How To Reset ABS Light On 2013 Ford Escape
Is the ABS light on your Ford Escape bothering you? Don’t let it get in the way of your driving safety.
To reset the ABS light on a 2013 Ford, first check for any hard codes. Next, disconnect the battery and wait for a while for the power to drain from the system. Reconnect the battery and turn on the ignition without starting the engine to allow the system to initialize.
After some research and experimentation, I was able to successfully reset the ABS light on my 2013 Ford Escape without using a scan tool. In this article, I will share with you the step-by-step process I used to reset the ABS light on my car, so you can do it too.
Anti-Lock Braking Systems: What Are They?
Anti-lock braking system helps you stop your car safely by preventing the wheels from locking. When you use your brakes, ABS makes sure that you can still control the car and stop it quickly. This means that you can stop your car faster and at a shorter distance.
This is a crucial safety feature that is now a standard component in all modern vehicles.
How ABS Brakes Work?
The wheel speed of your automobile is monitored by a sensor, and if the sensor detects wheel lock, it will send a signal to a controller. Then it will release and apply the brake up to 20 times per second, preventing a lockup and assisting you in keeping control of your car.
How Did I Reset My Escape’s ABS Light?
I tried different methods to reset the ABS light on my Ford. But all were unsuccessful, and the indicator light kept on. Through thorough research, I finally found this method. This is super easy and successful.
Step 1: Check for Any Hard Codes
It was essential to determine whether the codes were soft or hard before proceeding. Soft codes were temporary or intermittent issues, while hard codes indicated severe or permanent problems that required a fix. I checked for any hard codes and found none, which meant that I could proceed with the reset.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
The next step was to disconnect the battery. I turned off the ignition and removed the key, then located the negative battery terminal. Using a wrench, I loosened the nut that secured it and removed the negative cable from the battery. I made sure to tuck it away from the battery’s positive terminal to avoid any electrical contact.
This video will assist you with the work.
Step 3: Wait for a While
After disconnecting the battery, I waited for 5 minutes before proceeding with the reset. This allowed the power to drain from the system, ensuring that any residual codes or data were erased.
Step 4: Reconnect the Battery
Now that the five-minute wait was over, it was time to reconnect the battery. I reattached the negative cable to the battery’s negative terminal and tightened the nut using a wrench, making sure that the cable was secure and tight.
Step 5: Turn on the Ignition
With the battery reconnected, I turned on the ignition without starting the engine. I allowed the system to initialize and cycle through the various warning lights on the dashboard. This step was crucial to ensuring that the ABS light had been reset.
Done! The ABS light went off!
After turning on the ignition, I started the engine and took the vehicle for a test drive. I paid close attention to the ABS light and made sure it did not turn on during the drive. If it did, it would have been an indication that there may be a more severe issue with the ABS that needs to be addressed.
Severe Issues That Cause the ABS Light to Come On Ford
| Issues | Solutions |
| Faulty wheel speed sensor | Replace the damaged wheel speed sensor |
| Low brake fluid | Add brake fluid to the correct level |
| Faulty ABS module | Reprograme the module Replace the ABS module |
| Blown fuse | Replace the ABS fuse |
| Corroded wiring | Inspect and repair or replace the corroded or damaged wiring |
| Failed ABS pump | Repair the pump Replace the failed ABS pump motor |
| Failed hydraulic valve in the pump | Clean the valves Replace damaged valves |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQs):
Does ABS help reduce brake fade?
Brake fade is a phenomenon where the braking power of the vehicle decreases over time due to overheating of the brakes. ABS can help prevent brake fade by allowing the driver to apply the brakes more gently.
Do ABS need high-quality brake pads to function?
Yes. When replacing brake pads on a vehicle with ABS, it is important to use high-quality pads that are specifically designed for use with ABS. Using low-quality or incorrect brake pads can cause the ABS to malfunction.
How does ABS work on a motorcycle?
A speed sensor placed on the rims that measures the motorcycle’s speed and the speed of the tires allows ABS to work by quickly releasing and reapplying the braking pressure to prevent the wheels from locking up. Some motorcycles also consider the lean angle, throttle position, engine speed, and other factors.
Do aircrafts have ABS?
Yes, but the name is slightly different. Anti-Skid is the name instead of ABS, although the idea is the same. It’s on every huge aircraft.
Goal of this is a little different. In an aircraft, the nose wheel is typically not braked and carries relatively little weight, making directional control—the primary function of ABS in automobiles—possible even without anti-skid.
However, due to the increased speeds and weights involved, airplanes have a considerably greater danger of sliding and hydroplaning. When either occurs, it can seriously damage the tires. The anti-skid is designed to stop this from happening.
Conclusion
I hope this helps you safely reset the ABS light on your Ford.
Resetting the ABS light on a 2013 Ford Escape is a simple process that can be done without the need for any specialized tools or equipment. It is essential to ensure that the codes are soft before proceeding and to address any hard codes before attempting to reset the system.
