2003 Ford Ranger: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Feb 12, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 7,000 miles · GA

I purchase this truck brand new from gene evans ford in august 2003. I started complaining to them a week later that the truck rides as though my butt is hitting the pavement on a trip I took. Everyone ignored my concern in the service and sales department. When the problem was finally notice. I was sold a brand new truck with a severe bent axle and they would not do anything to repair the truck nor give me another one. They all played dumb and stupid as to never seeing the problem in the beginning. Ford still owes me restitution. Dealership should not be able to defraud the public on damage vehicles paying a fortune for just to kill you or someone else. Gene evans knew there was a problem from the onset. There has been a lot of problems with this truck in the past, present and most likely in the future considering the repairs that has already been put into the truck out of my pocket. My vehicle does everthing in all motion and no motion at all. Dangerous things happens including, cutting off constantly, lights are dim on the outside so it is very hard to see at night,rain coming in the rear window, truck started smoking, filled the reservoir and over flowed spewing the antifreeze all over the engine. It sounded like food was frying in very hot grease. There is a stinking odor, smells like very strong urine . Sickening feeling comes over me and anyone in the truck.ABS and check engine lights will not go off. The passenger window is moving slow as though it is going to stop. Trucks jumps which causing me to bounce up and down while idling or at a stop.

Filed Feb 15, 2013 · Brakes · 78,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic however, the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 96,000.

Filed Dec 19, 2011 · Brakes · GA

Brake rotors sold by advance auto parts as an "exact fit" for this vehicle were installed without any problems and all associated components for a brake repair (pads, calipers, bearings, seals, ABS rings) were also installed and seemed to fit perfectly. After assembly I noticed that the brake pads were only partially bearing on the brake rotor, with the pads overlapping the edge of the rotors. I did not notice this condition until both new front rotors had been replaced and all components except the tires/wheels had been replaced. Upon further research, the rotors sold as an "exact fit" (selected for me by the counter man at my local advance auto parts store) were approximately 1 inch smaller in diameter as the original equipment rotors. I contacted advance customer service to inform them of this problem and they denied any responsibility for installation of improper parts. Several reviews posted on the store's website indicate that other people have installed these rotors and are driving around with them despite the fact they are not the proper rotors for this 4 wheel antilock brake vehicle (they do fit rangers with rear wheel antilock brakes). This is a murphy's law situation in which a consumer can install these parts and drive around with them, unaware of the potential for brake failure. The final installation looks normal and I would not have noticed unless I had made a close inspection and found that the brake pads were not in full contact with the rotor surface because of the smaller than specification diameter. This is a serious safety hazard because the advance auto parts website and store computer system list them as an exact fit for the vehicle when, in fact, they are not. They can be installed and driven without the installer realizing that they are the wrong size. This requires an immediate notice and recall and advance should be sanctioned.

Filed Mar 21, 2009 · Brakes · 64,580 miles · FL

The first time the brakes locked up and didn't release I was coming down the street where I live going less than 15 MPH and when we hit the brakes my truck didn't stop and we went sideways trying to stay out on-coming traffic. This last time it locked up I was already on the brakes going less than 15 MPH and I came within an inch of hitting the car in front of me. I have brand new tires and brakes all the way around. This should not be happening. There is something messed up in the computer my ABS light never even came on while I was sliding.

Filed Oct 2, 2008 · Brakes · 100 miles · MO

When releasing the parking brake during wet conditions the linings stick to the drums, this is especially a problem in the winter months as they will freeze. This also causes the brakes to be extremely sensitive during the first 5 miles (approx) of braking. When the vehicle service brakes are applied the rear wheel grab hard and the ABS tries to release them and can't. I have had two faults on the ABS due to this. This is not a one time thing this happens so frequently that during wet/freezing conditions I actually use a 4x4 wood block to hold the vehicle in place..