ABS and Brake Light on - Dodge Dakota Forum

Subject: ABS and Brake Light on
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I have an 03 dak 4x4 4.7 and recently my ABS and brake light have been coming on randomly. I've heard that this could be a rear speed sesnor problem, but my speedometer still works, and usually when your speed sensor goes out your speedometer wont work correctly. Anyone have any advice for me before I resort taking it into the dealer? Thanks.

QC
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2006
20:38:55

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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Have the same problem. I notice my lights seem to come on when it is raining/wet out. Usually after the truck warms up, if the light is on I shut the truck off and restart it again - lights go off. I went to the dealer and they thought it may be a bad ABS sensor. The sensor is located int the rear diff. I need to find time to get under there and check the conections before I do anything else.
I have an 01 QC and if you turn the key on-off, on-off three times (not starting the engine, just accessories) and leave the key on the third time the odometer will show the error code. Mine says P DOne. Havent been able to find it any where on line...??
When this problem started I changed my front rotors and pads (needed to upgrade anyway :)). Ive read the the ABS light may come on if your brakes are low/need replacing. My next step is to check/replace the rear brakes.

Check out the code (if it works on your truck)
Inspect brake pad levels - replace if needed.
In general, ensure your brake system is functioning correctly.
Check ABS sensor connectors
Last resort would be to change sensor.

I hate bring my truck in to the stealership - hope some of this helps....

daddio
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2006
20:41:08

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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Pdone means no codes stored.

Idakota
Dodge Dakota
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2/17/2006
12:20:38

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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QC, sounds like we have the exact same problem. One additional thing I have noticed is there is a clicking/chattering sound coming from the rear of my truck. I just changed the rear diff fluid so I know its not the gears. I also checked the rear speed sensor connection and it looks fine. I almost positive the clicking sound is directly related to the problem, I just have no idea what it is, any ideas? Thanks.

QC
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2006
13:48:14

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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Idakota,
Your correct - typically your speedo wont kick on until 20 or sometimes not at all (from what Ive researched and read). The lights coming on can be a number of different things - see my post below.

Just an update - I recently took my connection at the rear diff off and applied some dielectric grease...the lights havent come on since. I notice my problem only occured when it was wet out...seems like all I had was a bad connection.

good luck

jerry
Dodge Dakota
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2/20/2006
15:55:10

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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This may have nothing to do with it, but when I heard a clicking/clattering coming from the rear area of my truck I thought it was the brakes. Turned out to be a broken gear in my rear end. Had a similar problem in my jeep - that time it would periodicly freeze the rear end when the broken in half ring gear jammed. I could free it by backing up a bit. It really clattered!

Idakota
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2006
14:38:27

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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QC, did you take the whole sensor off or just the electrical connector? I unplugged the connector and cleaned it and the lights stayed off for a little while but have come back on since.
Jerry, I thought the clicking may have something to do with the gears too but I just had the dealer change the fluid, usually they would be the first to tell me if I needed something fixed. thanks.

bobcheesetaco
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2006
23:30:54

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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I've had a similar problem on my 99, i had always assumed it was the abs computer. My lights are on all of the time, and my speedometer works fine. does anyone have any other suggestion of what it could be? I'm pretty sure the speed sensor is fine.

BUCKWHEAT
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2006
06:42:50

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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Hey yall, just changed mine today, hard to believe only 39.90 and a little wiggiling fixed this problem. I'll post the part # tomorrow if anyone needs it..

QC
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2006
15:50:47

RE: ABS and Brake Light on
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Idakota,
I just just took the plug off- didnt need to remove the sensor. I thought it had to be the connection 'cause like I said, it only happened when it was wet out. My lights havent been back on since. You may have another problem. Look at all the parts to the system, make sure all are in good shape. Beyond that you may need to bring it in...especially if youre hearing noises. Not sure what that could be with out physically seeing the truck myself.

reg
Dodge Dakota
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2/22/2006
19:37:44