Abs Light

[ChrisH]

My focus has started to do something odd. When I switch on the ignition, all the lights come on as normal and then go out, but now when I start the car, the abs light comes on and within a second goes out again. Its never done this before, and sometimes dosnt do it. Light never comes on again until car turned off and subsequently started again. Not sure if its an issue, but I have never seen it do it before.

[jeebowhite]

I last had this on my CMAX, the short loom was broken inside the wiring, and as it got hot or cold it expanded and contracted, making and braking the connections...

[Dee_82]

could have sworn mine comes on then goes out again, ill need to have a look tomorrow.

[ChrisH]

James. It does this hot or cold anyway. If this is the issue, is there anything I can do about it. Does it affect the abs itself?

btw whats the short loom...

[troy45]

James. It does this hot or cold anyway. If this is the issue, is there anything I can do about it. Does it affect the abs itself?

btw whats the short loom...

Probably the short section of wiring from the ABS sensor to the main loom, which joins inside the wheelarch.

[jeebowhite]

thats the one that was problematic on mine. Must admit, I had no issues with ABS on mine even though the light was on, I tested it and didnt crash :p It is however an MOT failure otherwise, so its best to resolve it.

[ChrisH]

Ok something new.... this morning it was cranking very slow, but it did start. Ran fine on way to work. Left work tonight, same thing, so im thinking batteys knacked although I did notice that the headlights were coming on during the slow cranking even though the lights were switched off. Got it home and tried a restart, and still the same. So hot or cold there is slow cranking, with the headlights flashing, and a clicking noise. It had a new starter and alternator about a year ago. When running, I can put it under alot of electrical load with no problems at all.

Any ideas

[ChrisH]

Ok, solved. Everything caused by a knacked battery. Once replaced all issues resolved. It seems after chatting to some mechanics, that sometimes the abs or glow plug light flashes when the battery is low. It seems that mine had decided not to hold a charge anymore. Its also cured some other niggly issues. Thanks to all who posted suggestions.

[jeebowhite]

Not heard of abs lights flashing for bad battery before. Glad it's resolved. And ad long as you have a silver calcium in there you should get a good 7 more years from it

[gc0759]

hi I had this problem on my 2005 focus I disconnected the sensor behind the front wheel and sprayed it with wd 40 and that solved the problem.

[ChrisH]

Its not a silver calcium, just one to tide me over as I only intend on keeping the car a couple more months or so. Niggly things always going wrong and shes getting on a bit, done over 155000 miles now. I have been offered a 61 plate cmax, 2.0tdci titanium with the power shift box, done 15000 mile. It will be ex motability, but the price seems good for it. Anyone any experience with the 2.0tdci and the power shift box?

[jeebowhite]

It's certainly a good combination, the combination makes for a smooth drive, but being auto means it can lag a little.