i have a 2005 focus lx and have been having problems with the brakes.when pressed on normal driving the brakes would judder(abs kicking in) and the abs light would come on.took it to a mechanic who showed me my pads were very low,almost to metal, and that was the problem.he changed the pads for me but now,first time i press the brakes on driving, abs kicks in and light comes on.light stays on but brakes work normal. light goes off when engine off but then when started and brakes pressed first time, abs kicks in and light goes on again but brakes work normal. sorry for the essay but can anyone give me an idea on what it could be. thanks for listening.

 

Worn pads won't bring abs on, unless one was giving no grip, it would then pick up a wheel speed discrepency.
I would start by making sure the abs rings are clean, no loose rust etc, no chipped teeth as abs signals need to nice and clean, otherwise if it can't read system assumes wheels speed has differed, ie wheel locked up.
tabetha

 

I'd agree check ABS sensors, but the Focus doesn't use toothed wheels.

It uses segmented magnetic rings as the rotating element. At the front they are integral in the bearing so well shrouded by the Knuckle and CV. At the rear they are a push on fit on the back of the hub.

Any problems I've had have been fixed with a bit of WD40 (or real contact cleaner) in the weatherproof 2 pin connector.

Martin

 

There will be some dirt or grease on your abs sensor and on the pick up ring.Get some brake cleaner and try and clean the sensor if you can get it out and give the sensor and the pick up ring a good spray with this.

 

thanks for the replies.so have i got this right, just pop off the sensor and spray a little wd40? and how do i get at them rings? have to strip the hub down? thanks again