ABS & Brake Indicator Lights Came On

[Jim McClain]

The warning lights for ABS and brakes came on today after I put my KJ in R to back out of my driveway. They stayed on all the way to my mechanic, where he connected it to a computer check. It said my front L&R brake sensors were not operating. He looked around and thought that would be unusual for both to fail at the same time. He then suggested it might be the electronic module connected to the master brake cylinder. He said Ford & GM autos have a similar system and it just might need to be rebuilt. He said the vehicle was still drivable while the module is sent off to be rebuilt, but the ABS would not work during emergency stops.

After the testing (actually, during the testing, between engine shutoffs) the dash lights went off and have remained off. Now I wonder if it was just a fluke related to our cold weather - snow and freezing temperatures lately. Recently I had the mechanic put new disks and brake pads on all around and began to hear a kind of binding noise upon backing out of my driveway, but that sound didn't repeat after pulling away. It only happens when I first start up and back out and not again for the rest of the day.

Anyone here experience anything similar? Any ideas what to do? Should I get the module rebuilt or buy a new one? I don't know what the actual name of that thing is, so I don't know what to look for.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Great to hear from you!

The grinding when you back away first thing in the morning is normal. It's just rust that formed on the pads and rotors overnight coming off. Some brakes do it more than others, but it's normal.

I don't know what he's referring to, maybe this?
https://www.moparwholesaleparts.com...ydHkmeT0yMDA1JnQ9bGltaXRlZCZlPTMtN2wtdjYtZ2Fz

I can't say I've heard of many issues with that, but my KJ doesn't have ABS. If the lights are off and stay off, I'd leave it. Otherwise, I would replace it however he wants to proceed, assuming he warranties it.

 

[Jim McClain]

The grinding when you back away first thing in the morning is normal. It's just rust that formed on the pads and rotors overnight coming off. Some brakes do it more than others, but it's normal.

That's a relief, thanks.

I don't know what he's referring to, maybe this?
https://www.moparwholesaleparts.com...ydHkmeT0yMDA1JnQ9bGltaXRlZCZlPTMtN2wtdjYtZ2Fz

I can't say I've heard of many issues with that, but my KJ doesn't have ABS. If the lights are off and stay off, I'd leave it. Otherwise, I would replace it however he wants to proceed, assuming he warranties it.

No, that's not the part. I should have taken a photo of it. It's too dark outside now, but I'll post pics of it tomorrow. Thanks for replying.

 

[mrlavalamp]

I would get ABS and traction control lights on whenever I get mine wet more than just a puddle or go through a car wash.

I replaced the front wheel bearings earlier this year and it has stopped, confirming that there was some water ingress causing the sensors to short out for a time.

"ford and Gm experiencing an issue" is hardly good justification to just send something like an ABS module off for rebuilding. need more conclusive information to convince me he isn't just guessing/buying time.

The traction control system throws weird codes sometimes though. I had a broken cable to left front wheel speed sensor, and it was throwing codes about the steering angle sensor.

If they shut back off, I would look over the wires/connectors for obvious damage, and then maybe squirt the back of each wheel with a hose one a time to see which corner causes your trouble, or if it is even water related.

Driving a little more cautiously is always good advice.

 

[Jim McClain]

Here's the pictures of the module I promised:

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"ford and Gm experiencing an issue" is hardly good justification to just send something like an ABS module off for rebuilding. need more conclusive information to convince me he isn't just guessing/buying time.

Nothing has been sent off and he's not the kinda guy that buys time. His final advice was to wait to see if the lights stayed off, which might indicate it could have just been weather related or a false reading by the system. The lights have remained off and I haven't experienced any further issues.

The traction control system throws weird codes sometimes though.

Yeah, his thoughts too.

Driving a little more cautiously is always good advice.

I'm pretty cautious. One of my closest friends is the local CHP commander and she assures me I wouldn't get special treatment if I drove stupid. I haven't had a ticket in over 20 years - and zero accidents.