If the ABS warning light of your Dodge Dakota is illuminated, that indicates there may be an issue with one or more front wheel speed sensors. Low tire pressure could reduce the diameter of wheel/tire combinations, triggering sensor fault codes in the module and thus causing the ABS light on this indicator to illuminate.
Check the Brake Fluid
Your Dakota uses brake fluid that is pressurized by its master cylinder to keep its wheels from skidding, with calipers and wheel cylinders operating to keep them from skidding as well. If this system leaks fluid, its sensor monitoring wheel rotation might trigger an ABS warning light; in such a situation, it is easily solved by draining and replacing the brake fluid.
Your wheel sensors for monitoring the performance of your brake system can be sensitive to environmental factors like dust, dirt, salt, and road debris. To extend their longevity and protect them against corrosion issues, spray your connectors with an aerosol contact cleaner every so often.
If the ABS and traction control lights are illuminated, it is critical that they be reviewed by a qualified service technician. They will utilize diagnostic tools to read codes stored within your ABS control module, helping determine what may be causing braking issues before replacing or repairing any parts that require attention.
Check the Wheel Speed Sensors
ABS sensors in each wheel hub measure and transmit information regarding wheel speed directly to an ABS control module. When these sensors become defective, however, they may send incorrect or no information at all, prompting an ABS light to illuminate.
If the light on the master cylinder brake fluid remains illuminated after adjusting and checking its pressure, replacing the front ABS sensor may be necessary. This project can usually be completed quickly and affordably in under an hour with our handy how-to videos tailored specifically to various years, makes, and models. Check out 1A Auto’s ABS Sensor Replacement video library for specific instructions for replacing front ABS sensors.
Other possible reasons for an illuminated ABS light could include low tire pressure, different tire sizes, or damaged wires—each of these issues must be rectified before trying to reset the ABS light. Connecting a diagnostic scanner may reveal fault codes that help identify what the cause might be.
Check the ABS Pump
If the traction control or ABS light on your dashboard remains illuminated, something is amiss. A common source is a defective ABS wheel speed sensor, which can easily be fixed for under $50. Another potential source could be your steering angle sensor, which may need recalibration—try turning your wheel full left then right several times until the light goes off!
If resetting the sensors and installing new fuses fails to turn off the ABS light, visit a shop with an advanced diagnostic scanner capable of communicating with the ABS module and reading failure codes from its memory storage. They will use their scanner to access information stored within it in order to quickly pinpoint where the problem lies.
If all this prodding did not help turn off the ABS light, it may be worth looking at the controller itself. As it consists of hydraulic and electronic components that cannot be serviced easily by customers themselves, replacing an ineffective ABS controller is likely costly and time-consuming.
Reset the ABS Light
Your Dodge Dakota ABS light may illuminate due to a number of causes. Bad tire pressure could be one such cause; sensors could think one wheel is spinning slower than another. Reset their sensors by disconnecting the battery and draining the electrical system, or you can try cleaning sensors using contact cleaner. If all else fails and the light remains illuminated, then an OBD code reader may be necessary to clear error codes and turn off the light.
ABS sensors inform a controller when one of your wheels stops rotating while driving, prompting the brake fluid pump to release some brake pressure and switch off. If the light remains illuminated after this action has been taken, check both the wiring harness and controller; any defects in either may require the replacement of the component.