For safety reasons, you have to change the ABS relay in your Ford Explorer when the ABS warning light is lit on the driver control panel display. It is usually impossible to stop a vehicle that has a malfunctioning ABS relay as the relay controls the entire anti-lock brake system.
Instructions
- 1
Park the Explorer and engage the parking brake. Open the hood and secure it using the safety bar. Disconnect the negative battery cable (the black one) by loosening the nut on the clamp using an adjustable wrench.
2Find the engine relay center located in front of the battery. Release the cover by lifting up on the clips on either side of the cover. Set the cover aside. Look for the relay labeled ABS. On each side of the relay, there is a screw. Remove these screws using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull up on the relay to remove it.
3Unhook the wiring harness on the bottom of the relay by pressing the buttons on the side of the harness. Gently pull down on the harness while you are pressing the buttons.
4Plug the wiring harness into the bottom of the new ABS relay. Place the new ABS relay in the place from which you just removed the malfunctioning relay. Secure it by replacing the mounting fasteners. Tighten them with the screwdriver.
5Replace the cover and secure it with the clips. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Tighten the nut on the clamp. Close the hood.
6Start the engine. Look for the ABS warning light. If it remains off, test drive your vehicle by driving slowly and trying to stop. If the ABS warning light comes on, you should take it to a mechanic to service the system.
