I believe that a very serious design flaw exist in the brake system on the ford explorer. The light on my ABS brakes would come on once in a while then go out. I think that most people would not even notice. It happened to me twice that I am aware of, the first time I was braking moderately hard for a red light my vehicle immediately spun hard to the left I was able to correct it and regain control I was driving at 40 MPH. The second time it occurred I was driving at 50 MPH under the exact same conditions but this time I spun out and hit a curb damaging my left rear rim and breaking the support cable for my spare tire. This time I traced the problem to the switch on the brake fluid reservoir. On a vehicle that spins out so easy I dont think that it is a good idea to disable the ABS brakes with a low fluid sensor. I had plenty of fluid in my reservoir the switch just failed, if the faulty switch had been set up to just indicate low fluid the dangerous conditions that happened would not occurre. This is a copy of the letter I sent to ford. I think that a lot of the roll over accidents are caused by this problem.
1992 Ford Explorer: ABS light or ABS activating
20 of the 633 complaints about the 1992 Ford Explorer describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 20
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 1
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Slowing down , cosnumer tapped brakes and ABS locked up, causing vehicle to spin, and resulting in loss of control.
The anti-lock brakes locked up while slowing for a 15mph curve and the explorer tracked straight ahead. Any and all braking seemed useless during the attempted decelaration process. I'm tardy in reporting this event,but a similar accident by friends of ours in a 1993 explorer made me think thev whole accident over. I firmly believe ford has a problem with their earlier explorers in regards to ABS/disc brakes/and slowing in general. Would like to know if this is an isolated event or whether this is somewhat commom in the earlier production explorers.
Abs problems, on normal road conditions when applying brakes the pedal went to the floor and would not grab at all. Vehicle just kept going and crashed through garage door. *ak repair shop stated that the master cylinder failed.
Warnng light illuminated, indicating malfunction of the ABS braking system. Dealer replaced rear ABS valve. Please give futher details.
Heating and air conditioning unit caught on fire once , four sets of tires ,two sets of shock and four sets of ABS brakes were replaced. Having other problem s, including four transmissions had to be replaced.
Poor ABS brake performance, the brake light came on. The pedal was soft, and went to the floor. Partial brake failure was experienced. The master cylinder had a leak.
Abs, brake failure/ lockup and extended stopping distance with pedal going to the floor, replacement of rotors and calipers and drums and pads in front and rear.
When applying the ABS brakes, the vehicle brakes lock up. Please describe.
Abs brakes; when applying the brakes in damp weather, the rear brakes lock up. Please describe.
Came to stop, driving at speed 35 MPH, applied brake, loss of all effectiveness, impact 1:00 position, (ABS) *ak after the accident consumer tool vehicle to dealer to have brake booster.master cylinder fixed at consumer's expense under her exteneded warranty.
Abs: rear anti lock brakes locks up; vehicle jumps forward; ABS lights comes on; brake pedal went to floor causing accident; rearended another; 3 car collision.
Service bulletins that may apply
- The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable
- A comprehensive pull and drift diagnostic procedure has been developed to assist technicians with vehicle...
- A grabbing and/or sticking condition during the first few brake applications when the brakes are cold or...
- Concerns with rear brake grab during the first few brake applications when the brakes are cold or in the...
- The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable because...
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
- What is wrong
- The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern california location.
- Risk
- If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.
Recall number 96V024001 · Recall details
Questions about the 1992 Ford Explorer abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1992 Ford Explorer?
20 of 633 owner complaints about the 1992 Ford Explorer (3%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1993.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1992 Ford Explorer?
There is 1 recall and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1992 Ford Explorer
Tire blowout 54Fire or smoke 43Transmission failure 21Brake failure 18Seat belt 17Door locks 11Stalling 10Grinding brakes 6Loss of power 6Adaptive cruise 5Jerking 5Power steering loss 5Pulling 5
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