Sensor cable to brake backplate - 2007 F150?

[Daves55Sedan]

I believe this is for the anti-lock brake system, but don't know what this does or how it causes the brakes to operate.
I bought this 2007 F150 XL (white work package) new at a dealer and kept it in excellent condition through the years. It was stolen late last month and only had 54K miles on it.
When it was found abandoned on the highway (2 tires were shredded to oblivion), the state police towed it to impound lot and I went to inspect it.
One of the wheels was removed and thrown into the bed of the truck. I could see that the thief had SNIPPED that sensor cable in half for that wheel.
Can the vehicle be driven with that cable disconnected? If so, what will be the difference in reaction to stopping when the brake pedal is depressed?

Beyond that, I am loathe to see something I cared for abused and destroyed so completely. When I first saw it in the impound lot I completely dismissed it as being somebody else's vehicle and kept searching for mine. I was astonished to find that it was indeed mine.
It was filthy, inside and out. There were tons of expensive tools and equipment inside the cab as well as in the bed and a rifle was on the floor behind the seat under a bunch of other junk. The speaker grilled was torn off the driver door and discarded and the speaker was hanging by it's wire. There were numerous deep scratches on the exterior, both front and rear bumpers have major collision damage and there are large dents in right front and left rear fenders. Not sure if the steel wheels are salvageable as they are torn up around the rims from driving on the highway with torn up tires. The brake rotors appear to be almost non-existent (worn away) although the brake calipers and pads are new. The battery was completely dead, since the thief left the emergency flashers on and locked the doors so no one would steal HIS expensive tools.
I am beginning to wonder if I may be throwing good money after bad by trying to get this thing back in at least working order, but I can't afford a new truck. New P255/65R17 tires are $140 each. I haven't even begun to look into the cost of rotors or sensor cables.

[dmsfrr]

Any insurance on the truck?
While it's generally true that anything can be fixed, is it worth the trouble?
Considering the amount of visible damage to the outside of the truck, what kind of damage was done that you can't initially see?
I'd expect the engine, transmission, suspension, frame, etc. were abused in a similar manner.

The condition of the truck sounds pretty rough. Even getting it driveable might be more than you expect. Long term reliability would be another question.
.

[KULTULZ]

... ... damn ...

Dave, I am truly sorry to hear this.

Like said, if you have comprehensive, the insurance company will write an estimate to repair or total. That will give you an idea of costs.

The wire is for the wheel speed sensor. If the ABS light comes on, the ABS is non-functional and the truck will have no valving to properly stop it. It will stop but it might scare you in the wrong situation.

Did they let you keep the tools? That will be a start for funds.

[craig]

The cut abs cable will not affect normal stopping, won't drive any different than it did before. You just won't have the anti lock brakes. Drive like you did up until the late 80's, before ABS, lightly pump the brake pedal to prevent skidding

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by craig

The cut abs cable will not affect normal stopping, won't drive any different than it did before. You just won't have the anti lock brakes. Drive like you did up until the late 80's, before ABS, lightly pump the brake pedal to prevent skidding

Well, if the anti-lock is inoperable and it took the place of previous hydraulic system valving (metering - proportioning), just how safe is it to drive? With the damaged cable, that wheel will not have the benefit of the ABS if the system is still somewhat operable and can lock up, etc.

Kind of a dangerous statement isn't it?

[fordor41]

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I've driven our Jeep liberty for 2 yrs with inoperable ABS and can see no difference in operation. I haven't had to slam the brakes on in snow or ice but in normal driving they work fine. light on dash is annoying

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by fordor41

I've driven our Jeep liberty for 2 yrs with inoperable ABS and can see no difference in operation. I haven't had to slam the brakes on in snow or ice but in normal driving they work fine. light on dash is annoying

I find it kind of hard to believe anyone would make an admission like that. You allow your wife/family to drive the car like that? Is there no inspection law in your state?

And you wonder why the FEDS want owners not to be able to work on their cars.

[rotorwrench]

The tires are likely the most expensive item. Wheels will likely be less that the tires but a lot depends if they are take offs for someone putting on aftermarket wheels or if they are new/NOS. Good salvage yard stuff is out there but may be limited on pickups. Wheel speed sensors aren't too expensive. A quick look at Rock Auto should tell for wheel/brake parts.

