Here I am

ABS Light On & Unit Buzzing Code P2509

Attention: TDR Forum Junkies
To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.

Thanks, TDR Staff

Repair transmission cooler line?

Front seat swap

Status
Not open for further replies.
Is wiTech a microsoft computer application only? I have a desktop Apple computer and the wife has an IPad. So I may not be able to run on those but could find an inexpensive laptop for the system if necessary.

Just to eliminate the obvious I pulled all the wheels and checked hoses, pads, etc. Also bled the brakes. Pads are good and no pinched hoses unless they are collapsing from the inside. The wheels are tight so no bearing problem. The ABS lines look okay all the way and no rodent damage detected. Plugged the 40 amp fuse back in and still buzzing. So made an appointment for Wednesday with a local mechanic to read the codes and maybe a tech line call. Driving the truck it feels normal and the slight pull to the right is gone. So whatever it is must be in the ABS system.

Found on the site an option that comes with a laptop ready to use, seems like a good deal at $399 for the entire package.
https://www.obd2tool.com/goods-5282-Chrysler+wiTech+MicroPod+2+With+IBM+X200T+Laptop.html
 
Do you know if these come with how to use it info? I'm headed to a local shop this morning to get mine diagnosed and will update the post later.
 
So it really isn't running a Micropod 2. It is using the old program before they went to web based and true Micropod 2. In the genuine system once you configure a Micropod to Micropod 2, it can ONLY be used with the new web based program and will not operate with the old standalone software they provide. I have an old Micropod that can be used in this way, and the Micropod 2 that I use with the web based program.
For $134 I might just gamble on it and see if I can register it for a backup. It beats the $500 cost for the genuine unit if it works. Wouldn't be the first or last time I wasted some money on a tool.
 
Do you know if these come with how to use it info? I'm headed to a local shop this morning to get mine diagnosed and will update the post later.

There was a read-me file, and a video that showed how to install it (I bit comical at times as it would sometimes show Chinese, no doubt where this all comes from, but it DOES work, and it's a good deal.. makes it obvious just how much we get ripped off by the Stealership's. I did have the registration glitch, and I found a fix online at the support section of the website. I was pretty easy, but in your case needing a computer, if you order this with the supplied used laptop machine, it is already installed on the hard drive and ready to use, at least that is the description. I figured there was some risk in my order, but it did work, so I can't complain. I later bought a similar GM unit, VXDIAG nano, that one I have not been able to make the software work, and I'm thinking about returning it (it was an amazon purchase), I might go with the GM option on this site with the included laptop, since I think that is the reason the current version won't work, since GM software, and website says it needs to be Windows 10, and I'm running 7 on my current laptop.

All that said, I do have Autoengineuty as well, though it's not the most current software. They will only give me an update if I do a subcription and multi-vehicle enchancment buy, and frankly that is getting a bit expensive, and it still does not do a flash, should I need one at some point. The OEM tools, with a subscription to the OEM site, they CAN do a flash, so that makes it an appealing option.
 
So, conclusion from me.
That "Thing" is an Offline working wiTech for my Laptop with all the abilities that the OEM has, full diagnostic support plus programming new ECM or ABS or any other unit I have in the Truck. Programming only with an online subscription from FCA.
And the Software comes with the adapter on a CD.

Correct?

And off course, it works on a 2004 Ram.
 
Got a partial diagnosis this morning. The mechanic who has the equipment to go into the ABS module and read some of the problem traced it back to the ABS unit and it was indicating an internal short. To go further and maybe find out what the solution might be would require a call to the tech line, more $$$ which then MIGHT let us know if the part needs to be rebuilt or try to find a new one. Did not sound like it was going to be anything but confirming the short and then getting an estimate. As much as I would like to know the answer and have everything working as designed, I chose a less expensive route which was to leave the 40 amp fuse out and pull the dash apart to get at the lights and block them. As they are LED's I elected to place a piece of black electrical tape between the panel display and the circuit board. Please don't turn me into the governors police or sic the feds on me but I did not learn to drive on ABS and do not care for it anyway. If I dare go the route of the laptop computer to trace this down then I might be able to find the part necessary but would then have to bleed the air out of everything, which I was told can be a bear. The computer would be handy for future problems.

