Ok so for some long time now I've had my ABS light on my dash remain on while driving my vehicle.

Until recently I've had little to no problems leading me to believe that there was a problem with my anti-lock system.

Aside from a slight scraping noise while heavily braking, my brakes have worked fine. And I figured the scraping noise was from something like a warped rotar or low pads, or something.

The other day however, I stopped to get some gas. Paid for it, got back in, put the car in drive and pressed the gas. Myrear driver's side tire was locked up and not turning.

Immediately I checked the brake fluid which was a little bit low, so I refilled it. (ABS light still on and notoccuring to me that it might be the problem).

So with new fluid, I managed to drive it around the gas station a few times, freeing up the wheel.

When I brake now however the scraping is 10x worse and the car comes grinding to a halt.

I've put the car in the garage for now, not driving it anymore before I make a bad situation worse. However I need to work, and have no ride, so the sooner I can diagnose this problem and/or fix it would be great.

Please give me some insight, while I go back to the tear-down manual and read about possible "at-home" tests I can do. The book has already told me that I need to take it to a shop where they can test it electronically, so I figured I'd post this first, and do some home checks myself. Thanks a lot guys.

-Kenny
('96 Ford Mustang 3.8L V6 Standard)

 

It is not the ABS system causing the problem. You need to get the brakes inspected. Soundsl like you have worn the rear brakes out and they are locking up with metal scraping on metal. Low brake fluid is an indicator of brake wear. You need to get them checked and I would highly recommend a brake fluid flush as well.

 

about how much would just a standard diagnosis cost me?

and why is my ABS light even on?

thanks again

 

Why your ABS light is on is something you will have to have checked out. Most likely it is a bad sensor or ABS module. It does not affect your overall brake system. Usually the ABS will just switch itself off when there is a fault and you just have normal braking without ABS. Most brake places will do a free diagnostic if you allow them to do the repairs as well. Otherwise your looking at 50-100 dollars depending on where you live and where you go.

 

Definitely sounds like worn brake pads. If it's grinding you may be looking at new rotors too. Depends on the extent of the damage.

 

k I got it checked out, ended up getting a caliper, rotar, and 2 new sets of pads, with labor was only $292..... not bad I guess... he suggested a new rotar on my passenger side too but I told him I'd hold off til I had more money to spend

thanks for the input.