Posts

Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

/in /by

Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems
Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

ABS Braking Issues with the Ford Ranger: A Trip to Pellon Tyres

When we receive a car that poses a little bit of a problem, it’s always an entertaining day at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre here in Halifax. A Ford Ranger recently rolled into our garage with a problem that caused the driver to become a little anxious: ABS braking system issues. Although the Ford Ranger is a sturdy and dependable car, even the most resilient trucks occasionally experience issues.

The ABS warning light on this specific Ranger was flashing, which is enough to make any driver stop, especially when safety is at stake. But before we get into the specifics of how we resolved this, let’s take a moment to discuss ABS brakes and the history of the Ford Ranger.

Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems
Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

ABS Brakes: What Are They? Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

One of the biggest developments in car safety is the ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System. ABS technology keeps your wheels from locking up and sliding if you’ve ever had to apply the brakes hard in an emergency. By quickly pulsating the brakes, ABS keeps the tires on the road rather than causing the car to lose traction and slide out of control. It performs exceptionally well, particularly in challenging weather conditions like rain or snow, which are common in West Yorkshire.

Around the 1990s, ABS was becoming a  feature in the majority of cars, and it has subsequently saved lives. The system is dependent on a hydraulic unit, a control module, and sensors at each wheel. The ABS warning light illuminates if one of these parts malfunctions, which is exactly what happened with this Ranger.

A Brief History: Forde Ford Ranger’s History – Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

For drivers in need of a dependable and adaptable pickup truck, the Ford Ranger has been a mainstay. The Ranger was Ford’s response to the rising demand for small trucks when it was first released in the US in the early 1980s. The Ranger quickly gained popularity among farmers, tradespeople, and anybody else in need of a hardy workhorse after making its way to other markets, particularly the UK.

The current Ranger has developed into a midsize powerhouse, particularly the vehicles built since 2011. Given their reputation for strength and ability, it’s no surprise that they’re frequently seen in Halifax’s rural and urban neighbourhoods. The Ranger can handle anything from muddy rural roads in the Calder Valley to towing caravans.

Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems
Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

Identifying and Resolving the ABS Problem Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems

Let’s get back to our workshop! We started by plugging in our diagnostic tools to check what the ABS system had to say when this Ford Ranger arrived. The front offside wheel’s faulty wheel speed sensor was discovered by the diagnostic tool. This sensor is in charge of tracking the wheel’s speed and communicating information to the ABS control module. The module activates the warning light and turns off the ABS if it notices a disparity, such as a sensor not reporting properly.

The offender? a mix of corrosion and road grime, which is not surprising considering the recent weather. The Ranger spends a lot of time on muddy roads and construction sites because its owner uses it for work on a daily basis. Any car has a difficult existence, and even the best-maintained models can experience sensor problems.

We recalibrated the system, cleaned the mounting point, and replaced the malfunctioning sensor. The ABS light vanished and the Ranger’s brakes returned to their peak performance during a brief test drive down Pellon Lane’s slopes, which is a good test for any braking system.

Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems
Ford Ranger ABS Brake Problems
The Importance of ABS Maintenance

The lesson here is straightforward: don’t disregard your ABS warning light if it ever comes on. The anti-lock system’s safety net won’t be there when you need it most, but the brakes will still function. With Halifax’s combination of steep slopes and erratic weather, a properly operating ABS system might mean the difference between a safe stop and a near-miss.

We at Pellon Tyres are always pleased to assist in resolving problems of this nature. We have the know-how and resources to keep you safe on the road, whether you’re driving a Ford Ranger, a family saloon, or a vintage Rover (we still see a few of those!).

A Local Perspective

The FordThe Ford Ranger’s reputation for toughness and no-nonsense aligns perfectly with West Yorkshire’s work ethic we at Pellon Tyres take great satisfaction in being trustworthy and prepared for anything that comes in. Therefore, stop by and see us the next time your car’s ABS starts to malfunction or you simply need winter tires. One repair at a time, we’re here to keep Halifax running.

Eric and the Pellon Tyres Team, be careful when driving.

 

car brakes problem

Anti-Lock Brake Systems: ABS

/in /by

Anti-Lock braking systems

Anti-Lock Brake Systems
Anti-Lock Brake Systems

Anti-Lock Brake Systems

So, this is one of the things that I am most proud of. Of course, I have been a garage owner ! Is when a customer contacts my garage for a brake problem sorted out? Subsequently, it appears not to be the price that the person is worried about. Because they know how important it is to have good brakes on their car.

Before we remove the wheels, we examine the brakes. So, generally, we have a blank canvas to work from. We know that most cars get to the stage of having practically no brakes! Then the braking system will be in pretty bad shape. Believe me, they usually are.

Back in the old days! Then the car’s brakes were a much simpler affair to diagnose and repair. Of course, with only the upper end of the market cars. Having any type of electrical modification in order to aid  better braking. As in almost all the car developments. So, brakes were originally tested and tried on motorsport vehicles. Long time before being tried and tested on average road cars. Including the beginning of the ABS braking systems! Importantly, those are in common use today.

At first, Anti-lock braking systems only came out on prestige cars such as BMW and Mercedes

but many drivers had not heard of them before; in fact, we still get customers today who do not know what it means when their ABS warning light comes on and have to be investigated. Twenty years ago, many vehicle owners were given the option of having ABS brakes or not, a similar sort of thing to fitting alloy wheels or steel wheels; they were an optional extra.

Anti-Lock braking systems: work differently to a standard braking system

ABS brakes do act differently from a normal braking system. The main two advantages are that when you are braking on a wet, slippery road surface, or, say, on ice, your car will stop quicker; this also applies to normal roads, of course. Also, the car will handle much better when the driver has to brake and steer at the same time. Once again, in bad weather conditions, the car will handle much better than when using a conventional braking system.

In any normal driving situation,

such as stopping at traffic lights or at a road junction, the Anti-Lock Braking Systems do not activate, but if you need to brake sharply and suddenly, the Anti-Lock Braking Systems will be activated and assist you in braking more safely.

The Anti-Lock Brake Systems send out pulses of pressure instead of the single pressure that is asserted when braking a normal car. You can actually feel the pulses coming through the brake pedal when you have to exert pressure on the brake pedal in an emergency stop. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that if you do encounter a challenging situation, such as snow or a non-tarmac road, you will still need to slow down because your ABS system won’t be able to assist you.

The main benefit of Anti-Lock Braking Systems is that the driver has full control when braking and steering at the same time, which can help the driver steer away from danger; they prevent the wheel from locking in certain conditions.

Practice your ABS brake system—Anti-Lock Brake Systems

In my experience, it has always been a good idea to take your car and practice with the brakes if you are driving a car fitted with ABS brakes for the first time and get used to the different feel of the brakes when going straight and when steering.

The in-cab ABS warning light may come on if there is a fault with the ABS system or the normal braking system. If the warning light comes on, then you should have the brakes looked at as soon as possible. In our experience it is usually something simple, such as a faulty electrical connection or even that the car needs a set of new pads. You can also find problems with Anti-Lock Brake Systems and other Anti Lock Brake Parts. Once the problem has been found and rectified the ABS warning light can be re-set with a computer.

Also sell Firestone Tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk. By using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work. Also an official MOT testing station who carry out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship.