2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake / ABS Light lessons learned

[ACoyle]

1) Read and believe this site. Several of you have said that this was the sensor in the rear diff. I was convinced otherwise due to a high pad wear problem on the left front. I was wrong it was the sensor in the diff.



2) Since I got the dealer to fix it I still don't know if it self resets or if a DRB tool is needed. If anyone knows for sure it would be helpful.



3) As far as the '99 goes the trans provides the input for the speedometer and the sensor in the rear diff is only used for the ABS. My speedo was fine. That is what led me to doube the rear diff.



4) Good / Great deler experience. I procrastinated in going to the dealer as I was afraid of what would "happen" due to what is in the truck. I walked in and told them want was in the truck and took nothing out. They fixed the truk. No special notes on the bill and it only cost $127. 00



I am very pleased.



AC

 

[tbrudder]

Mine went out in my '99 about 6000 mi. ago, so I can speak for some of these, too.



2) I disconnected the batteries after I changed mine. Might not have needed to, but I let it set for a few minutes with no power. Reconnected it, and the indicator lights function normally.



3) I'm not so sure on this one. Others reported no speedo issues, some had a dead speedo, and quite a few (like me) had a speedo that didn't work below 15--25 mph.



4) I think I paid about $45 for the sending unit, and it's really a simple change--unbolt the old one, disconnect the wiring harness, put the new one in, bolt down, reconnect.



It would seem that if one is not sure about the ABS, it might make sense to try this before taking it to the dealer. Then again, if it's not the sender, you're out another $45 if you _do_ have to take it in...



--Ty

 

[RTrenary]

replaced my sensor, I guess parts at dealers around here are cheaper,,,,,,bought mine for just $26. 10,,,,,just my 2cents

 

[Paul Somers]

What mine did

I have a 1999 with 5 speed manual. I drove for over a month with the amber ABS & red brake light on. Over this time I checked connectors and re-plugged everything. The brakes seemed to work fine, just these lights would not go off. Tried disconnecting battery for an hour or so. Still lights. My speedometer and cruise control continued to work just fine. Finely some one on this site mentioned the sensor should have I think about 18K ohm of resistance. Measured mine and it was totally open. Changed sensor and no more lights. Did not have any codes reset and didn't disconnect battery again.

PS: That resistance might be 1. 8K ohm. Forgot exactly but shouldn't be open.

 

[TurboDog]

OK Mine Too

My 99 just started this today on the way home. ABS and brake light both on, but brakes seem to work fine. Also noticced the speeo did not function below 35 or so. I want to replace this myself, what do I tell them I need?
A ABS sensor at the rear differential?
Anyone have the part number handy?

 

[tbrudder]

Re: OK Mine Too

Originally posted by TurboDog

My 99 just started this today on the way home. ABS and brake light both on, but brakes seem to work fine. Also noticced the speeo did not function below 35 or so. I want to replace this myself, what do I tell them I need?

A ABS sensor at the rear differential?

Anyone have the part number handy?

I found this in the archives somewhere: 56028188AB. The B might have been a C or D on mine--relates to the revision of the part.



At any rate, just go to the parts department, tell them you need a rear-wheel speed sensor for your 99, and they should give you the right part. Make sure they know you have RWAL, and not 4 wheel ABS (assuming that's the case), as I think they may be different, if you do.



I think you just unbolt the old one, pry it out, disconnect the cable, and reverse.



Check the archives, though--It's been a while and I can't remember exactly. Just search for 'abs light', and you should bring up plenty of threads.



--Ty

 

[rjones]

yeh my light has been on for a year or so put a new sensor on nothing, wiring looks good, if I pump the brakes 4 or 5 time it will go out for less than a minute then come back on any idea?obtw I checked the wheel cylinders and no leaks there.....

 

[TurboDog]

The one I picked up today is a 56028187-AE, it was $32. 00. Hope it is the right one. I will try it tonight and post the results.

 

[TurboDog]

Installed and after start up, ABS and brake lights disappeared. Speedo works again also. 5-15 minutes max installation.

 

[OTRPU]

My Angola, IN DOC replaced the ABS sensor on the rear diff, both lights, (ABS) and BRAKE went out. Haven't stomped on it yet to see if I got ABS back. Seems now that I think of it that I've been on the brakes hard enough that I should have felt the pulsing. I carry a GPS on the dash and a laptop on the center console plus three weeks worth of clothes, tools, and all kinds of other crap inside da truck. Don't want all that crap flying through the windshield. I don't care if I've got ABS, just happy all the lights are out so I can get some sleep now.



Cheers,

Steve J.