2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake failure on 97 RAM2500 w/4wheel ABS

[DMeckel]

I have a 97 Dodge RAM2500 Diesel, Auto, 2wd with 4 wheel ABS.



I had to panic stop for a vehicle that failed to signal when making a left hand turn in front of me and the braking system on my 97 Dodge totally failed.



The pin in the center of the ABS system extended and stuck, leaving me with absolutely no brakes. I can reset the pin and brakes work fine till I do another panic stop. I got them fixed today.



I am keeping the failed ABS controller and need to know who (highway safety) to send it to so there may be a recall performed on this part.



Need to know if anyone else has had this problem and how many may have this problem if they do a panic stop.



Luckily, I was only going about 50 MPH and able to run off the road and through a farmers field to stop the truck. I shutter to think what would have happened if this had been a child on a bicycle that run across my path.

 

[Got Smoke?]

I am having a similar problem, maybe you can help me diagnose mine.



While driving my truck out of 4 or 5 times hitting the brake pedal 1 time it will go 1/2 to 3/4 of way to the floor before getting pressure? I believe my 4x4 97 only has rear ABS. Could I be having the same problem as you? How do you fix it, since no body in my area know's what's wrong with my truck!

 

[Dave M]

I am having a similar problem, maybe you can help me diagnose mine.



While driving my truck out of 4 or 5 times hitting the brake pedal 1 time it will go 1/2 to 3/4 of way to the floor before getting pressure? I believe my 4x4 97 only has rear ABS. Could I be having the same problem as you? How do you fix it, since no body in my area know's what's wrong with my truck!

Have you considered the Hydroboost unit. I just replaced mine on my 97 so I believe you have it too. There was a thread just a few days ago where the failed hydroboost caused the brakes to stay locked up. Not sure if the hydroboost will cause your problem or not but worth checking it out.



Dave

 

[DMeckel]

Brake Failure

I don't believe your problem is not the same as mine, because it was the 4 wheel ABS system that failed. Your problem could be that the hydraulic boost accumulator is loosing head pressure.



My 95 RAM2500 with the vacum boost system would give out completely if I hit the brakes several times in a pumping action.



The 97 is much better because it take hydraulic pressure from your power steering pump to create brake boost. Need to check the accumulator and make sure it has pressure.

I am having a similar problem, maybe you can help me diagnose mine.



While driving my truck out of 4 or 5 times hitting the brake pedal 1 time it will go 1/2 to 3/4 of way to the floor before getting pressure? I believe my 4x4 97 only has rear ABS. Could I be having the same problem as you? How do you fix it, since no body in my area know's what's wrong with my truck!

 

[Got Smoke?]

Had a mechanic friend look at my truck today, was helping with something else. He showed me the ABS valve (I believe?) under the hood. We had my cousin get in and start the truck and hit the brakes. A "pin" like you described came out of the front of the valve for the front brakes, but no pin came out on the back side of it rear brakes. That's where my pressure it bypassing at looks like. Gonna price that valve Monday, hopefully it will be less expensive than the Hydro Boost. :{