Changed front pads and rear shoes, now abs light stays on

Inspect both the front and rear brakes. Including rotors, drums( if equipped in rear), abs sensors and wiring to the sensors, and brake pads/shoes. Also be sure to remove the calipers and look at the brake pads to check for worn out or uneven wear and replace if necessary. Hope this helps

The ABS light comes on when there is a malfuntion in the ABS system, not when the brakes are low. On a Ford you more than likely have a dirty sensor or pick up ring on the back side of the rotor. And no you do not have to change the rear drum brakes when changing your front pads but they should be inspected.
Usually you will change 2-3 sets of front pads before the rears need to be changed.

Take it to Auto Zone or other parts store and have them run a free diagnostics scan. Then reply with the code. If no codes are present, you can start checking the front abs sensors. I dont believe there are rear sensors on these models.

If the master cylinder is full I would suspect a problem with the ABS.

The ABS runs off the speed sensors, Replacing pads doesn't turn it off. Have the codes read and repost. We can help.
Randy

ABS is anti lock braking system,which helps to stop car in various conditions.Wet/slippery etc
Sensors are located on all brakes
You need to go to your local auto electrician who will plug in scanner to locate fault

probbably a sensor is deffective or a snapped wire on the front where it moves about with the steering.
Have a nice day.

Probably want to check abs sensors on the back side of the wheels. Did you have a abs light on before the brakes where done?

Was this problem there before you changed the Brake shoes. The cavalier has shoes on the rear.
It seems like the leaning show the SHORT one is not facing the front of the car where it should be. If you check the shoes one is shorter than the other in a set. Hope this works. Some model year Cavalier also had a problem with the Backing plate the plate the shoes attaches to.

is it the front or rear locking up? you really have to have this truck loaded (load valve under bed) before the back brakes come on and i think these are the same as my 1999 2500 where the rear is only abs, and not on the front..dumb design i know, but thats how it is...determining if its rear abs only and which axle is locking up will help pin point the problem...i put 100000 miles on my dodge since i got it in 2001 and i put 8 sets of pads on the front and just changed the rear lining and thats only because the rear wheel cylinder was leaking causing the rear brakes to lock up..