Bad situation and DON'T drive the van. It's pretty old and probably has a bad anti-lock unit(sometimes a shop can bleed the air out of the system and it will work okay). Have a mechanic you trust find an anti-lock unit used or new.
I had this problem with a 97 Mercury Sable and had to get a used anti-lock unit to fix it so my son could drive it.
don-ohio
When you can add in maker of vehicle and how old
brake master cylinder bypassing internally
faulty leaking ABS module or wheel sensors
faulty brake booster
How to Diagnose Faulty Brake Booster
SOURCE: '98 Windstar ABS and traction control lights after getting brakes done
Prior to the brakes being replaced you more than likely had metal to metal contact which can throw metal shavings on the ABS wheel sensors. This metal shavings stick to the road grime on the wheel sensors showing the ABS computer a false reading making the ABS light come on. On Ford Windstars, the ABS light and the traction control light are on the same circuit. A simple (and cheap) fix is to pull the ABS wheel sensors and clean them with brake cleaner or throttle body cleaner. Make sure you dry them well and reinstall. On the Windstar there is one bold holding the sensors to the back of the wheels. I recommend you spray some WD40 on the bold and wait about 10 minutes before removing.
If this doesn't fix the ABS light and brakes, you can have the ABS system diagnosed at a shop for about an hour labor. (Usally about $100)
I have fixed many of these type of problems just by cleaning the ABS wheel sensors. Good luck.
SOURCE: 95 ford explorer, grinding noise/vibration at slow speeds.
CHECK YOUR UNIVERSAILS COULD BE WORN OR DRY U NEED TO PULL OUT THE SHAFT TO CHECK PROPLEY CHECK FOR STIFFNESS AND NOTCHEY MOVEMENT
SOURCE: Grinding noises coming from the engine
I would suggest a heavier weight oil and more frequently checking the oil level
SOURCE: 1999 Ford Windstar, Grinding Noise when brakes are pressed
Sounds like the pads are worn out and are grinding on the rotors. You will likely have to replace the pads and rotors.
SOURCE: 1991 Ford explorer XLT w/ rear ABS lock up
do you use your ebrake? did you use your e brake after it had't been used for a long time. sounds like the e brake might not be released all the way.
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so the only way to get any help with this problem is to pay for an answer. Had I known that I wouldn't have bothered posting it here. Thanx
hi from the uk i am surprised no one has helped you with brakes problem unfortunately i have only recently come onto this website and just come across your plight ? i assume it is fixed by now ? if not ? please update i fully understand your fears as to what you describe withe the van brakes and you are not wrong in your desciption of what happens when brakes fade away this IS dangerouse and req'd attention ASAP too late when you hit something or worst still a child ? and then what? did'nt realise the brakes were as bad as you said comes the reply? please rest assured there are expert mechs on this board willing to give free advice/info especially me and welcome updates from satisfied people who have saved $$$$ ££££s on diy repairs with sound advice weve given
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