Service AdvanceTrac Warning with ABS Light & Traction Control Light

[grafgulch]

I have 2009 Ford Fusion with 232,000 miles. I been having problems with my ABS braking engaging when I am driving a low speeds on dry pavement.  It's usually happens at the first stop sign I come to in the morning. You can feel brake pedal pulsating and then the light comes on. I took it to the dealer & they replaces a rear sensor, this lasted for about 2 days & then it started happening again. I took it back into the same dealer and they replaced the other rear sensor. This set me back about $700. Now it's been a few months and it happening once again. 

 

Now I am thinking about replacing both front sensors myself, since both rear sensors are still new. The sensors cost about $35 a piece. The sensors don't look too hard to replace, but is there anything I should be concerned about doing this myself? I can find youtube vidoes on how to replace the rear one, but I can't seem to find about the front sensors.

 

Paul

[eGuru]

Replacing the sensors is not difficult, but you should carefully check the connectors (front and back) for corrosion or frayed wires  as that may be the actual cause.

[drolds1]

Also, inspect all 4 tone rings to make sure they're intact (no cracks, warping or looseness) and clean.

[grafgulch]

Are the tone rings visible for inspection without having to too disassembly? 

[FusionDiffusion]

On the fronts you can see them on the axle shafts (turn the wheel all the way), on the rears I can't remember if you can see them without having to take off the brake rotors. You might have to take a sensor out of a hole and look down in it.

[BFrank]

My 2013 Fusion Hybrid started doing this only when it was raining, once it dried it was fine. Now the lights stay on all the time. Is it possible the traction control module is shorted out from not fixing the problem. I'm waiting for my 2 speed OBD to be delivered. I currently only have a 1 speed reader and it doesn't  read traction control codes. I have pulled all wheels and checked the speed sensors for physical damage they all looked fine and all the connections were clean as well.

[md40022]

Interesting thread.

 

I am dealing with a very similar problem to the original poster (see my ABS / Speed Sensor / Braking issue... Help thread). When he describes as a grinding, I hear as a clunking but it sure seems to be coming from the same area.

 

I am getting a C0036 code (rear left tone wheel). I would LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE to know if this C0036 issue is specifically what's causing this clunking or grinding from under the hood, but with some of the erratic behaviors I've getting, I am not 100% sure of that being the case. Per my mechanic's visual inspection the tone wheel was filthy but not broken or cracked. At least from what he claimed. Maybe there's a hairline crack he missed? He cleaned it up real good, but still the same issue. I don't know if the speed sensor should be looked at or not, because C0036 specifically says tone wheel, does not mention sensor at all -- though I know they work together.

 

My biggest concern though is if this clunking sound is damaging to the vehicle or not. It sure does NOT sound healthy haha. Also, when I get the clunk or grind sound which seems to be coming from the ABS module, I don't always get any dashboard lights. I might be wrong, but shouldn't the dash lights come on every single time there is a bad detection from the speed sensor and tone wheel? Yet when I get the clunking sound, it's not a guarantee that I get the dash lights coming on.

 

There seem to be some inconsistencies in the way my car is behaving. But if my clunk (or grind) sound is in fact coming from the ABS module, I am not at risk of doing any further damage if I drive on it for another week until I can get back to the mechanic??? Because it doesn't sound all that pleasant, which is obviously concerning.

 

Edited March 7, 2023 by md40022