Ford Focus mk1 - Intermittent ABS warning light

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Tue 25 Jan 2011 22:17
Ford Focus mk1 - Intermittent ABS warning light - Tommk4

During the worst of the snow this winter the ABS/traction control stopped working on our focus, the warning light came on one day and stayed on permanently. I assumed that one of the sensors or wires for the sensors was damaged/cut.

However, just recently the lights went out for a few miles, then came back on and then, a few days later, went off again and stayed off for several days and the ABS/Traction control worked as it should. I thought the problem had fixed itself, but alas, today they have re-appeared!

Does anyone know what could be causing this intermittent fault?

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Wed 26 Jan 2011 13:23
Ford Focus mk1 - Intermittent ABS warning light - rrvfireblade

sounds like a faulty sensor or more likely from what you have described a chafed wire leading to the sensor which has probably been rubbing against something,start at the sensor end of the wiring at the wheel as thats where its more likely to be and work your way back,they should have a small joint somewhere ,(sorry not familiar with focus)usually no more than 6 to 10 inches away from the sensor where you can attach a new one,,just make sure that has not become clogged up with crud with the recent wether and all the salt thats been on the rds and clean it up if there is no apparent breakage or chafing in the wires themselves

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Wed 26 Jan 2011 14:23
Ford Focus mk1 - Intermittent ABS warning light - gfewster

Wiring chafed or damaged, or the connector at the wheel is dirty. Common problem on these cars.

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Thu 27 Jan 2011 00:10
Ford Focus mk1 - Intermittent ABS warning light - SteveLee
While you are at it, do a complete brake fluid change to reduce the likelihood of corrosion in the ABS unit - a common problem with that particular system.
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Sun 6 Feb 2011 17:18
Ford Focus mk1 - Intermittent ABS warning light - wozzatdci

How old is your focus?? If its a 2003 or 2004, its probably corrosion of the circuit board at the back of the instruments. Take the instrument panel out and disassemble it. Spray the board with a can of circuit board spray from maplins. Worked for focus.

Edited by wozzatdci on 06/02/2011 at 17:19

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