Abs/brake Light Is Coming On ? ? 1996

I have a 96 Winstar and I love it, but for the past week the ABS light keeps popping on. It will pop on about five minutes into driving and stay on until I shut the van off. Also the brake light will also "sometimes" pop on with it.
The van's brakes are squealing a little (just normal squealing) it doesnt sound like metal grinding or nothing .And the brakes are less than a year old.
What should I check to stop this ABS light from coming on?

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate this forum ,this has been a blessing from God the day I stumbled onto this forum.

I would be most worried about the red brake light.

The amber ABS light indicates that something has failed the self test and thus the ABS system is disabled. As long as the Red brake light is off then normal braking is still working. If the Red brake light comes on it indicates a problem with the standard braking system. This light will also illuminate if the parking brake is on (or the PB switch is stuck) or if the brake fluid is low among other things. The Ambe light will also illuminate if the brake fluid is low or any other ABS related problem.

Step 1 is to ensure the fluid is topped up and get rid of the Red Brake light. Then if the ABS light is still on you can troubleshoot the ABS system in detail.

I found the problem, my brake fluid was low. How simple was that, thanks for the reply, I topped the fluid off and now no lights are popping on.

Thanks.......................

I had the same problem with my 96. I topped up the fluid, but several weeks down the road, the light came back on. I was told to check my breaks as the linings wear over time, resulting in fluid level dropping. Even if your breaks are only a year old, it may be something to check into if the light comes back on.Hopefully in your case it was just the fluid level.

actually this is the second time in about two months that I had to add brake fluid.
So mabey the linings are wearing down, by linings do you mean the brake pads?

actually this is the second time in about two months that I had to add brake fluid.
So mabey the linings are wearing down, by linings do you mean the brake pads?

As far as I was told I needed new pads and shoes.Also the drum was in poor shape so I had that replaced as well. So far no problems with the fluid level or the light coming back on.

Just some FYI. I have a 96 Ford Windstar 3.8 V6. About 2 years ago I had the same problem where the ABS light was coming on and the vehicle was leaking ABS fluid. Did some research and it turned out there was a recall on the 96 model for the front passenger side brake line. The brake line is about 4 feet and runs horizontal to the firewall. Turns out that recall was to reposition the brake line as it actually was rubbing against the firewall and the heat buildup was causing it to corrode prematurely. First place I would check for a leak would be there.

Just some FYI. I have a 96 Ford Windstar 3.8 V6. About 2 years ago I had the same problem where the ABS light was coming on and the vehicle was leaking ABS fluid. Did some research and it turned out there was a recall on the 96 model for the front passenger side brake line. The brake line is about 4 feet and runs horizontal to the firewall. Turns out that recall was to reposition the brake line as it actually was rubbing against the firewall and the heat buildup was causing it to corrode prematurely. First place I would check for a leak would be there.

thanks I will, would Ford be rssponsible for that repair?
And how do I go about that process? IS IT a long processm that would be easeir for me to do myself?

I also have a 96 Windstar.When did this recall go out,or did it go out to owners?Sometime the recall isn't made public knowlege to owners,you have to ask.Can't say I think much of that policy,how do you know to ask about something you haven't been made aware of?
Chicin

If it is a RECALL then yes FORD pays.

Another possibility, but not exactly common, is that the master cylinder (where you add brake fluid) is leaking into the brake booster. You would never see this. If there are no external leaks that can be found, it's time to remove the master cylinder and inspect it where it mounts for any evidence of leaking.

I bought my 95 windstar used and the ABS light came on shortly after buying it. Within 1 or 2 days the brake light came on too. The ABS problem was a loose or dirty wire harness connection going into the ABS distribution box. Unplugged the harness and plugged it back in and problem solved :) The brake light was low fluid level. Strange they would happen at the same time.

Hudsky