Questions and Answers

Ford Ranger ABS Codes Q. Hi Vincent, I hope this is the correct place to contact you. I've been dealing with this situation for sometime and I would like your input. Several months ago I took my 1994 Ford Ranger, 3.0 Liter, 5 speed to my mechanic as the ABS light was always on. He corrected the problem and it is back on.

I asked him about it and he told me that if he remembers correctly it was a bad connection. So my question is how do I find the code and what do I do to correct it. The ABS isn't working. I have tried twisting/shaking the various connectors on the master cylinder, differential and on the solenoid body with no avail.

Also when I start the car, the ABS sometimes is off and within a minute or two the light comes back on. This also happens when I'm driving down the street, as for some unknown reason the ABS light "goes out" and then just as quickly the light comes back on. Thank you for any help.

Thank you,
Mark

A. Here is how to pull the codes out of the ABS computer:

Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval:

NOTE: Verify the ignition switch (11572) is in the RUN position (engine does not need to be running). Next, locate the black Rear Anti-lock Brake System II (RABS II) diagnostic connector. The diagnostic connector has two mating halves (one of which has a black/orange wire connected to it). Disconnect the two halves.

1. Attach one end of a jumper wire to the black with orange stripe wire side of the diagnostic connector. CAUTION: Care must be taken to connect only the black/orange stripe wire to ground. Connecting the mating connector wire to ground will result in a blown fuse.
2. Momentarily ground the opposite end of the jumper wire by connecting it to a good chassis ground for 1-2 seconds.
3. Grounding this wire should start the RABS lamp flashing. If grounding this wire does not start the RABS lamp flashing.
4. The code consists of a number of short flashes and ends with a long flash. Count the short flashes and include the following long flash in the count to obtain the code number.

EXAMPLE: Three short flashes followed by one long flash indicates DTC 4. The code will continue to repeat itself until the key is turned OFF.

It is recommended that the code be verified by reading it several times. A DTC of 16 will be obtained when the module detects normal system operation.

When you get the codes, let me know and we'll go from there.