Symptom Chart - Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Stability Control

NOTE: Diagnostics in this service information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. REFER to Diagnostic Methods in GENERAL INFORMATION .

Select a symptom to see recommended actions

The ABS module does not respond to the diagnostic scan tool

Possible Source	Action
Refer to the Pinpoint Test	Go to PINPOINT TEST AT

The brake warning indicator is always or never on

Possible Source	Action
Low brake fluid Brake fluid level sensor Parking brake applied Parking brake switch Brake booster vacuum sensor IPC concern ABS module concern	RETRIEVE and DIAGNOSE all ABS module DTCs. If there are no ABS module DTCs, DIAGNOSE the brake warning indicator. REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER AND WARNING CHIMES .

The ABS warning indicator is always or never on

Possible Source	Action
IPC concern SASM concern ABS or stability control concern	RETRIEVE and DIAGNOSE all ABS module and SASM DTCs. If there are no ABS module or SASM DTCs, DIAGNOSE the ABS warning indicator. REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER AND WARNING CHIMES .

The stability-traction control OFF indicator (sliding-car OFF icon) is always on

Possible Source	Action
IPC concern SASM concern ABS or stability control concern	RETRIEVE and DIAGNOSE all ABS module and SASM DTCs. If there are no ABS module or SASM DTCs, DIAGNOSE the ABS warning indicator. REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER AND WARNING CHIMES .

The traction control switch LED indicator is always on or never on

Possible Source	Action
Refer to the Pinpoint Test	Go to PINPOINT TEST W

ABS false activation, ABS too sensitive, ABS activates on normal stop

Possible Source	Action
Front or rear suspension concern	ELIMINATE the front or rear suspension as the cause of the problem. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .
RCM mounting	CONFIRM the RCM is mounted correctly. REINSTALL as necessary. REFER to RESTRAINTS CONTROL MODULE (RCM) .
Loose wheel speed sensor or excessive air gap	INSPECT wheel speed sensors for looseness or excessive air gap. TIGHTEN or INSTALL new as necessary. REFER to FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR or REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR .
Rear wheel speed sensor encoder ring or front wheel bearing damaged rusted or contaminated with foreign material	INSPECT the rear tone ring and front wheel bearing for damage, rust and foreign material. CLEAN, REMOVE foreign material or INSTALL new as necessary. REFER to the appropriate Suspension article.
Parking brake shoes out of adjustment (dragging)	CHECK and if necessary, ADJUST the parking brake. REFER to PARKING BRAKE CABLE ADJUSTMENT .

The traction control system is inoperative or cannot be disabled using the message center

Possible Source	Action
Refer to the Pinpoint Test	Go to PINPOINT TEST E

The traction control system is inoperative or cannot be disabled using the traction control switch

Possible Source	Action
Refer to the Pinpoint Test	Go to PINPOINT TEST O

The electric brake booster vacuum pump is inoperative

Possible Source	Action
Refer to the Pinpoint Test	Go to PINPOINT TEST U

The electric brake booster vacuum pump runs continuously

Possible Source	Action
Refer to the Pinpoint Test	Go to PINPOINT TEST V

The hill start assist feature is inoperative, cannot be disabled or enabled

Possible Source	Action
Network concern IPC concern ABS module concern	CARRY OUT the IPC self-test. DIAGNOSE all IPC DTCs. REFER to INSTRUMENTATION, MESSAGE CENTER AND WARNING CHIMES . If there are no DTCs in the IPC, CARRY OUT the ABS module self-test. DIAGNOSE all ABS module DTCs.