You must have been un-insured for comprehensive unless you are thinking of buying it back from the insurance company. Otherwise the insurance would pay. It seems that cars/pickups are totaled a lot more in this day and age due to low estimated values of the damaged vehicle and high cost of repairs. A stolen or totaled vehicle is usually owned by the insurance company after the recovery if they have all ready settled the theft or damage claim.

[dmsfrr]

tires are likely the most expensive item. ...

Don't forget the large dents in two fenders, bodywork, paint materials & labor... along with the front and rear bumpers which aren't inexpensive.

They may not be necessary for driving but they'd be a constant reminder of how nice the truck was before if left undone.

[craig]

The hydraulic valving on the ABS system is controlled electronically. If the electronics are damaged or inoperable the valving defaults to a bypass position, just as if it didn't exist, the entire ABS system becomes inoperative. This is why the vehicle will have fully operational brakes, they just won't have the ability to help prevent skidding. If the manufacturer didn't incorporate this default into the system they would be liable for countless accidents. I have seen more than one instance where the ABS malfunction light was not working and there was a bad wheel sensor cable, yet the driver had no indication that he had a brake problem.

[KULTULZ]

The hydraulic valving on the ABS system is controlled electronically. If the electronics are damaged or inoperable the valving defaults to a bypass position, just as if it didn't exist, the entire ABS system becomes inoperative. This is why the vehicle will have fully operational brakes, they just won't have the ability to help prevent skidding.

When that lamp (ABS) illuminates, it is telling you the braking system is defective (it may be more than just one wheel end sensor), same as when a split hydraulic system lamp illuminates you may have one circuit functional to hopefully stop the car safely, not to continue driving the car.

The ABS lamp gives no indication of what tripped it. It may be electronic, it may be mechanical.

If you want to brave it and drive, so be it. But at the least have some amount of consideration for the rest of us on the road.

WHAT IF you are driving on a defective system and you get into a fatal collision. Accident reconstruction scans the modules and it is discovered you have been driving the car with defective brakes. You are going to be introduced to a CIVIL COURT (if not criminal) very quickly.

Same thing with these damn MICKEY MOUSE brake swap kits. Think about the possible liability. Think about my grandchildren.

[craig]

I don't recommend driving a vehicle with any warning lights on. Please don't indicate that I do. You mentioned "the ABS light gives no indication of what tripped" that's not entirely true. It's flashing, that is indicating a code number

I am finished discussing this post with you. After reading many of your previous posts it is easy to understand that you get the last word whether you have a clue about it or not...well, right or wrong, you win... happy now?

[5851a]

Even with everything repaired it may leave a sour taste in your mouth. Sounds as though they have abused it pretty bad. You may start having premature powertrain and suspension problems. I thought 1999 and newer F150's had PATS system. How did thief get around that and sorry someone stole your property.

[Daves55Sedan]

Thanx to all who answered my questions about the brake system. I'll need to back up here and tell what my intention is. The truck is in State police impound lot (although, since it is awaiting evidence processing, it is not incurring daily storage charges). The towing charge was $340.00 (I know, the tow truck must have been gold plated). Once the police collect evidence, they contact the state and the state informs the tow company to release the truck to the owner. If owner does not immediately pick up his vehicle, $30.00 daily storage charges incur.
In January, 2009, right after I paid off the loan on the truck, I switched to State minimum liability only insurance. No theft or collision coverage. Been driving my '55 Ford car daily since 1981 on liability insurance. Never had an accident in either vehicle.
As far as the thief's tools, I believe they will be confiscated as evidence, then after one year, if they are not claimed by the owner, the police put them all up for auction. As an option, I could decline to prosecute and keep everything for myself and try to sell it all in a rummage sale. I hate the thought of having to inventory everything, research current pricing and low-ball a price to sell them. Prior to this, I have given away probably thousands of dollars worth of household items, clothing and furniture, while planning to move away from here.
I have already gotten two used tires of the proper size and had them mounted and balanced on the wheels that I took off the truck. The two tires costed $40 each and mounting and balancing costed $60 for the pair. That's $140.00 right there. I spent $23 for missing lug nuts. There are 3 missing hubcaps that cost $40 each, I have not yet purchased. There is a truck junkyard near here where I might go to look at bumpers. Not sure if the battery can be recharged (it is a little over one year old), but if not it will need a new battery which by now may cost upwards of $150.00. I don't intend to do anything about the snipped ABS sensor cable(s) until after I get the truck home.
Right now, I am only making preparations to get the truck drivable again jus to bring it home, clean it up and begin making some repairs. It is about 4 miles from the impound lot to my house. I doubt that I will ever fix the dent in the front fender or smashed in rear quarter.

