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1999 Ford Windstar 3.8l, 195K miles --- spongy brake pedal.
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ponch
New User
May 30, 2013, 10:58 AM
Post #1 of 6
(2701 views)
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1999 Ford Windstar 3.8l, 195K miles --- spongy brake pedal.
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When stopped at stop light, foot on brake, van starts to move forward until I apply more pressure on pedal; then
pedal goes to the floor. --- ABS Light is ON, but it has been ON for a long time with no noticable braking problem. ---
I replaced shoes, pads and two leaky wheel cylinders --- As another post in this forum, I bled, bled and rebled
but no cure. --- No leaks anywhere --- It stops quite well during emergency braking, then pedal goes to the floor
--- I took it to Ford (40 miles away) and they said brakes were O.K., but they said ABS Module was bad ($950 worth).
--- I could not get them to do a power bleed --- Is it possible they wanted no part of this because of any liability
for work I had done? Where can I go from here? Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 30, 2013, 11:25 AM
Post #2 of 6
(2698 views)
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Re: 1999 Ford Windstar 3.8l, 195K miles --- spongy brake pedal.
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So, what is your question. Sounds like you already have a diagnosis.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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ponch
New User
May 30, 2013, 1:01 PM
Post #3 of 6
(2675 views)
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Re: 1999 Ford Windstar 3.8l, 195K miles --- spongy brake pedal.
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Thanks Hammer Time:
I assumed (wrongly, I guess) several things :
1. I understood that if ABS fails, brake system reverts to "standard brakes" --- and if it does, then it seems to me that
brake pedal should not be spongy.
2. The ABS Light has been ON for quite some time, so I assumed the ABS Module was bad even before I attempted
repair, but I had good brakes.
3. I understand that the ABS function can be defeated by removing a couple of 40A fused and jumpering the
SCDS switch.
So, if ABS could be defeated then the problem, as far as I was concerned, had to be in the "standard" brake system.
Please set me straight --- are you saying that the diagnosis is probably correct and if I replace the ABS Module my problem
will be resolved? ---I have a problem in that I tend to out think myself.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 30, 2013, 2:05 PM
Post #4 of 6
(2671 views)
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Re: 1999 Ford Windstar 3.8l, 195K miles --- spongy brake pedal.
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Yes, you're assuming a little too much. An electrical issue with the ABS will revert to regular brakes but a hydraulic issue within the ABS unit can cause you to lose brakes. If your brake pedal is doing what we call "bypassing" and the pedal is creeping when being held, that can only happen in 2 places, assuming it's not losing any fluid. that would be either the master or the ABS unit.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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ponch
New User
May 30, 2013, 2:54 PM
Post #5 of 6
(2657 views)
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Re: 1999 Ford Windstar 3.8l, 195K miles --- spongy brake pedal.
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Thanks for setting me straight Hammer Time --- It looks like I'm only a few hundred dollars from eliminating
my problem --- Almost more than the car is worth, but it's been with me for a long time and it has been
good to me!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 30, 2013, 2:57 PM
Post #6 of 6
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Re: 1999 Ford Windstar 3.8l, 195K miles --- spongy brake pedal.
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I would get clarification from them that they are recommending that for the brake pedal issue and not some other reason. You might look into getting a used one too.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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