Ford: 1997 Ford Explorer, explorer question, power brakes

Question
QUESTION: When applying the brake, the pedal will vibrate, and unless I pump the brakes, the engine will die.  Some have said the rotors and some have said the ABS sensor.  Just wondering what you think?

ANSWER: Well, that is very unusual.  How does the brake pedal feel otherwise?  Will the engine stall if you apply thye brakes in park?  Does it want to stall all the time ? or only after cruising?  What engine is in the truck? 4.0 x code, 4.0 u code or a 5.0?

The 8th vin will tell me.
Does the vehicle feel like it's tugging or does the steering wheel want to shake or move while the pedal pulsates?



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Otherwise, the brakes are fine. Only when coming up to a stop does this happen.  Unless I pump them, the engine will stall. I just bought it, it has the auto 4wd and the engine is 4.0.  The steering wheel doesnt vibrate and otherwise it runs great.  I was told to buy the Anti-Lock Brake Sensor and have it installed....its $135.00!  Just wanted to see if it maybe could be the rotors? Women dont always get fair treatment when explaining what is going on to a mechanic, and I just wanted to go in with questions that made sense.  :)  There is also the sound of a "motor" running when the the pedal is grabbing...maybe an ABS motor?  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

Answer
Hello.  Does the ABS light come on on the dash when you start the truck?  It should come on and go out as a test.  Otherwise, someone may have removed the bulb to hide a problem.
let me know.

Also, you can safely try this:  under the hood , in the fuse/ relay box, remove the LARGE ABS fuse.  It will cause the dash light to come on (if it is working) , but you will have basic power brakes, like every vehicle that was made before ABS was developed.
If all the symptoms go away, then the problem is in the ABS, and I ssupect it is not the sensor, it is the ABS motor/ module and that is considerably more $$ than $135.

Do not fear, the brakes will work just fine, you just won't have the "anti skid" faeture in panic stops.

Let me know