ABS breaks question

mp3ireland2

I have a ford mondeo (1999 the older model) and have a question regarding my abs. The abs light comes on when i'm, starting the car, along with all the other lights, so the light is working.

Is the light supposed to come on when you skid? I have been testing it out on my snow covered road, it never comes on.... does it only come on if there is a problem with the breaks, as in they need servicing of some sort? or should it come on when the ABS is in use?

(I ended up skidding into a ditch last week, and am just wondering about my brakes!)

Slidey

It should only come on and stay on if there is a fault

Atlantic Dawn

On my car the light doesn't come on when the ABS kicks in when your beginning to skid. Best place to test ABS is on snow, gravel or loose sand, press the brakes firmly at low speed and you should get bursts of feedback in the brake pedal, this indicates the ABS is working.

mp3ireland2

Very quick reply thanks! Looks like i'll just have to blame my incompetent driving so!

Have bought a 2nd hand front bumper (as it got damaged last week) do you know are these hard to put on? or would i be better off getting somebody who knows what they're at to do it?

mp3ireland2

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

On my car the light doesn't come on when the ABS kicks in when your beginning to skid. Best place to test ABS is on snow, gravel or loose sand, press the brakes firmly at low speed and you should get bursts of feedback in the brake pedal, this indicates the ABS is working.

Ok think it is working then... it feels very rough is kind of the best way to discribe what happens when i'm skidding... my foot would be shaking a bit on the pedal like? I was a bit worried about this feedback! thought something was wrong! thanks a lot!

langdang

mp3ireland2 wrote: »

Ok think it is working then... it feels very rough is kind of the best way to discribe what happens when i'm skidding... my foot would be shaking a bit on the pedal like? I was a bit worried about this feedback! thought something was wrong! thanks a lot!

Older cars could give ye a loud "BAAAWR" noise as well, newer ones might be more refined! Either way you'll get kickback from the pedal

macroman

ABS is working perfectly if you can hear an audible gurgle or grinding and feel some pressure on the pedal. The light should go out either a few seconds after ignition or when you start driving and not come back on unless there's a fault.

Front bumper is an easy job. Made easier if you can raise the front up and if the car doesn't have front fog lights. Basic tool kit and a cup of tea - 30/40 mins (owners forums should have tutorials on this)

mp3ireland2

Forgot about that noise! cool i thought something was dodgey when i heard that!

Thanks for the help lads! I'll have a go at replacing the bumper when the weather gets a bit warmer - could be waiting a while by the looks of things!

"BAAAWR" good effort at noise description!