Ford F150 ABS Warning Light On: Reasons and Resetting Options

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a crucial safety component of the Ford F150. It ensures safety in case of sudden braking or vehicle skidding. However, if there is any issue with the system’s components, the ABS warns you by triggering the illumination of the light on the dashboard.  

So why is the Ford F150 ABS warning light on? The reasons for such a warning include 

• A damaged speed sensor
• Low brake fluid level
• An issue with the ABS pump
• Low tire pressure
• A blown fuse

Also, the light remains on if the system is turned off accidentally. 

In this article, we elaborate on all of the reasons and solutions. Additionally, we also notify you of its resetting options.

Reasons	Solutions
Insufficient tire pressure	Take the tire pressure to 35 psi
Faulty ABS pump	Replace the switch circuit and the hydraulic pump’s motor circuit
Faulty speed sensor	Replace the sensor
Low brake fluid level	Pour in brake fluid
ABS fuse damaged	Replace the fuse
ABS turned off	Switch it on

Ford F150 ABS Warning Light On: Reasons and Solutions

In general, after you switch on your Ford, the ABS light turns on, and after a while, it goes off. But if the light remains on, then there is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Here, we describe those issues and their resolutions.

1. Low Tire Pressure

Insufficient tire pressure in one or multiple wheels triggers the illumination of the ABS light. Here, the ABS continuously collects data from the wheel speed sensors. 

Any tire with low pressure comes up with a different rotational speed than the other tires and activates an error code within the ABS. This triggers the illumination of the ABS warning light. 

How to Solve

Below is the stepwise guide to address the low tire pressure issue.

Step 01: Stop the vehicle at a safe place.

Step 02: Check the tire pressure by physical inspection. To be certain, check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge.

Step 03: If you see any tire below the standard pressure of 35 psi, go to a nearby fuel station or workshop to fill the pressure to the appropriate level.

2. Faulty ABS Pump

If any component of the ABS Pump is faulty, your F150’s ABS light remains on. Here, we must inform you that the ABS pump is also known as the Hydraulic Control Unit. And it has two main parts: an electronic part and a mechanical-hydraulic part. 

When the ABS experiences a wheel getting stuck when you press the brakes hard, the mechanical-hydraulic part opens and closes valves quickly. As a result, it triggers the release of some fluid, restoring the wheel’s spin. 

Following this, when the mechanical-hydraulic part fails to perform these actions, it sends a signal to the electric part’s sensor. Finally, the ABS receives the error signal, and the warning light on the dashboard starts to illuminate. 

How to Solve

Here, we mention the resolution.

Step 01: To solve the issue, use an OBD II scanner.

Step 02: Connect the scanner with the F150’s diagnostic port and run the scan.

Step 03: Check out for error codes like C1100, C1095, etc. The C1100 indicates that the ABS pump’s switch circuit is failed, and the C1095 indicates that the hydraulic pump’s motor circuit is failed.

Step 04: For codes C1100 and C1095, you have to replace the ABS pump’s switch circuit and the hydraulic pump’s motor circuit. Remove all the connections and take out the circuit. Finally, you have to install a new one and redo the connection. And you have to repair connection faults (if any) as well.

3. Damaged Speed Sensor

If any of the speed sensors at the wheel is damaged, the Ford F150’s ABS light warns you. ABS collects data from the speed sensor in a continuous manner to adjust the wheel’s spinning speed. 

If the sensor becomes faulty due to an electric issue, rust, dust, moisture, etc., it fails to send the signal to ABS smoothly. As a result, the Anti-lock braking system triggers the warning light.

How to Solve

To address the faulty speed sensor issue, employ the below-mentioned stepwise guide.

Step 01: At first, connect an OBD 2 scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port

Step 02: Run a scan.

Step 03: If there is any actual problem with the wheel speed sensor, the OBD II scanner will come up with a code called C0221.

Step 04: Go for the sensor replacement following the below approaches.

1. Park the vehicle, jack up and remove the respective wheel.
2. Remove the brake pad and rotor to get a clear view of the sensor’s attachment. 
3. Unclip the sensor and unplug the affixed wires. Take out the old sensor.
4. Use a piece of cloth to make the surrounding area rust-free. Install the new sensor.
5. Do the clipping and connect the wires.
6. Now, place the brake pad and rotor if you have removed it. Fix the wheel and remove the jack.
7. Do not forget to check the malfunctions within the connection. Do it physically; if there is any fault in the connection, repair that one. 

