2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Idiot Lights and Speedo Problem

[HowardHarris]

Please be easy on me, as I have owned this truck for a week and already having an issue. I hit the key this AM and the brake indicator light & ABS light came on in the dash and won't go out. In addition, the speedo won't move off zero, until I hit 35 mph. I don't build rockets for a living, but I can't think of anything that could tie these three issues into one failure. There was no issue when I shut it down a week ago and today, they all three appeared. Any thoughts? Thank you guys!

 

[ewcmr2]

Wheel speed sensor/vehicle speed sensor going bad would do that.

'97 and back use VSS in transmission/transfer case for speedo. Wheel speed sensors for ABS. Most newer cars, and I'm guessing your '98, use WSS for ABS and vehicle speed.

 

[Road Dog]

Around '98 Dodge started using the rear wheel ABS sensor for speed. It's located on top of the rear diff. Sometimes the connector needs cleaning. Sometimes the sensor is loose and needs to be tightened. Sometimes the sensor needs to be replaced. There's a toothed ring on the carrier (the tone ring) and the sensor generates pulses as the teeth go by.

 

[HBarlow]

Sometimes even a worn and loose old ignition switch with worn or dirty contacts can cause something like that on a temporary basis but usually, shutting off and restarting would clear it.

 

[HowardHarris]

Thanks for the response guys! I will dive under it this afternoon and try the easy route first, before I replace anything. I was expecting something awful, as I just sold an 04 F250 with a 6. 0. NOTHING about that truck was easy!

 

[DavidC]

Save yourself some grief and take an ohm meter with you. Unplug the sensor and read across the sensor pins. it should read about 1800 ohms. Anything far and away from this is a bad sensor (which is usually the case). If the reading is some where close to this you have other problems.



Dave

 

[HowardHarris]

Thanks again! I crawled under the truck yesterday with a multi-meter and it read as an open circuit. $52 later, I was back on the road with no trouble! Much appreciated gentlemen!