The truck is nearly 16 years old and will likely be buried with me so it may not matter about transferring title in the future without making this nuisance repair. I can take the money I saved today and purchase the laptop system if I feel I can find enough support to help me use it. I do want to thank the contributors to this issue who also might have learned something along the way.

By the way, disconnecting the wire connection that has about eight leads to the ABS to stop the unit from rattling will do that but it also disables the speedometer and outside temp gauge and maybe more than that. Had me watching the tach and behind billboard signs until I reconnected and pulled the fuse.
 
By chance when you checked thinsg out did you unhook the wheel speed sensors one at a time to see if the buzzing stopped. The connections at the fender wells is where you would disconnect. It might be worth a shot.
 
Got a partial diagnosis this morning. The mechanic who has the equipment to go into the ABS module and read some of the problem traced it back to the ABS unit and it was indicating an internal short.

Thanks for the detailed update...I am hearing more and more of these ABS units failing on the inside...hope mine isnt next!!!
 
Today the tech said he recently had a 2003 gas model RAM in and two other brands for ABS. Also related that on some new GM 4 wheel drive trucks with the electronic power steering, they are having the steering and brakes malfunction when either hitting a bad bump on a curve or even a staightaway and also when offroading. The steering locks and won't turn for a moment or they cannot get out of a deep rut.. So let's engineer some more problems into our vehicles to satisfy the Gen X buyers or the government. He also said his shop will not ever work on any Land Rover product. Takes four hours to bleed the brakes and the electrical problems are difficult to figure out even with the computers. Don't know if all this is true but he seems honest. So I think you are right to be concerned Seafish.

Re: the question about the speed sensors, we did not mainly because the fault was indicated to be a short in the main box. But it cannot hurt to try that. Maybe one of those sensors shorted and sends a message back to the box. If that turns out to be the case I will update this post again.
 
So, conclusion from me.
That "Thing" is an Offline working wiTech for my Laptop with all the abilities that the OEM has, full diagnostic support plus programming new ECM or ABS or any other unit I have in the Truck. Programming only with an online subscription from FCA.
And the Software comes with the adapter on a CD.

Correct?

And off course, it works on a 2004 Ram.

Yes, correct. Seems too good to be true at that price, but I got it and it works.
 
Today the tech said he recently had a 2003 gas model RAM in and two other brands for ABS. Also related that on some new GM 4 wheel drive trucks with the electronic power steering, they are having the steering and brakes malfunction when either hitting a bad bump on a curve or even a staightaway and also when offroading. The steering locks and won't turn for a moment or they cannot get out of a deep rut.. So let's engineer some more problems into our vehicles to satisfy the Gen X buyers or the government. He also said his shop will not ever work on any Land Rover product. Takes four hours to bleed the brakes and the electrical problems are difficult to figure out even with the computers. Don't know if all this is true but he seems honest. So I think you are right to be concerned Seafish.

Re: the question about the speed sensors, we did not mainly because the fault was indicated to be a short in the main box. But it cannot hurt to try that. Maybe one of those sensors shorted and sends a message back to the box. If that turns out to be the case I will update this post again.

I have a 2004 Land Rover, and do all my own work on it. There were some issues with the ABS sensors, but there was a pretty easy fix for that. I also have a special computer tool for the Land Rover that is locked to the VIN that allows my to do computer diagnosis, it's not a CAN system, one of the last years to not be CAN, but it does have a network of sorts. Having said that, to be completely fair, that Land Rover has about 75K miles, my 2009 Dodge Cummins has about 55K miles.. and I'm dealing with more substantial issues on the Dodge right now with an erratic ECU CAN communications on the network.. I already replaced the TIPM, which apparently was not the problem, unless I got a second bad TIPM.. but my point is generally I have not observed the nightmares many report with Land Rovers, but I don't doubt they happen, there are some issues that if not maintained properly can lead to big expensive repairs, but that is not an issue unique to Land Rovers. Many makes and models have things that need attention to prevent bigger issues.

