your abs sensor light is on probably becuase the abs in one or all of your breaks are not working, take it to a mechanic so they can tell you if that is for sure the problem.
That means you have a problem with the ABS. Take it to an agency to check it.
Vaccum leak?
The abs light came on because there is a problem with the abs ( Anti-lock Brake System). The abs light will not reset until the problem has been fixed. Once the abs system is repaired the light will reset itself.
The abs system is the anti-lock break system you shoud have your breaks checked as soon as possible
The ABS computer has detected a malfuction and set a code.
The ABS and Brake lights stay on when the Abs computer has detected a malfunction and set a trouble code. You need to have the system checked for codes
ovp relay
why would the abs light stay on continuously in a 97 contour? I own a 1998 ford contour and the abs light is on all the time. my car which needs new breaks because when the abs light comes on you could have three wheels grabbing when you hit the breaks or two wheels grabbing. what i would do is either check to see if you need new breaks or they just may needed to be adjusted. your rotors could be so worn down that they could also need to be replaced or honed out.
Maybe when you changed the pads some fluid came out of the ABS reservoir that is in behind the drivers' side wheel well. Did the traction contol light come on too? Sometimes you just have to unplug the ABS relay and plug it back for the light to go out, that is behind the cowling in the drivers' side wheel well too.
Bring to a shop that has an ABS scanner
Probably one of your wheel speed sensors