ABS/Brake Light Problem

[brentd32]

I own a 1999 dodge 1500, for the last few days, both my ABS and brake lights have been on. also, my speedometer will not start working until I get above 30mph. This all started going wrong at the same time. If anyone has any idea what the deal is, and how to fix it, please let me know

[WaltM]

I own a 1998 Ram 1500 with the same problem. I was told that it was a Canadian made vehicle that was not to be sold in the US. Is your vehicle also Canadian made? Does anyone know what might be causing this problem? The speedometer and cruise control is also not working and stopped functioning at the same time as the ASB/break light problem.

[slantsixness]

Output speed sensor?

ABS sensors (Front or rear) clogged with crap or bad/ misaligned?

I'm not familiar with any differences in abs and speed control with Canadian models, but I suppose dummer things have happened...

hopefully helpful,

Slantsixness

[habenero2002]

Replace the vehicle speed sensor in the rear axle to correct

[netyoda]

I am having the same problem w/my 98 1500 and have found through several other forums as well as speaking with my local dealer that most likely it is the speed sensor (aka ABS sensor) located on top of the differential. Some have reported that the sensor they get from Kragen Auto is not the right-angle sensor from Dodge so they suggest getting it from local dealer ($40-50) and it should take about 20-30 minutes depending on skill set. You should also check the tone wheel on the inside of the rotor or drum, depending on what ABS level you own and make sure there are no broken teeth on the wheel nor any clogged brake dust! I am in the process of getting the sensor myself and will report back to this forum! Hope this helps!

[WaltM]

I took my truck in to the dealership to find out about the ABS and the sensor was picking up metal shavings in the differential. When they drained the fluid there were chunks of metal and the rear end needed replacement. They said that it could go at any time and when it did it would lock up. So $1800.00 later and a used rear end the truck is back on the road. So maybe the sensor is actually giving you a warning that something else is going on. I would recommend at the very least draining the differential fluid to see if something else might be happening.

[LTJGWorth]

Dagg-on! Little bitty sensor thats not supposed to tell you that your differential is screwed is telling you that your differential is screwed! Walt, you got lucky I think and the rest of ya'll need to go to a shop somewhere and have your rear-ends checked out. Give your truck a prostate exam!

[BDCorbett]

Originally Posted by WaltM

I took my truck in to the dealership to find out about the ABS and the sensor was picking up metal shavings in the differential. When they drained the fluid there were chunks of metal and the rear end needed replacement. They said that it could go at any time and when it did it would lock up. So $1800.00 later and a used rear end the truck is back on the road. So maybe the sensor is actually giving you a warning that something else is going on. I would recommend at the very least draining the differential fluid to see if something else might be happening.

I have had the same problem. I changed the diff sensor and it did not fix the problem. Had the dealer check out the ABS system, no one else seems to have a computer that works with the Dodge, I also had them check out a hum I heard when driving the truck. (wife usually drives it).

Dealer told me:
1) Need new ABS controller.
2) Need new carrier bearings in differential.

Looks like I should fix differential first. Might make ABS problem go away.

[whywontitwork]

Yeah - I'm having just about the same problem on my 2000 dodge 1500 - and I'm hoping I can fix it without paying for an entire rear-end. My brake light is on, my ABS light is on, and my speedometer only works when I get to about 90 miles an hour....just kidding - works at around 70 mph - and only when I let off of the gas as the RPMs go down. I've never worked on a dodge much - but man...I'm seem to be getting alot of practice lately. I thought maybe since the speedometer was only working when I let off of the gas - that it was a Vaccume problem or some type of "back-pressure" problem. Did anyone figure out exactly what the problem is??? Is it the ABS sensor on the rear differential, is it something wrong with the differential itself, or does it have something to do with the brake system?? I replaced my front brake pads about a year ago - and one of my rotors was getting close - but how could that effect the speedometer - I dont think that the front brakes have anything to do with it. What would the rear brakes have to do with the speedometer?

Anyone know the solution to this problem???

-Jay