How to disconnect ABS in 96 Windstar?

Hello all,

The ABS light and the brake light stay on when my 96 Windstar is running. Brake fluid level appears normal (although fluid needs changing) and the brakes and calipers also look okay overall, although there is some rust from salty roads. However, the brakes have severe let-up when coming to a stop, so that you have to slam your foot against the floor and wait several extra seconds for the brakes to respond eventually.

Was wondering whether this is related to an ABS sensor or some other components of the ABS system, and I want to pull the fuse that controls ABS to troubleshoot. (If it turns out that disabling ABS lets my "normal" braking system function as it should, then I will very likely leave the ABS disabled. No annual inspections in my state.)

Have spent the last few days reading through posts, and ran a search on this forum as well as searching over at http://www.cartrackers.com/Forums/live/fordwindstar/1095.html ... but still have questions about how to do this:

1. Where is the fuse located to disconnect the ABS? Is it under the hood?

2. And what is the fuse number?

3. Once I remove the fuse and ABS is disabled, what other systems will be affected? For example, will the a/c and heat still work?

Thanks for your help - have the factory wiring diagram, a diagnostic CD, and the factory service manual, but I'm still not sure how to proceed.

:confused:

I would check the rear sensors, where they are located, they are very suseptable to contamination, giving the ABS false indication. I had the same symptoms you are describing, pulled out the sensors, and one of my sensors was covered in brake dust and crap. Some ABS safe brake cleaner and they were good to go. No problems anymore. If you really want to disable your ABS, pulling the fuse for it would work. Not sure, check your manual for details on where it is. Good luck.

Check the post by SKIJHP back in 2004. Run an ABS keyword seach in the windstar forum and it should come up. The problem is the fluid sensor that is located at the end of the master cylinder and a 15A fuse. The sensor shorts out, takes out the fuse and disables the whole ABS system. See his post, its pretty comprehensive.