Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting ABS problem...

Hey guys, I need help with this one. I was driving along a bumpy road today in my '97 V6 ATX and had to brake fast (no lockup or ABS noise though) to avoid a big pothole. It was too late and I hit it hard. As soon as I cleared it, the ABS light came on. I got home, pulled all 4 wheels and I don't see visible damage such as broken sensors or disconnected cables or anything. Anybody got any ideas before I take it to the shop? Is there any way of getting a code from the ABS light? Thanks in advance,

Chad

Before taking it to a shop I would reset the computer first, to reset the code. Then if you restart and the light is still on then obviously something did brake. I'm thinking maybe you hitting the pot hole hard, had something to do with it not reading that wheel speed for a second and then it set off the ABS light, could be way off though. Dont know, just try resetting it, you need a 10mm wrench, disconnect negative battery cable for 15 minutes.

Oh and yes you can get a code from the ABS light to narrow down the problem, Autozone might do that. They do CELs so I dont know why they wouldnt do that but I'm not sure.

I've heard that this is a common Contour problem... Mine did that the first week I had it, and I was concerned...but it went out and now it just stays on for a bit longer than it should when I start the car but when I start driving it goes out...and it will come on every so often when I brake hard or something... screwy Fords...

And when I was throwing money at my steering issues, I told the dealership (not a Ford stealership, a Subaru dealership that sold me this used car) to check the ABS codes as well, and they said they didn't find anything. I thought the sensor had come loose or something at first as well, because I have heard of that happening on other cars..but yeah, no major issues with that one... I wouldn't worry.

Wish I could have my car back and it won't break again NEXT week (refer to post: started, sputtered, died, won't start)...

Edit: BTW, if there is a definite wrong feeling in the brakes, like they don't work well or something, have THAT looked at, but just a light coming on, that's what I wouldn't worry about, unless the ABS doesn't seem to be working. Do what these other guys said and get the code checked and then reset the computer.