[Daves55Sedan]

BTW, the two used tires I bought were new in 2014, seven years old and they have almost no tread left on them. When I took them to the tire change shop, the attendant told me that if I had brought the truck in to have those tires mounted, they wouldn't be able to do it because of the age of the tires but since I was having them mounted separately and installing them myself, they would have no liability if something bad happened.
Not sure if that's a State regulation or just company policy. Could be they just wanna sell ya new tires costing upwards of $145.00 each (for a walmart brand). And they don't sell the cheap brands. Theirs cost around $210 each.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by craig

The hydraulic valving on the ABS system is controlled electronically. If the electronics are damaged or inoperable the valving defaults to a bypass position, just as if it didn't exist, the entire ABS system becomes inoperative. This is why the vehicle will have fully operational brakes, they just won't have the ability to help prevent skidding.

Then at that point the vehicle does not have fully functional braking, correct?

If the manufacturer didn't incorporate this default into the system they would be liable for countless accidents. I have seen more than one instance where the ABS malfunction light was not working and there was a bad wheel sensor cable, yet the driver had no indication that he had a brake problem

It is the driver's responsibility to confirm the ABS lamp function at startup. If the lamp illuminates while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle is stopped and he/she/it/mutant calls the dealer or AAA. You don't keep driving it unless you are a lawyer.

How would the auto maker be liable if the driver does not heed the MIL? The entire system operates free of the power control unit unless the module picks up a signal as to actuate the pump and at that point modifies application pressure(s).

Where did you learn about ABS?

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by craig

I don't recommend driving a vehicle with any warning lights on. Please don't indicate that I do. You mentioned "the ABS light gives no indication of what tripped" that's not entirely true. It's flashing, that is indicating a code number

It sounds to me as if you condone driving saying the system is fully functional with the ABS lamp on.

And if flashing, is the driver responsible for not having a scan tool and diagnostic chart with him?

I am finished discussing this post with you. After reading many of your previous posts it is easy to understand that you get the last word whether you have a clue about it or not...well, right or wrong, you win... happy now?

I don't win anything as how many drivers operate a vehicle with a nonfunctional ABS or mechanical problems?

Are you aware of the IGNORE FEATURE here? I think you need to put me on your list.

As finished with the discussion .... wait for it ...

[fordor41]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

I find it kind of hard to believe anyone would make an admission like that. You allow your wife/family to drive the car like that? Is there no inspection law in your state?

And you wonder why the FEDS want owners not to be able to work on their cars.

"I find it kind of hard to believe anyone would make an admission like that. You allow your wife/family to drive the car like that? Is there no inspection law in your state?" well the only accident I've ever had (since 1959) was with a Ford SUV with ABS. I was coming over a bridge that was glazed with hard packed snow and had about a block to stop. No way even with ABS. slid thru an intersection, was hit in side and spun around into another car. In my opinion all these "safety" features are because most drivers are either ignorant of how to drive are are to lazy. that's why we have power steering, ABS, backup cameras. wouldn't want Suzi to actually look at her mirrors, push hard on the brake pedal or work up a sweat turning the wheel and no ABS is not on our insp. Guess I'll have to sell my '60. Hell, no power brakes, power steering, 10 cup holders, nav. system in dash, intermittent WW wipers
or 4 ways. BTW, probably 50% of cars on the road don't have ABS so look out!

[KULTULZ]

... was with a Ford SUV with ABS. I was coming over a bridge that was glazed with hard packed snow and had about a block to stop. No way even with ABS. slid thru an intersection, was hit in side and spun around into another car.

ABS in itself will not in most cases cause the car to stop more quickly. In fact it may allow the car to experience a longer stopping distance especially on slick road. The ABS is designed to allow steering control and vehicle stability during a slide. An ABS vehicle with a non-operating system is a wild guess as to what it will do.

If you don't like or understand the principle, drive a pre-ABS car.

I don't believe I have ever activated one and I used to live/drive in WDC METRO which is alone enough to scare the hell out of you.

And as an additional note, most do not understand the pedal pulsation when activated and release the brakes. But then again, a driving test now consists of ten questions on a computer screen and is also offered in Spanish for new arrivals.

[scicala]

When there is an ABS fault, it defaults to standard normal brakes like we all used to drive. Don't understand any panic about driving the truck. Are we all turning into wimps ?

Sal