2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission ABS light and brake light on...

[MHalloran]

Maybe another member can have some insight on this problem. I'll start and drive my beloved CTD maybe about 40 or so miles and then the ABS light and the "brake" light will come on simultaneously and stay on until I shut her down. Upon restart, it's all OK until I drive some miles and then yes, both lights come on and stay on again until shutdown. Brakes work fine and fluid level is OK. 185,000 miles on her. It would kill me to have to visit the dealer because I just had her in for the 5th gear nut problem and I hate giving them $$. Could this hopefully be a fix-it-myself job? I've done my own valve adjustments, brake jobs and other normal services. I like workin' on my truck & gettin' greasy :-laf Suggestions anyone?

 

[rschwiesow]

Had the same problem. ABS and Brake light came on and stayed on. Well the problem was the ABS sensor on the back Differential, Replaced it in 10 minute and it has been good to go. I replace it at a 192,000. Good luck.

 

[KVaughn]

I had similar problem on my 99 auto. Along with the ABS and brake light, the speedometer also wouldn't work until you got up over about 40. Turned out to be the vehicle speed sensor. I had ats fix it so not sure exactly where it is. transmission I think.

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

i had the same problem(ABS & parking brake lights on) except my brake lights wouldnt work either... replaced a fuse and i was good to go...

 

[Alphacowboy]

Maybe another member can have some insight on this problem. I'll start and drive my beloved CTD maybe about 40 or so miles and then the ABS light and the "brake" light will come on simultaneously and stay on until I shut her down. Upon restart, it's all OK until I drive some miles and then yes, both lights come on and stay on again until shutdown. Brakes work fine and fluid level is OK. 185,000 miles on her. It would kill me to have to visit the dealer because I just had her in for the 5th gear nut problem and I hate giving them $$. Could this hopefully be a fix-it-myself job? I've done my own valve adjustments, brake jobs and other normal services. I like workin' on my truck & gettin' greasy :-laf Suggestions anyone?

What year truck? if its a 98+ model, its most likely the sensor on the rear differential. DO you have 4wheel abs? if you do it may be one of the front sensors on the hub bearing assembly. the front ones will go bad if the bearing goes, as the clearance it not all that much between the tone ring in the hub. a little play and it rubs the end of the sensor and damages it. The ABS hub is expensive. The rear sensor should not cost you more than 30 bucks tops. one bolt holds it in, twist it when you get the bolt out, and it should just pop out. VERY simple. Have you tried the key on off code deal?

 

[pwerwagn]

I had the same problem, except my speedo was intermittent too. I figured because it was intermettint, it was the abs sensor on the rear axle. I replaced it, didnt work.

turned out to be a fuse (sounds weird), I think it is the ABS fuse in the fuse panel.

--Jeff

 

[claykelly]

I had a very similar problem, intermittent Brake and ABS light, I'd loose my cruise control at the same time too. I replaced the rear diff. ABS sensor, $27. 00 later the problem is gone,,,so far. Very common problem according to DC tech, also said to check the pins in the connector as they'll get loose.

 

[K5IP]

I lost the vacuum line going to my cruise control. Break in vacuum line. This caused my Brake light to come on in my 95 ram. Also lost cruise control.

Does your cruise work?

Rog

 

[MHalloran]

Guys... Just wanna thank you all for your replies. This is such a great membership to belong to. I shoulda mentioned the truck's a 1996. Hey rschwiesow, what year is yours? You have similar mileage. Kvaughn & pwerwagn, my speedo works fine. Alphacowboy, I don't have 4-wheel ABS, later trucks I guess. K5IP, I will check my cruise to see if I still have it. Turbodiezel, I will check my brake lights. The fuse you replaced, was it the ABS? In dash or in engine compartment? Claykelly, check the pins on the ABS sensor itself? After driving home from work last night (75 miles) the light didn't come on until a mile before my house. It seems intermittent. Will keep you guys posted...

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

Turbodiezel, I will check my brake lights. The fuse you replaced, was it the ABS? In dash or in engine compartment?

yes . . abs sensor inside the cab of the truck... ... i kept popping the fuse, so i put a bigger one in and i have had no troubles since... hope your problem gets resolved

 

[dodge cummins]

i have the same problem when it snows alot out or rains alot. clean the sensor on the rear diff and put alot of grease on it to repel moisture.

 

[MHalloran]

Hey Fanz, I'll try what you said first and I'll also check the ABS fuse (before I have to buy anything) AS SOON AS THIS FREAKIN' SNOW HERE MELTS!!! (where in jersey are you?)

 

[Dieseldemon]

ABS and Barke lite

on the 96 I would check the vacuum lines first for a very small leak. Check the lines on the top of the firewall and the one that goes over the top of the turbo and into the cab. When the lights go on try to move the vents from the top to the bottom if they will not move you have lost enough vacuum to turn the lights on