Brake and ABS lights on!

[JAlford]

The brake and ABS warning lights came on suddenly on a trip last week, and I wasn't braking when they lit. I still have brakes, same feel as before, and I cannot locate any mechanical problems or loose connections. Has anyone else had this problem?

Jeff

 

[lschultz]

Same thing happened to my sons 99 after he put bigger tires on it. Worked fine for a while then idoit lights lit and chime came on. Dodge put there computer on it (no charge) and it showed sensor in rear diff to be bad. We replaced it and no more problems.

 

[RonaldLarson]

This condition can occur when the brake light fuse is blown.

Ron

 

[Cooker]

Try disconnecting the negatives on the batteries for a few minutes. It may clear the code, but it is only a temporary fix, the lights will eventually return.



Many times when it is both the ABS and Brake lights are on it is a sensor on the rear axle. It is not too expensive of a fix.



If disconnecting the batteries solved the problem (for now) my guess is the sensor is bad.



Ryan

 

[JAlford]

Problem solved. The rear wheel speed sensor was open circuit. New from Dodge (cheapest also) $32.

Note: The speedo still works if the sensor is bad, but only on the front wheels. Therefore - easiest diagnosis is to raise the rear axle on stands, chock the front wheels, and run the truck in gear. If the speedo doesn't move, the sensor is the problem.

You can check the resistance of the unit also. New unit - 1856 ohms. Thanks for the advise - TDR is the best investment you can make in your Dodge.



This is a common problem - dealer said he replaced 3 last week, they carry 40 sensors in stock. Wonder if the unit I replaced is any better than the original? Maybe I should keep a spare in the truck.