the wheel hubs and underneath your car.
A Faulty ABS Control Module Or Pump
The Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU), another name for the ABS pump, comprises a mechanical-hydraulic and an electrical component.
The hydraulic component of the unit activates the valves to lower hydraulic pressure to the brake at the afflicted wheels when you brake forcefully at high speed, and the wheels lock.
The F-150’s ABS light may illuminate due to a problem with the ABS pump, and a fault code is recorded in the memory.
How To Fix A Faulty ABS Control Module Or Pump?
To read the code, connect a diagnostic gadget to your car. Then, when you have the code, you can take it to the mechanic for a check.
The average lifespan of an ABS control unit is at least 100,000 kilometers.
Broken Or Blown Fuses
The ABS may stop working due to a blown fuse or defective relay.
How To Fix The Broken Or Blown Fuses?
To determine the precise placement of the fuse for the ABS, see your car’s owner’s handbook or the fuse box lid.
Replace the blown fuse with a fresh one with the required amp rating.
Low Tire Pressure
The Ford F-150’s ABS light may come on due to low tire pressure on one of the wheels.
When a tire is underinflated, the wheel’s diameter decreases, making it spin more quickly than the other wheels on the vehicle.
The speed sensor on the wheel with low tire pressure receives an ABS failure signal when the control module detects the speed difference between the wheels.
How To Fix The Low Tire Pressure?
To fix this issue, you will have to inflate your tires. Prepare the right tools, and don’t inflate the tires when hot.
That should do the trick!
Luna Meschiari is a full-blooded car nut who is well known to local garages, as each article is meticulously researched and peppered with the latest piece of information. Guess what car she’s driving right now? A RAV4 2021 Hybrid. But her heart also sleeps for pickups like the F-150. Get to know Luna better on the about us page.
Advertising links are marked with *. We receive a small commission on sales, nothing changes for you.