Left and right front ABS stators have cracks which are clearly visible. This causes the ABS system to activate on a low speed stop. At about 40 MPH the ABS light comes on and the system doesn't work.the brakes work in regular mode.this was discovered on 6/21/05 but had been happening . Mechanic changed an ABS sensor wire with a cut in it . Had to look further to find cracked stators.mechanic said that the ford dealership he called admitted there was a problem with some models,cracked stators on windstars,offered no solution. I called my ford dealer and was not helped .a part like this bears no weight and should not be failing.the cracks make the computer think there is a reason to activate and then at 40mph to shut down.the rear stators were not checked for cracks yet. Thank you
1996 Ford Contour: ABS light or ABS activating
8 of the 562 complaints about the 1996 Ford Contour describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
While driving the ABS light illuminated on the dash intermittently. When this occurred the anti lock brakes engaged prematurely. The ABS would then disengage and the brakes would lock up. *ak *ts
Abs failed to stop vehicle after brakes were applied. Vehicle started slowing up after ABS light came on. Brake pedal went to the floor. Eventually was able to stop vehicle. Been to mechanic 4 times, master cylinder proprtional valve was replaced to correct problem, which still was present. *ak consumer stated this has been an reocurring problem.
Brakes have little resistance when pressure is applied to brake pedal, feels "mushy. Also, ABS light on instrument panel came on. Dealership examined vehicle and reset ABS light. As the consumer was driving away from dealership, ABS light came back on. Dealership then determined they have to perform rewiring work to correct the problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Intermittent problems with ABS, when applying brakes at 5 MPH ABS kicks in, there is a pulsing noise at that time. Dealer numerous times, cannot remedy problem.
The wiring was damaged by corrosion which caused the ABS light to malfunction, the alarm system to be defective, the heating system to work improperly, and the cigarette lighter to not work.
Whenever I turn on the heater, A/C, defrost, or fan my ABS light turns on and my brakes are spongy. I have lost all brakes on two occasions when the ABS light came on. When my car sits for a weekend, the battery dies. Installed a new battery, still dies. Ford cannot find a cause for either problem. I have taken my car in to have the wiring harness changed for the lights, those went out. Also, my A/C fuse had caught fire, whole fuse box and blower was replaced.
Have had numerous problems: interior/brake lights failed to light. Replaced switch twice. Fuel filler door will not open with latch inside. Never worked. Cigarette lighter failed. Power window on driver's side has failed. Car intermittently will not start due to drained battery. Mechanic could find no cause for this related to alternator/charging system of car. Never able to fix this. Trunk leaks water around seal. Abs light keeps coming on . Mechanic could find no problem with ABS. Air conditioner/heater would only blow out defrost setting. Also bad smell comes from AC when on. Rear seat belts keep jamming; not able to use sometimes because they won't come out. Worst problem so far: transmission has failed. Not yet fixed. I loved this car once, now I hate it! The whole thing should be recalled.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Safety recall pertaining to brake pressure control reducing valve replacement
- Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material...
- Some vehicles may exhibit a groaning noise from the front brakes during city driving
- Experiencing a front brake groan during city driving
- Some vehicles may exhibit a front brake groan
- Information regarding multiple ABS codes
- Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use
- Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles not equipped with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). A pressure conscious reducing valve (pcrv) in the rear brakes may be subject to corrosion and result in malfunction, when operated in areas that use salt compounds on the roadway for de-icing or dust control.
- Risk
- If both pcrv's malfunction, vehicle handling could be adversely affected during braking as a result of the rear wheels locking, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install improved pcrv's in the rear brake system. This recall was expanded in september 2000 to include 1999 and 2000 ford contour, mercury mystique and cougar vehicles.
Recall number 00V075000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Ford Contour abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1996 Ford Contour?
8 of 562 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Contour (1%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1995.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Ford Contour?
There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Ford Contour
Headlights 54Stalling 34Overheating 24Fire or smoke 21Check engine light 17Engine failure 11Loss of power 11Transmission failure 10Won't start 9Brake failure 8Warning lights 7Ball joint 6Power windows 6Seat belt 6Grinding brakes 5Door locks 5Sudden acceleration 5Tire blowout 5
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