hi, i drive a 1999 ford ranger and for some reason my brakes have been really crappy lately. Starting at about the same time the snow came in late december my brakes started to feel gritty and made a noise with it. I thought because no lights were on in my truck it was just the snow but today when i was backing up my breaks felt like they went away all together. when it stopped i turned the truck of then on again and the breaks were back but the abs and break lights came on. i don‘t want to put myself in a bad situation so what could it be? thank you in advance.
I would suggest first checking the brake fluid level. The reason was a safety Ford has built into the system if the brake light was on also then this means the brake fluid level is low, and this in turn will also illuminate the ABS light and shut down the ABS system to prevent air from entering the ABS components and compromise the operation. If it take care of the problem, meaning both lights (ABS and Service brake) are off then have the service brake check out because the low fluid level mean brake pads and shoes worn out If the Service brake light is out and the ABS light still lit. Then go to Auto Zone, Advance Auto part store to have the code read for the ABS and edit your question and add the retrieved code for the ABS. A lot of the Ford truck (Including Ranger) in the same era has the same code C1230 or C1237 and it's very common code(s); the cause was the rear wheel speed sensor (C1237) located on the top of the rear end is defected or its wire was broken/ rubs through by the rear end housing (C1230). So go to your Auto part store and have the code(s) retrieve for the ABS and update the information if different code pulled other than C1230 or C1237 (C stands for: Chassis system code/ Defect) HTH
Wheels are not universal. Check with a dealer. Also, you may consider round ones.
Good question. You need a shop level scanner to diagnose ABS system fault codes. Guessing no bueno.
If the abs and brake light are on it's because you need to have your brakes checked and the abs module has triggered a code. Until you have them checked and the codes pulled further diagnosis isn't possible. The light is on to inform the driver that the brakes need to be checked before possible brake failure occurs, and that's what I'd advise you do ASAP. Good luck and hope this helps.
