When your ABS and brake lights illuminate, that indicates an issue with your Ram’s
anti-lock braking system. A computer (known as a controller) sends signals to a
hydraulic pump which reduces brake pressure in each affected wheel.
The most likely source of wheel speed sensor failure is a failing wheel speed sensor –
there’s one on each hub and they’re easy to replace using an automotive scanner.
Low tire pressure
If the ABS and traction control light illuminates while driving your Ram, this could
indicate underinflation. To determine this accurately, it’s best to use a tire pressure
gauge and check that all four tires meet the recommended psi listed on either your
driver door jamb or owner’s manual.
Under-inflated tires reduce in diameter and will move faster than other wheels on
your vehicle, prompting the wheel speed sensor to send an error code to your ABS
control module triggering anti-lock braking.
To remedy the situation, simply add air to your tires until they reach the
recommended psi. Alternatively, deflate them to nearly empty before refilling with
air at recommended psi and driving at around 80KM/Hr for several minutes in order
to reset the sensor. If this doesn’t work out as intended, contact a mechanic or
dealership immediately for help.
Faulty wheel speed sensor
The wheel speed sensor on your car stands out from other sensors by featuring an
unusual design: instead of being made out of coils of wire wrapped around it, this
one features an inner ring with teeth in its center that, as your wheel spins, causes it
to shift and generate an electric signal in the sensor which informs your ABS control
module of what its actual speed is.
When this sensor fails, your computer can often disable your stability and traction
control systems as it will no longer be able to recognize what speed each wheel is
actually spinning at; this may make the vehicle appear to skid when pressing down
on the brakes.
This is a very common issue and can easily be resolved by swapping out the sensor.
Replacing it should be inexpensive and simple – simply remove all fasteners holding
onto the old sensor before installing the new one.
Faulty ABS control module
The ABS control module serves as the brain of your anti-lock braking system. If it
malfunctions, it won’t be able to communicate with other sensors that comprise its
system – leading to one of the primary reasons that causes an ABS light to illuminate
and staying on for too long – potentially also keeping traction control alert lights
illuminated.
Faulty sensors are another main cause of the ABS light. Being exposed to high
temperatures, these sensors are susceptible to debris or corrosion damage and it
may be difficult to tell which sensor has failed due to being situated so close to
wheel hubs and brakes.
As soon as an issue has been rectified, OBDII scanners should be utilized to read ABS
codes and identify which sensor has failed. Once resolved, all codes will be cleared
away automatically, turning off your dashboard light automatically.
Faulty ABS pump
The ABS pump is responsible for maintaining hydraulic pressure at your wheels.
When your wheel sensors detect that your vehicle is losing traction, your control
module will send a signal to reduce pressure; should the issue become serious
enough, a warning light will illuminate and your speedometer may stop functioning
correctly.
As part of an initial inspection of your ABS module, make a visual examination to
check for signs of damage. Cables connected to sensors may become exposed over
time and damaged due to road conditions or debris coming in contact with them.
If after checking brake fluid level, tire pressure, and inspecting ABS sensor for signs
of damage or corrosion but warning lights still illuminate, it is time for more
intensive diagnostic work. In order to do this effectively you will require an advanced
scanner capable of reading and clearing ABS codes – you may find great deals at
Autozone or Amazon for such devices.