2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Rear Anti-Lock Brake Light Won't go Off

[SBillinson]

I have a '97 Ram that I tow 11,000 lb with. I was towing a little while ago and had to stop quickly. After I came to a stop and my brakes stopped smoking, the ABS (rear only) and Brake light came on and will not go off. I disconnected the batteries to reset the computer, but that did nothing. I bled the brakes, nothing. I did an error check using the instructions from a Haynes manual and the error came back as low resistance at the ABS sensor. I tried to clean the connectors and look for frayed or damaged wires, but everything seemed okay. The light still stays on.



I don't want to go out and replace the sensor (especially since I don't know what is entailed) only to find out that that was not the problem.



Any help would be appreciated.



Steve

 

[JSykes]

Steve,



It is a common problem on these trucks for the rear wheel speed sensor to go out at any time. Mine went out couple of months back. Doing some maintenance on the transfer case and the ABS/Brake light came on. The Rear Wheel Speed Sensor was the problem. It is located on the top of the rear differential. It is the only sensor on the rear axle. You can check it with an multimeter. If it is working properly, you should get around 1800 ohms between the pins. If you get an open circuit, the sensor is shot. Sensor costs around $40. 00 and take you about an hour to replace.



Jay

 

[SBillinson]

Thanks for the info, Jay. I can't bear those lights blasting me anymore. Thanks, again.



Steve