Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) replace rear abs sensor, abs/brake light still on?

[MxerChris]

I've done a search and just not seeing anything with the same symptoms as mine, background... . several months ago the abs/brake light started randomly coming on then eventually stayed on, next I replaced the rear abs or wheel speed sensor with another that I had from spare rearend, light went off for a while then started coming back on then it stayed on, next because of some warped rear drums I replace front rotors/pads/bearings and rear drums and shoes (new brakes all the way around) did not see anything unusual w/the front abs sensors still the abs light stayed on, next started to notice that I had too much braking to the rear and they would lock up, bled the whole system (the old fashioned way at the wheel cylinders with a buddy) did not seem to be any air, then backed off the rear shoes a little, it seemed to help with the rears locking up, next I got a new rear abs sensor from the dealer and stuck it in, disconnected the battery hooked everything back up bingo no lights, drove down the road and after about 3 or 4 miles light comes back on #@$%! now when I restart it no lights then same thing after about 3 or 4 miles lights back on, and seems the rears are back to easily locking up. I know this is long, and I did search the forum but nothing seems to match my problem. Thanks for any help!

 

[AllianceDiesel]

you need to have the codes pulled to find out what exactly the code is, your just gonna waste money throwing parts, abs is kinda tricky, Ive thrown speed sensors at it knowing the code and come to find out, the tone ring had a tooth out.

 

[Bob Cochran]

If I remember right I read someplace the code reader for ABS is special and cost a lot; meaning you need to take to *******, garage that has a reader to get the codes. If I am wrong on this I am sure someone will correct me on this.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

I think a smarty will read abs codes

 

[MxerChris]

Advanced Auto parts here in town has a abs scan tool that also reads general codes cost about $267, almost thought about buying that. Have always been the kinda of guy fortunate enough to fix most things myself kinda hate to pay someone to tell me whats wrong with it but I guess theres not much choice.

 

[KCraft]

mt buddy is having the same issue. abs light flashing-code said rwss(rear whell speed sensor) so he put i new one in and still light flashes. i cleared it with my smarty and still on. wtf???

 

[AllianceDiesel]

check wiring, most common cause after the sensor

 

[Road Dog]

For me, cleaning the connector fixed it. Some dielectric grease will keep it clean.

Another time I had a chipped tone ring. In that case the ABS light came on after I reached 80kph (50mph). You really need to ABS code to decide where to start.