Loss of hydraulic brake assist on super coupe. Pedal became hard to press. Both brake and ABS annunciators illuminating. Troubleshooting indicates brake pressure switch failing to signal pump to charge system or accumulator has failed. Master cylinder and ABS system are original equipment and thus 24 years old.
Ford Thunderbird abs comes on
61 of the 2,012 owner complaints about the Ford Thunderbird describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1990 model year.
- owner complaints
- 61
- worst model year
- 1990
- typical mileage
- 27,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 16Pulling 2Seat belt 1Premature wear 1Headlights 1Airbag light 1
What owners say
[xxx] need your help her car was stolen and not returned witness [xxx][xxx] and witness ABS order[xxx] location campus police fsu sba building 1(910)672-1726 more information robert hassell campus police car was parked and locked student[xxx] car was taken not returned asking for car recall [xxx] [xxx] to start process victim[xxx] is waiting for settlement at [xxx] or [xxx] thanks. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Abs & wheel speed sensor dash lights illuminated. Had mechanic inspect causes and diagnose using ABS fault codes. Vehicle required a new ABS brake / wheel speed sensor replacement on left front hub assy. Ford does not sell this part individually only as an assembly consisting of major brake and suspension details as a unit. This cost is @ $580. Mechanic was able to purchase a hub unit from napa auto parts @ $236.17. With only 21,696 miles total this part should not have failed so pre-maturely and parts should be made available for this as a detail of an assembly not a whole assembly consisting of un-needed parts directly from ford. Is there a notice regarding this item?
Your assistance is required in resolving the following problem with a dangerous and claimed unrepairable braking system on this 1990 ford thunderbird super coupe VIN#[xxx]. This vehicle was manufactured with an ABS braking system that is dangerous upon failure. This ABS system upon failure results in the "complete" loss of braking on this vehicle and poses a serious threat of injury to unsuspecting occupants operating this vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with the early tevis ii anti-lock braking system which has been described by ford brake technicians as the "worst" braking system ever installed on a vehicle to repair. Unlike other ABS braking systems, which allow a vehicle's hydraulic braking system to continue to function with a failure in the ABS portion of the system, this vehicle's "entire brake system fails" with the loss of its ABS component. Ford was apparently aware of this defect and apparent danger, because this system was upgraded only after approximately 3-years of production. I have spent over $2,000.00 over the last 2 years on this braking system. I initially took it to a pearson's ford in san diego california in 2001 for brake system repair and upon receiving the vehicle from dealer, I experienced a problem with the ABS warning light coming on periodically while driving the vehicle. I returned it to the dealership on several occasions and the dealer stated that they could not find the problem. They suggested I continue to drive the vehicle. I continued to drive the vehicle upon pearson ford's recommendation until I experienced a full system failure. Theodore robbins ford of costa mesa california has attempted repairs and the system has failed after each repair. They still have the vehicle. Ford states they no longer support this brake system and did not see a need to issue any alerts or recalls on this system, which discontinued. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
The seat belt locked up when a turn was made, also the ABS did not work.
The ABS did not work properly, when the brakes were applied, the vehicle hopped over the road.
When coming to a stop driver's side wheel will lock up when applying ABS brakes. Dealer notified.
While the consumer tried to stop the vehicle both front and rear brakes would not grab at all, took the vehicle to the dealer and dealer told consumer the brakes had catastrophically failed. The consumer called ford factory representative and told them about the problem and admitted it was a design defect. The consumer stated that he had repeated problem with the ABS system.
Abs brake light go on and off with the foot on the brake pedal, causing a flashing of the lights.
While pulling into a parking space at a sight incline postion, ABS motor engaged, causing front brakesto grabs and noise coming from under the hood. Consumer drove vehicle home, and the ABS motor remained on after turning vehicle off. Dealer was notified,and unwilling to assist, because vehicle was out of its warranty, and not coverwd under a manufacturer's recall. Provide any further information on this matter.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Ford Thunderbird abs
Why does the abs come on in the Ford Thunderbird?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, pulls to one side and seat belt won't latch or retract.
Which Ford Thunderbird years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1990 (17 complaints), 1994 (13 complaints) and 1992 (9 complaints).
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