Ford Focus LX 2004 ABS Light On (lady needs help)

[Indigo]

Hi There!

The ABS light has come on in my 5spd 2004 LX Focus? The brakes seem to be working fine? The car had new brakes fitted in March 2009 and I have only done 7000 kms on these new brakes....I am never heavy on them preffering to use gears to slow down. Can anyone kindly answer my questions?

1. Is it still safe to drive?
2. Could it be caused by low brake fluid or if it needs new brake pads?
3. Worst case scenario - how much am I up for in repair costs? (shudder)

Thank you!

[In Focus]

Not too mechanically inclined, however...

1. Probably yes BUT!!!! The ABS system won't operate, which makes the overall braking system less effective, particularly in a situation where you most need it.

2. No to both.

3. Not sure. Never had to do it.

But you need to take it to a mechanic to get it checked out as soon as you can. It may be something simple, like a computer system glitch, or something mechanical that needs replacing, but the bottom line is you're cutting down on your safety.

I'm not sure of this, but I also suspect ignoring it and getting involved in an accident could put you in trouble as well.

To keep it simple: get it checked out as soon as you can.

[Indigo]

Originally Posted by In Focus

Not too mechanically inclined, however...

1. Probably yes BUT!!!! The ABS system won't operate, which makes the overall braking system less effective, particularly in a situation where you most need it.

2. No to both.

3. Not sure. Never had to do it.

But you need to take it to a mechanic to get it checked out as soon as you can. It may be something simple, like a computer system glitch, or something mechanical that needs replacing, but the bottom line is you're cutting down on your safety.

I'm not sure of this, but I also suspect ignoring it and getting involved in an accident could put you in trouble as well.

To keep it simple: get it checked out as soon as you can.

Thanks for your reply InFocus! Good advice, off to the mechanic in the morning first thing. Just wanted to get some info before I go as I have found from past experience with 'some' mechanics that they tend to take advantage of a lady unless they go in with some knowledge.

I have been researching for the past 2hrs and it seems there are plenty of others who have had similar prolem with ABS light and many have turned out to be caused by 'wheel sensors' becoming dirty and some occuring if negative terminal has been taken off the battery?....Fingers crossed it isn't anything too serious.

Thanks for your response. :-)