On most Fords if the fluid level is low you get only the red brake light. On most Continental-Teves ABS systems like in the Econoline you will get the yellow ABS and the red. I'd guess the Focus has a Teves system so although the fluid level looks good I'd make sure it's at the "full" level and wiggle the wiring to the level switch. It could also just be a bad level switch.

When there is a fault specific to just the ABS system it will usually only illuminate the yellow light. It think your issues are fluid level sensor related.

 

Thanks, I will check this. I hope it is something as simple as that. The fluid level is maybe a couple mm below the full mark, does it have to be precisely at full?
I am just a bit confused because it was just sitting in a warm garage for a week and suddenly broke.

I also wanted to add that it seems to brake normally (ABS doesn't work of course). It is very slippery right now (snow blizzard) and when braking hard I can feel it locking the brakes, but it slides forward and does not start to drift to the side. I think this means that the pressure in the different brake cylinders is even?

I will check the fluid level sensor and make sure it is dipped in the fluid and will let you know if that was the cause.

 

This indicates an ABS problem thats all, you really need to have the codes read with a Ford spesific code reader, the red light together with the ABS light , only means that your ABS unit is disabled,

 

I have this issue on my vehicle also. It seems to be a bad cluster. I tried to change the level sensor. I tested all my wiring, I read my codes it comes up as low brake fluid even jumped, new floats, everything.

On mine the brake and abs light flash while driving or just stay on.

I have an 04 SE
What is yours?

 

Mine is a 01 (European Version).

Yesterday I added some DOT4 brake fluid up to the maximum line, but it did not change anything. Visually checked the cables, but they were ok. Everything is clean there and no visual damage.

Unfortunately I do not have a code reader, but you say your lights lit up on low brake fluid level perhaps a battery disconnect is required to reset it once the level is back up? I am not convinced these codes reset on their own, they should act as a log for problems for the car service?

Someone else also suggested the brake calipers are worn and that could be the case for me, maybe there is a sensor for that as well?

 

You are basically blindfolded, until you have the codes read from the car.disconnecting the battery will not help on this one, the ABS unit is reset every time the ignition is turned on, chk your fuses,for the ABS ,if the abs unit is missing 12v this is the error you will have, if it has voltage, my bet is that the unit is broken.

 

I think the ABS itself is ok. The light is on because it has been disabled due to the brake issue. So I think the first point to take care of is the red brake warning light. That was the thing I wanted to try resetting by disconnecting the battery. After that is resolved I am hoping the ABS light will go out.
But I'll check the fuses just in case.

 

Try this. mine does it. when both lights are on pull up your ebrake see if the ABS light goes out.

The red brake lihgt goes out as soon as the issue is fixed without turning off the key.
Red brake light gets ground from either float switch or ebrake switch then light comes on.

 

No, pulling the e-brake does nothing. Both lights still stay on. It would seem I am going to need to read a code to figure it out. I will look into the manual. Perhaps you could turn the ignition on/off a few times to make it show the code by blinking the CEL like it does on some cars.

 

try autozone mabey they can read the ABS code. Engine code won't show the issue.

 

I am in europe and there is no autozone. But I was due for a yearly maintenance in a couple of weeks anyway. I hope nothing gets worse in a couple of weeks while I drive like this.
I will get back here and write the final diagnosis after the maintenance is done and the issue is fixed.

 

ABS warning light (yellow): It will come on if an issue is detected with any part of the ABS system, however a defective speed sensor is the most common problem. Replacement of a wheel bearing can damage the sensor during removal / install, or the electrical connection can become defective because of corrision (quick connect connection).

Brake warning light (Red): 3 things can make this light come on.
1. Low fluid level.
2. Parking brake switch triggered.
3. If one of the speed sensor becomes completely disconnected from the ABS circuit, both ABS and Brake light will come on. Therefore, if a speed sensor is still connected and detected by the computer but is not sending speed values that are the same as other sensors, only the ABS light will come on. If computer does not see sensor at all, then both lights will come on.

 

hi iv been having the exact same problem. but the problem seems the get much worse in wet weather. also sometimes the speedo completely dies and goes to zero. Seems like it would be the speed sensor. Does anyone know where its located on a 06 ford focus 1.4 petrol? thanks

 

So you have 3 symptoms?

1 - Handbrake ON warning indicator light is always ON.
2 - ABS caution indicator light comes ON sometimes and comes ON more often when it is raining/wet.
3 - Speedometer intermittently fails while driving.

There was this guy here recently (from UK or Ireland) who also had issues with the handbrake... hmmmm... can't remember the outcome at the moment. Check the base of the handbrake handle and look for a switch. Maybe the handle is not contacting the switch properly.

I do not have electrical troubleshooting advice for the ABS at the moment, but I would first perform a good inspection of each wheel inside and underneath the car and look for any damage of the wiring at each wheel hub/knuckle area.

Your car has disc brakes on all 4 wheels right?

 

This thread might help a tiny bit->
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=362017

This might help some->
http://www.ohmcheck.com/content.php?159-How-to-test-a-vehicle-ABS-sensor

You should check brake fluid level. Find someone with a OBDII scan tool that supports ABS codes.