Your anti-lock brake lights remain illuminated when there is an issue with them;
typically this indicates problems with either your wheel speed sensor, ABS module or
computer in it.
Professional mechanics can quickly access your ABS module code using a scan tool
and find its cause quickly.
Check the brake fluid
Your car’s brake fluid is under high pressure to operate the calipers and wheel
cylinders that ensure safe braking of its wheels and tires. Should pressure drop too
low for these to function efficiently, an alarm will go off on your dashboard with your
brake light illuminated as a warning for unsafe stopping action and pedal feel may
become loose or spongy.
Your Dodge manufacturer recommends using brake fluid with a slightly yellowish tint
for optimal braking efficiency. Old fluid often becomes dark over time due to
collecting debris. In contrast, new fluid will typically appear clear or have a slight
yellowish hue and should work more effectively for stopping.
As part of replacing old, dirty brake fluid with fresh and clean fluid, it is necessary to
bleed your brake system. Begin by opening the bleeder screw on a caliper or wheel
cylinder closest to your master cylinder reservoir, placing one end of a hose over the
bleeder screw and inserting into a container partially filled with brake fluid, pushing
down on it until air has stopped coming from the tube, closing it back off when
airflow has ceased, repeating this procedure on each of your bleeder screws until all
have been used up – then continue onto all calipers and wheel cylinders!
Check the ABS sensor
Dodge Ram 2500 work trucks are among the most capable available today, capable
of hauling an immense payload and towing up to 20,000 pounds when fully outfitted.
Engine options available on these models range from an entry-level 5.7L HEMI V8,
through an intermediate 6.4L HEMI, and finally to a class-leading 6.7L Cummins
diesel inline six engine.
Your truck is equipped with wheel speed sensors (WSSs) that send information about
axle rotational speed to the ABS control module. If one fails to provide accurate
signal data, a warning light will illuminate in your dash panel.
Slippery conditions present a serious challenge, so it is vital that your WSS be
regularly inspected for signs of corrosion or damage; any visible indication should be
replaced promptly or else you could risk losing steerability and direction stability
while braking. You should also inspect any wiring and connectors for signs of wearand-tear or corrosion; once resolved, the ABS light should go off.
Check the brake lines
A professional mechanic should be able to quickly pinpoint the source of an ABS
light’s illumination. A diagnostic scan tool will help them examine brake lines and
other components while communicating with the ABS module to retrieve error codes
from its memory bank.
ABS modules manage antilock braking systems, and when any part fails it stores a
code in its memory. One common cause for failure is a wheel speed sensor – these
sensors use metal rings with teeth attached to each wheel that measure speed using
magnets connected by wires that must remain corrosion free for proper
functionality.
Low tire pressure can also trigger the ABS light to illuminate, as the reduced
diameter of your wheel prompts its sensor to detect and trigger an error code in
your ABS module. Easily rectifying this situation by setting your tire pressure
according to manufacturer recommendations.
Check the brake pedal
The brake light switch (also referred to as the stoplight switch) informs both ABS and
traction control modules of when you apply your brakes, sending them the
information they need for optimal functioning of these systems. If it becomes
intermittent or fails completely, these systems may no longer function correctly.
ABS sensors on each wheel measure wheel speed and relay this information to the
ABS control module. When one or more sensors malfunction and send inaccurate or
no speed information to this module, an ABS warning light illuminates in your
instrument cluster and may also activate stability control and traction control lights
on your 2500 HD.
If the ABS and BRAKE lights remain illuminated after being reset, this indicates a
problem with your HCU unit. This unit houses both electronic and mechanical-hydraulic parts that operate the valves to adjust hydraulic pressure at individual
wheels as required; any malfunction can disable your ABS system and result in loss
of steering control.