2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission ABS & Brake Warning Lgts on, No Speedometer or Cruise Control

[ldg]

Going through Searchlight, NV. , looked down and saw my speedometer dropping to zero. Notice my Parking Brake and ABS dash warning lights on. Pulled over and check fuses, okay. Everything appears to be functioning correctly, no leaks and all fluid levels full. Continue to Laughlin and on the way find the cruise control doesn't function (of course with out the speedometer not functioning I assume thats to be expected).



I did search the TDR and found reference to a VSS sensor however in those post I was unable to determine if one VSS sensor controlled all of these functions on my Y2K Pickup or where to get these other than a Dodge dealer or is the Dodge dealer our only choice? Awe, any other specifics or suggestions would most certainly be appreciated, seeing I don't have a manual. Thx

 

[FCrawford]

ABS Sensor on rear diff

I have had to replace the ABS sensor mounted on top of the rear differential on my last 2 Dodge 3500 trucks. Cleared my ABS light and brake light problems. Cost was in the 20 to 30 dollar range.

 

[Harley152]

Did you have the "clockspring" replaced per the recall for our 2001 trucks? It only took the dealer about 35 minutes to do mine.



Jerry

 

[ldg]

Thx Frank but did you have to get your sensor from Dodge and did your speedometer also stop functioning? Again, thank you.

 

[ldg]

Thx Jerry but mine was built prior to the dates involved in the clockspring recall (had to look it up however). We were going about 35 mph and those items listed died on me. We are back in East Texas now and had no problems all the way home. I just need to figure it out now and depending on what information I get here take action but believe at this point the VSS will be my starting point. I figured maybe someone here may have lost the same set of controls (functions) I did and directly confirm the problem or provide other information. Thx again.

 

[jrollins]

ldg,

I agree completely with the VSS all those are symptoms of a VSS failure, let us know if u get it workin

 

[ScottK]

ABS/Diff Sensor/VSS

Hi all, I posted on Truck 911 with a similar topic. I did not lose my speedo/tach, I lost more.

Q #1 - was the sensor ($30) from a stealer?

Q #2 - What is a VSS sensor?

TX, Scott

 

[ldg]

Chip, I will pick up one on Monday and we'll see if that does it. I will report back here on the TDR and make sure that those interested or who may have the problem in the future will know the results.



Scott, I didn't lose my tac only the speedometer along with the ABS and hand brake light coming on. Oops, just showed my age, it called an emergency brake now and operated by a foot not the hand hu?



I forgot to mention in my previous post that checking codes I get the following readouts P 0500 and P 1693.

 

[jrollins]

SCOTT

the VSS stands for the Vehicle Speed Sensor, on new model trucks it is mounted on the top of the rear differential, older models it is placed on the rear of the transmission.



also,

P0500 = VSS Malfunction

P1693 is a companion code. It goes with all the others.

 

[FCrawford]

Idg

My speedometer was ok. The only time I lost the speedometer was during trouble shooting I removed a fuse to see what would happen and sure enough it quit working. I bought the sensor (VSS) from Dodge.

 

[ldg]

Thx, Frank that is where I'll go Monday if they are open.



Chip, I think your answer to the P 0500 question firmed up my problem with little doubt. Thank you.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

So were would the problem be on a 98'.



Funny I just now saw this post after having the same problem today, No speed O, ABS light and Brake light.



I'll check back here before buying the sensor.



Jim

 

[RO'neal]

I had the same problem about this time last year. Replaced the VSS and fixed it!

 

[jrollins]

on a 98 i believe it is mounted on the tail of the transmission.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Swapped the speed sensor out with one I replace last year that ended up being good still, no difference. ABS and brake lights stay on after the self test when you turn the key on, and the speed O still doesn't work, I'll start digging in the manual again.



BOTW all this started after working on the truck, I was attempting to install my caltrack bars! I went back and looked at everything but no broken wires ect.



Jim

 

[Ltmdb]

You might want to buy a new VSS..... sounds like the one you used from last year may be bad also..... I had the same problem with my '99 2500 and a new VSS fixed it... ... Stealer only item but reasonably priced.....

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I pulled the sensor out of the rear end for the ABS and read it out as the manual showed it to measure resistance, it read out as open so I went and bought a new one and installed it... . checks good for operation. They new ones come with the shield in the front and a pig tail to add length to the cable, it was $34. 00 with tax.



Thanks, Jim

 

[ldg]

Well, I picked up the VSS and installed it today as planned. Everything is back to normal, everything works.



A couple of things I'd like to note for those that may go through this in the future. In removing the sensor from the rear axle I removed the plate (protection shield) from the old one first. Then turned the sensor around a few times before taking a small screw driver and forcing the blade under one edge of the sensor and pride up a little at a time around the sensor. After a few lifts it popped out. I put some oil on the rubber gasket before placing the new sensor in. It is a snug fit as it should be but in order to get it flush in the axle I had to place a small piece of wood on top of the new sensor (with the shield off) and slightly tap it with a hammer a couple of times, went right in but I could not do it with my hands alone. Now if you also paid attention and have the sensor's securing hole lined up with the hole the bolt secures the switch to the axle with you just screw in the retaining bolt, if not you have to move it a little to line it up so it will screw in. That's it your home. Oh, one other thing, I disconnected my battery before I started this based on some advise I saw in a reply.



Now, for those in my area and other locations for that matter, check this out. I called Hoyte Dodge in Sherman for the part, they had the VSS for $65. 00. Seeing that was a lot higher than what I was reading on the TDR, I then called Bonham Chrysler Dodge in Bonham. Guess what, $31. 95 with tax total $34. 59. I spent a couple of bucks and when to Bonham. This is not the first time I have run into this. You have to continually check.



I most certainly thank all of you for the help and advise I was given, it was most appreciated. I am not a person that joins groups or organizations but being a member of the TDR was and is a great exception. THANK YOU.