Three problems related to brake antilock wheel speed sensor have been reported for the 2004 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2004 Explorer.
On April 6th of this year I purchased a 2004 Ford Explorer. The next day I took the car for city inspection. . . It passed. The very next day (Sunday) the check engine light came on. The abs light would also illuminate. I took the car to autozone to have it diagnosed (egr valve). Only the check engine light could be diagnosed because the abs light came on at random while I was driving. The car was still under the 1000 mile warranty so the egr valve was replaced and a speed sensor believed to be the problem with the abs light. I purchased an independent extended warranty so I would be covered for any surprise expenses. I had my chance to use it in just a few months later when the car ran hot. The repair was not covered. This happened in July, just a few months after buying the car. Earlier this month (November 2012) the service engine light came on again but it didn't stay on so I couldn't get it diagnosed. No need to have it diagnosed because the battery light came on too. I took it to autozone once again and the battery tested bad. It wouldn't start at the store. I bought the battery, it was installed and checked again. The alternator showed it wasn't charging. I had to have the alternator replaced. With the cold weather, I discovered the defrost vents don't work. Air only blows from front vents. On the morning of November 19th, I was taking my son to school and the overdrive light started flashing. It happened again while on my way home from work on November 21st. So now I suppose I have transmission problems. Ford needs to answer for their horrible engineering.
2004 Ford Explorer XLT having recurring problems with antilock brake system. The consumer stated the abs light illuminated twice. The first time the problem occurred, the dealer diagnosed the problam as a faulty switch which they replaced. The second time the light illuminated, the dealer stated the problem was a speed sensor on the rear axle.
: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at various speeds, the antilock brakes activated on normal road conditions without warning. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who replaced the wheel speed sensor. Afterwards, upon applying brake pressure at any speed there was a pronounced vibration within the brake pedal. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was contacted.