Any 2004 or newer car is going to have some kind of network, and most will be CAN. Also, any ABS car is going to need a computer interface to properly bleed the ABS pump and valve body. It's actually not difficult, but you do need the right tools to do so. The wiTECH micropod 2 that I linked should be able to do a brake bleed procedure. I also recommend getting the factory service manual from FCA Techauthority online, it ships on a CD disk, and is reasonably priced. With that and the proper computer based tools, you should be able to figure this out... that said, given what you have said thus far, that module needs to be rebuilt, or replaced.. and they generally are not cheap. That said, on the Land Rover, I was able to replace the solenoid shuttle valve portion only on the ABS pump/valve body, which was about $50 and it fixed what is commonly known on Land Rover Discovery 2s as the "three amigos" Since the ABS does more than brakes on that car, when there is a problem with the ABS, you get 3 warning lights, ABS, Hill Decent Control, and Traction control, since all use the ABS to function.
 
Awesome, if @sag2 confirms me 5hat it works on my truck I'll buy it.
My DW would kill me if I buy this and it doesn't work.... because I already gave a try to the AlfaOBD...

I'm pretty sure it will work, 2004 should be a CAN bus vehicle, and it supports CAN bus, per the description (yes, it is not the best English, but it's way better than my Chinese! ). It replaced the older FCA tools that are now obsolete, this from the site (Also, electronics wise, there is considerable overlap from 2004 through 2009, I'd be cautious about anything newer than about 2015 or so, as I'm not sure it would work on the newer cars):

"This tool is the Next Generation Chrysler Scan Tool for “CAN” Bus Models and is a direct replacement for wiTECH VCI POD, StarMobile, StarScan, and wi-TECH POD.

The wiTECH diagnostic system is designed to work on Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and North American Fiat vehicles equipped with CAN BUS technology. It provides the latest technology and significant hardware and software perform provides cutting edge technology will enable technicians to increasing enhancements over the current StarSCAN and StarMOBILE tools. This to their productivity and provide world-class diagnostic services to your customers. This tool is very easy to use .The MicroPod 2 is a great OEM dealer diagnostic tool that will give you full access to the vehicles that you are working on. "
 
How fast was the shipping from the 134$ Tool?
It did take awhile, 2-3 weeks if I recall correctly. It is coming from China and has to clear customs.. and who knows if the recent seed thing from China is going to slow that down.. possible. Now I'm also on the west coast, so it could be a bit longer if shipping further east.
 
Michael...As for the Rovers, I believe the mechanic was referring to the newer models. I still see programs showing the Rovers in Africa and other outbacks where they are to go to vehicle for reliability and getting out of trouble. But they seem to be the older models. My 04.5 Ram has been mostly problem free in the 143,000 miles. I had to replace the vacuum pump under the windshield air intake and will likely need to replace the battery temp sensor soon which seems to be a common problem but so far, being a Laramie, I have not had the blend door problem...knock on wood. Seems I read the Laramie is not as affected as much with the dual blend control. But probably coming soon to my garage. Put the track bar re-inforcement on early in it's life and no steering issues or bearings up front. Been a great truck unlike my 2014. Of course I probably just jinxed that.

Been getting a Service 4-wheel drive system message recently since passing 140K so maybe that's an automatic message. Goes away after a couple starts. Although it's my work truck for the two 5 acre properties I have and the museum where I volunteer, some people confuse it with the 2014 as both are white long beds and I keep the paint in good condition. Fortunately been a great vehicle to own to this point. This initial ABS question has been interesting and informative for me and I appreciate the information. Being non computer literate I am at a disadvantage with the technical side so may have to ask a five year old to help when and if I go the computer route.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top