ABS no longer functioning?

SAM MUSSELMAN

MEMBER
2004 FORD F-450
6.8L
V10
4WD
AUTOMATIC
226,200 MILES

I’ve had an ABS light come off and on now for a couple of weeks. There have been instances where my speedometer will go down and come back up when I’m driving at a high speed and at the same time the brakes seem to be hard. I replaced the brake booster and master cylinder, and that still hasn’t fixed the problem. Could it be an ABS wheel speed sensor or the ABS control module or something else?

Monday, October 9th, 2023 AT 6:25 PM

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,071 POSTS

Hi,

It sounds like a wheel speed sensor (ABS sensor) is failing. The instrument cluster is hardwired to the four-wheel anti-lock brake system (4WABS) module. Data from the 4WABS module commands the speedometer with a corresponding speed.

The vehicle speed signal is generated by the rear anti-lock brake sensor and sent to the 4WABS module. So, I suspect the sensor is failing. However, you could confirm it by using a live data scan tool that can identify what the sensor is indicating.

I attached the directions for replacing the rear sensor below. This is my first suspect, but as mentioned, you can test it if desired.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Monday, October 9th, 2023 AT 8:42 PM

SAM MUSSELMAN

MEMBER
36 POSTS

Thanks. I’ll go ahead and replace it.

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Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 AT 4:26 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,071 POSTS

Sam, let me know if that takes care of the problem. Also, you may want to confirm that is the issue using a scan tool to see if the signal is being lost. I just don't like replacing parts without confirmation of a fault. Basically, I would rather confirm it than have you install a new one to find that isn't the issue. It can get expensive.

Regardless, let me know how things work out or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 AT 7:12 PM

SAM MUSSELMAN

MEMBER
36 POSTS

It turns out it’s the ABS control module. I had a mechanic hook up a scan tool and all of the wheel sensors were reading 3, moving the vehicle back-and-forth and he said they should’ve been reading 1. The issue is that the ABS control module for my particular vehicle is not available anywhere and Ford does not have it either. I came across a 2004 F350 4 x 4, ABS control module and it looks exactly the same as mine. Will that part work, or no?

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 AT 7:18 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,071 POSTS

Hi,

Is your van a 1994? Is it an E350? That is where I was getting information from. If that is the case, 1994 E350, it should work.

Let me know. Also, you could compare part numbers as well to see if they are the same.

Take care,

Joe

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Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 AT 5:34 PM

SAM MUSSELMAN

MEMBER
36 POSTS
2004 FORD F-450
6.8L
V10
4WD
AUTOMATIC
267,000 MILES

The ABS control module on my 4 x 4 bucket truck with dual rear wheels is no longer functioning. I ran across a ford part #2C3Z-2B373-CA that matches my ABS control module that is discontinued but this part number matches the same year make model but with for single wheel. Will this module work for my vehicle? Also, where is the ABS control module located? Is it on the side of the hydraulic system for the ABS or is it on the firewall driver side? I added a pic. Please let me know if this it

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Saturday, March 1st, 2025 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,622 POSTS

If they have the same part number, you are good to go. Here is the location of the ABS control module and how to change it out. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

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Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 AT 10:32 AM

ABS no longer functioning?

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