4. Low Brake Fluid Level

Brake fluid helps the brakes work by transferring the pressure from the brake pedal to the bare clamp. This pressure allows the car to stop promptly. 

But, if the brake fluid level on F150 is below the recommended level, it reduces the braking system’s performance. Following this, upon receiving the respective fault data, the ABS warning light gets illuminated. 

How to Solve

The following is the step-by-step guide to solving low brake fluid level issues.

Step 01: Open the hood.

Step 02: Identify the brake fluid reservoir. An easy way to identify is to look at the cap labeled with brake fluid.

Step 03: Open the cap and check the brake fluid level.

Step 04: Pour in fresh brake fluid inside the reservoir. Take the level to the maximum mark until the recommended level is signed.

5. The ABS Fuse is Damaged

ABS fuse keeps the electrical components safe from too much electricity flow. But, sometimes, the fuse receives excessive electricity flow due to electrical issues like wiring problems. And it gets damaged. This lets the ABS light stay on to let you know something’s wrong.

How to Solve

Below is the resolution process.

Step 01: Open the fuse box under the engine compartment on the driver’s side.

Step 02: There are two fuses for ABS: one is 10 amp, and the other is 30 amp. The 10-amp fuse is the dedicated ABS fuse, and the 30-amp fuse is for the relay of the ABS.

Step 03: Take out both fuse and check the condition.

Step 04: If there is any burn sign, replace that fuse.

6. ABS Turned Off Accidentally

There are times when you turn off the ABS by mistake. And in this case, you will see the warning light is on. 

How to Solve

Just switch on the system again by applying the below-listed approaches.

Step 01: Locate the traction control button on the instrument panel. It is located above the monitor labeled “off.”

Step 02: Press the button.

Step 03: The ABS light is gone.

Resetting Process of the Ford F150 ABS 

If you cannot see any of the issues mentioned above but the ABS light is on, it is time for resetting. There are two stages for resetting. 

Stage 1: Manual Work

Here, we inform you of the process of force resetting the ABS.

Step 01: Disconnect the positive battery cable (the red one).

Step 02: Push down on the brake pedal and hold it for a while. This will use up any leftover electricity in the car.

Step 03: The car’s computer system does automatic configuration.

Step 04: Wait for a bit, and once the resetting is done, you’ll see the ABS light has gone away.

Stage 2: Using OBD II Scanner

Here, we inform you of the resetting process using OBD II.

Step 01: First, stop the car and then start it again. Just let it idle; don’t drive. Wait for a bit and see if the light goes off.

Step 02: If the light is still on, start driving at around 20 km per hour (about 12 mph) for at least 5 miles. Then check if the light has turned off.

Step 03: If the light is still on, plug in the OBD II Scanner.

Step 04: Turn on the car’s engine.

Step 05: The scanner will ask you for some information, like your car’s model, engine type, and VIN. Insert these data correctly.

Step 06: Now, run a scan.

Step 07: If the scanner finds fault codes, you must replace or repair something according to the specific code.

Step 08: Finally, turn off the engine and turn it on again. The light should be gone.

Check out this YouTube video to visually  learn using the OBD II scanner :

If your Ford F-150’s ABS warning light is causing concern, our article on trailer ABS light comes on when brakes applied might provide insights into similar situations. Moreover, if you’re a Jeep Wrangler owner dealing with an ABS light issue, our guide on Jeep Wrangler ABS light concerns is here to offer assistance. We understand the importance of addressing ABS-related issues promptly and ensuring the safety and functionality of your vehicle, and our comprehensive resources are designed to help you navigate and resolve any concerns you may encounter.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions regarding Ford F150’s ABS warning light.

Final Words

We expect that now you have a clear idea about why the Ford F150 ABS warning light on. The reasons are damaged ABS fuse, low brake fluid level, damaged speed sensor, low tire pressure, etc. The given stepwise guides are sufficient to solve each issue. Follow those to get the ABS light off.  

It is always better to carry an OBD II scanner while you are driving. This will assist you in easily identifying the issue. Finally, even after applying the resolution approaches, reset the whole system if the ABS light remains on. In this case, cut the power of the system and power it back.