ABS light and traction control

[Dave]

hello everyone! I have a 02 Ford Mustang GT convertible. My ABS light keeps popping on and off randomly. sometimes its on when I start the car and sometimes comes on while I’m driving. sometimes it’ll come off in the middle of my drive. its very random when it comes on or turns off or stays off. also when my ABS light comes on my traction control turns off as well shortly after or right away if the light is on when I start the car. has anyone dealt with this before or have any idea on what it could be and what I need to replace? thank you in advance!

Topic

[ed k]

you will have to have the ABS codes pulled from the computer; some auto parts stores will scan your computer for engine codes for free, if they have one of the nicer scanners and know how to use it properly, they should be able to pull your ABS codes

it is most likely a wheel speed sensor

the traction control and ABS systems are connected so the ABS system having an issue will cause the traction control system to be disabled

[Dave]

thank you, wasn’t sure if it was that or a wheel bearing. I went to Autozone and asked if they had a code reader that read ABS and they said no. the person I asked possibly didn’t know what I was talking about haha

[Dave]

considering the fact that it involves my traction control would it be one of my rear speed sensors or does that not matter?

[Timothy Salomon]

In Dallas TX, Autozone uses a very basic scanner with no ABS capabilities, but O’Reilly often has a better scanner. Try a few more auto parts stores, in case some have better scanners than others. Also some brake shops will scan codes for free. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

[Jake F]

I’d safely assume that if you went back to that same AutoZone, asked them for an OBDII scan (which is complimentary), they’d print out the pulled code for you. If your wheel bearings are bad, that probably means you, or the previous owner, was off-roading with a convertible Mustang. That would be some fun sheet!

[Author]

Replies