ABS light stays on

145,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LDISQUE
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  • 1 POST
My brake and ABS lights stay on. Once in a great while they go off for a while. Have had new brakes, master cylinder, brake cable, brake switch. No codes come up and the mechanic cannot figure it out. Rear ABS only sensor goods, ABS rings new.
Anyone have any Ideas?
Oct 29, 2018 at 8:54 PM
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BMDOUBLE
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  • 1,139 POSTS
A common issue on these trucks is the RABS valve. Like 90% of the ones that I would get this concern I would run to my parts counter and get a price on one before I diagnosed it. Dtcs on these are not retrieved through the data link connector, but hopefully your mechanic knows this?

See the diagrams below for replacement instructions.
Jun 1, 2021 at 5:20 AM
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OLD91RANGER
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Just in case anyone comes across this thread in a google search like I did, I have some useful information to add:

I had this problem for awhile on my 1991 Ranger XLT, it was driving me nuts. Then one day I decided to replace the burnt out side marker lights that I've been ignoring. Lo and Behold after replacing my Burnt out marker lights both the Brake and ABS lights shut off never to return until my License Plate Bulbs burnt out a few days later...Make sure there are no burnt out bulbs anywhere on the vehicle!!! Especially Brake Lights!!!

How a burnt out bulb is related to the Brake and ABS Lights is beyond my comprehension.
Why would a burnt out side marker or plate light cause the car to disable a safety feature such as ABS??? The world may never know.

But now hopefully you guys can stop pulling your hair out and enjoy your Ranger.

The RABS is an important safety system and helps with braking a lot more than people realize in these trucks. Its almost a night and day difference to me when its working and when it is not. Especially in the Rainy Seattle area.
Jun 1, 2021 at 5:20 AM
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BMDOUBLE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,139 POSTS
That is great input old91ranger! The only time that I have had external light circuits affecting other electrical items like warning lights is when there is a weak ground somewhere, when that happens it can seem like your vehicle is posessed lol!
Jun 1, 2021 at 5:20 AM
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