The abs light was on in my 1998 Windstar; had mechanic check out and code said LF wheel sensor bad; he cleaned and reset code but the light came right back on. He says part is approx near $200.

Would like to know if this is a repair for a DIYer who doesn't ordinarilly do much on cars, but I can follow instructions and figure things out when needed. Also, should I try the junkyard to pull one off a junked vehicle or is this definitely something you want new. And if one is bad, does that necessarily imply the other 3 are not far behind?

If I were to do myself, assume a Chilton or Haynes manual would help, do they provide the level of detail needed to do this?

Thanks for your help.

 

The most difficult part of changing speed sensors is that they are apt to break when trying to remove them and it can be difficult to get the pieces out of the bore. On your Windstar, I am pretty sure the tone wheel (the thing that excites the sensor, a series of teeth that indicate the wheel turning) are on the CV joint (front axle) instead of inside the wheel bearing, in which case breaking the sensor is not such a big deal because you can access the bore from both sides and there is no concern of bits falling into the bearing. If you are going to try it yourself, I suggest soaking the sensor over several days with penetrating fluid to give you a head start.

You could try for a used sensor but my inclination would be to go new.

Here are the instructions Autozone gives. http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d801d3f26.jsp. They are not great, and the pictures seem to show how to replace a light bulb, but they give you an idea of what you are in for. I would definitely recommend finding a manual if you do go ahead.

 

Thanks, hspr.

Coincidentally, after posting, I found the same autozone site you mention. And called Ford, new sensor is $74.00, not tooo bad. I'll probably give it a try, worst that can happen is the abs still wont work.

 

I looked at a Haynes manual for Windstar 1995-2003 and a Chiltons for Windstar 1995-2003 and neither provided any information about replacing an ABS sensor. They had a small introduction to the ABS system and a picture of the main control unit (EHCU), front wheel sensor and rear sensor.

I have access to an auto craft shop with a nice scanner. The scanner easily identified my LF wheel sensor as bad.

Looks like there is some good information available online about how to change an ABS wheel sensor.

 

The Auto Zone online manual has some nice information about how to replace the front or rear sensors. You will probably have to register with the site to see the online manual - registration is free.

 

CH, welcome to the forums! You were answering a 7 year old thread, so it was probably falling on deaf ears. If you are having a problem, let us know by starting your own thread (New Thread). We can help, if AZ information didn't get you on the right track.