Your Dodge ABS light is signaling to you that its anti-lock braking system needs
attention, possibly due to several causes, including a blown fuse, damaged wheel
speed sensor or low brake fluid levels, as well as an impaired ABS control module.
The ABS control module is an electronic and hydraulic component which tracks each
wheel’s speed to detect sudden brake applications and determine if any wheels lock
up during sudden braking. Resetting this sensor with the YOUCANIC scanner can
help restore it back into full working condition.
Brake fluid
Dodge ABS lights illuminate when there is an issue in its Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS). This could be caused by various issues, including worn wheel speed sensors
or an ABS control module that has malfunctioned. A diagnostic scanner can help
pinpoint these issues; by reading fault codes and inspecting components of ABS
system parts to see what part(s) may have failed and therefore caused lights to
illuminate.
When your ABS light illuminates, have a mechanic inspect and assess the brake fluid
levels and condition. Brake fluid is composed of glycol-based substances which
absorb moisture from the atmosphere, making it hygroscopic – this causes system
performance degradation that could eventually overheat and fail altogether. A flush
may help remedy dirty or low levels; in addition, use only brake fluid recommended
by Dodge as this typically has different boiling point levels from other forms.
Wheel speed sensor
Wheel speed sensors are essential components of an anti-lock braking system. By
monitoring each wheel’s rotational speed and transmitting that information directly
to your ABS control module, they provide critical data that enables brake lights and
abs lights to illuminate properly. To easily diagnose problems with wheel speed
sensors, take your car into a mechanic with special scanner for the ABS controller.
As sensors are located close to the wheel hubs and close to the road surface, they
are exposed to dust, debris, precipitation, salt and other hazards on the road
surface. When one fails, their computer will turn on your ABS and traction control
light immediately.
If your ABS light remains illuminated after checking fuses, sensors, and brake fluid
levels, and dealer or qualified shop repairs have not fixed it, replacing its module
may be the only solution – though this option will likely cost more.
ABS control module
Your Dodge Durango, Charger, Ram Truck or Grand Caravan’s ABS control module is
responsible for monitoring and interpreting data from wheel speed sensors. When
these sensors indicate skidding occurs on any one or more wheels, an ABS light will
illuminate. Furthermore, this module records trouble codes whenever any issues
arise in the system.
If the ABS light illuminates, try turning off and restarting the vehicle to reset it first
before turning to a scanner that reads ABS trouble codes to help diagnose its
source.
The Antilock Braking System (ABS) relies on a main computer module, four wheel
speed sensors and valve and hydraulic pump assemblies at each wheel – designed to
reduce tire lock-up during sudden braking on slippery roads – with any component
failing causing its light to remain illuminated.
Brake light switch
On occasion, your Dodge Ram 1500’s ABS light may remain illuminated for various
reasons. One such reason could be a malfunctioning ABS wheel speed sensor; this
issue is easy and inexpensive to resolve if you possess the proper tools and
knowledge. You could even attempt it yourself!
Wheel speed sensors send a signal to the ABS control module indicating which wheel
is moving slower than others, helping the system determine whether wheels are
locked up during sudden braking. Defective sensors will trigger your ABS warning
light.
If your ABS light remains illuminated, take your vehicle to an auto mechanic
immediately. They are the experts who can inspect its ABS system and identify
which components require repair or replacement as well as reset the code if it won’t
go off after inspection.