Archived ABS/Red brake lights on

[rcaldwel]

just drove to California from Florida pulling a small airstream trailer. Went great until I got here. I was here for a day and then just out of the blue both ABS and red brake lights came on and stayed on. I did the following things:

-checked fuses -okay

-checked for leaks-none

-checked the hydraulic module to ensure it is tight and doesn't turn

-checked pedal after accumulator is run down and get pedal pressure



I know I need to replace my front pads, could this make the lights go on?



The manual says kind of makes me think that there is pressure differences between front and back and thats why the lights come on.

Please need immediate guidance from some of you TDR experts before having to go to the steeler(as if he is better than this team!)



please respond ASAP if you can.



thanks for the support



Bob Caldwell

 

[willyslover]

Bob. . you didn't say what truck you have... there is a recall on the clock spring . . did you loose your radio controls on the bottom of your steering wheel or the cruise control ? they are part of the clock spring power supplied also



sounds more like a brake issue on yours though.

 

[rcaldwel]

ABS/Red light on

Haven't checked the cruise but I will. I believe I have the rwal and abs. it is a 98. 5 2500 if that helps at all.





thanks for any input anyone can supply. I really appreciate it.



Bob Caldwell

 

[rcaldwel]

ABS/Red light brakes

Willyslover and other TDRs

I did check speedometer and radio etc. and only thing that seems different is that the speedometer now is sometimes not working and then all of a sudden it works. Is this one of the tell tail signs of the clockspring going bad? Also, would this have anything to do with the ABS and Red brake light staying on?



Thanks for your help.



Bob Caldwell

 

[Extreme1]

Since the speedo is affected, I would guess (and I am guessing) that the speed sensor is faulty. I think it's still located on the trans (or T-case if 4 x 4) where you would have once found a speedo cable but now it is a connector with wires. There should be a test proceedure but my "classic" '94 manual info won't apply.



They might have used the sensor in the rear dif, any newer truck guys know where the speed signal is picked up?

 

[MCummings]

RWSS



THese go bad, or get dirty quickly and easy,, especially if you tow.



The sensor is on top of the rear differential. It is held on with two bolts. It's a pain in the butt to get out of the diff. Just pull it out though, and wipe it off with a clean rag. If the problem comes back, the part is about $47 at the dealer, and a new RWSS (Rear Wheel Speed Sensor) should fix the ABS and "Brake" lights, it will also fix the speedo.



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[willyslover]

Bob. . two good replies above... I'd follow them first.

the clockspring affects the air bag relay and stearing wheel controlled items only... IE. cruise control, radio buttons if ya have 'em, air bags. and the air bag light on the dash...

if it goes you'll hear a breaking plastic sound or a snap in the steering wheel when you turn right or left for a fairly tight turn, and then the above mentioned items stop working... biggest issue is you loose air bag deployment if you get in an accident. . not something you want . they do save lifes. . [DID MINE]...

 

[Missouri Mule]

Did you check out brake fluid level?

Any brake system malfunction will turn on brake warning light which turns on abs warning light. Any rwal or abs system malfunctions will also turn on both lights.

Owner's or service manual should list reasons why these two lights will come on. Sorry mine is in my truck.

 

[RWestbrook]

abs light

i had the rear wheel sensor replaced and it fixed the same problem. Dodge dealer charged 157. 00 parts and labor

 

[rcaldwel]

ABS / Red brake light fixed

A great big thanks for all the input TDR members. I cleaned the RWSS and it didn't seem to help. I did go and get a new RWSS($31) installed it and the lights went out. The real clue was that the speedo would not show any movement and then suddenly it would start working again. I understand that the RWSS also provides speedo info as well. Hope anyone who might have same problem in the future will file this one away if needed in the future.



I am just amazed at the practical knowledge this forum provides.



Once again thanks and hopefully I can provide some assistance to some other TDR member some day.



Bob Caldwell