Hansen
Dodge Dakota
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4/07/2004
15:31:42
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 Subject: Brake, ABS light, Speedo out
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Message:
Hi there !
I realize it's a Dakota Board, but I think the problem is universal to Dodge trucks and Vans.
1998 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.2L, 5 speed, rear ABS
Driving to work, and pulling up to a stop sign, I heard a "clunk" from somewhere. Pulling away, the speedometer went straight to 120 MPH, and I noticed the ABS and brake lights were on. Having had lights come on many times before that meant nothing (according to the dealer), I ignored them, and drove on to work.
Throughout the drive, the speedometer read random speeds, the ABS and brake lights stayed on, and once there was another "clunk", the engine dropped to idle, and the vehicle coasted for a few seconds, then it drove fine again (idiot lights stayed on, speedo still malfunctioning).
I came into work, Googled for "ABS brake idiot light Dodge Ram" and found a page full of people here talking about the rear speed sensor, but also one comment about a recall on brake lines. Went back out to check the VIN to see if I had a recall to worry about, and noticed that the rear diff was dripping oil all over the place. Looked under, and the underside of the rear of the truck was sprayed with differential oil.
I didn't have a recall, so I took someone else's car to the dealer (Leesburg VA) grabbed a rear speed sensor for $32.10 + tax, came back to work, and started to install it.
I pulled out the sensor (carefully) and a nasty hairball of of very fine copper wire followed it out of the hole in the differential. I put all of the bits that I got out in a pile, and am only missing a tiny shard of plastic.
So I installed the new sensor, it went in fine, but I'm afraid to drive it. So now, the questions:
Does anyone have any idea why the sensor exploded? The truck drove fine all the way to work, except for the speedo being wacky.
Am I going to tear up the rear diff if I drive this thing?
Oh, and to anyone who can turn a wrench and has the sensor fail: Save your money, buy the part, and do it yourself. It was a piece of cake ! Except for the hairball...
Thanks !
Hansen
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