ABS, brake light 98 Dodge Dakota

For several months, my abs and brake light have been coming on for a
few seconds only to go out and not come back on when the vehicle is
shut down and then restarted. Yesterday they came on and stayed on.

My (almost useless) Haynes manual says to check all electrical
connections then defer to the dealership to get codes scanned. Is
there something else I can check before I do that? What is the likely
culprit? The normal hydraulic brake system seems to be working fine,
no leaks, pad wear or other porblems apparent. Am I safe to drive
until I can get this fixed?

Frank

 

Rear wheel speed sensor is the likely culprit.

yes it is safe to drive but I wouldn't wait too long.
the only issue is you don't have ABS your brakes will still work
fine,in the event of a panic stop your wheels may lock up like on
older vehicles that don't have ABS.

 

Could be clockspring?

Ted

 

hmmm abs anti lock brake system
hmmm brake llite is on
sorry can't see why a clockspring for a airbag system would affect the
brakes wrong again

 

I had read that to mean his brake warning light on the dash was coming
on. If he's observing the ABS light coming on for a few seconds while
driving I can't imagine how he would be in a place to see if the brake
lights on the rear of the vehicle are coming on for a few seconds.

But if it is his vehicle brake lights that are coming on for a few seconds
then
yes, that very likely wouldn't be the clockspring.

Ted

 

Took it to a brake place this morning. Mechanic, who I trust and has
done brake work for me in the past with good results, put it on his
$10K Snap On scanner that he pays $1100 per quarter for software
updates and it would not scan the ABS. He said first time that has
ever happened. Frustrated after 30 minutes of trying, he sent me on
my way and didn't charge me for the effort.

I got an appointment with the dealership (whom I don't trust) but
can't get it done till next Wed. I'm trying to get this fixed before
I go south to Biloxi to haul some fuel and supplies. Waiting for the
Highway Patrol to lift the barricades south of Hattiesburg.

 

I think you got confused with Passive restraint AIR BAG LITE When the OP
was referring to Anti lock brakes..The clock spring doesnt come into play
Ted

 

there is a red lite that does read brake on the dash when the brake fluid
gets low or the abs sets a code

 

well if you remove the right kick panel you will find a small silver box
and then find a black single wiring connector attached to the harness and
ground it out the abs lite will flash the brake code count the flashes
too bad you tech you had look at it did not have all data service info
systems he could have read the service proceedure on how to correctly read
codes in the system since he does not have a dbr3 scantool

 

In addition to the above, I've noticed that my speedometer is delaying
it's operation when I start to move. It stays at zero until I hit
about 30mph and then pops up. I can't see any relation to the brake
issue, but I'll defer to the more knowledgeable if anyone else does.

How does this speedometer work. Is there a pickup or sensor that
could be going bad? where is it? Driveshaft, transmission?

Frank

 

Answering my own question, I read that on '98 and newer models the
speedometer gets its signal from the ABS speed sensor located on the
rear differential housing.

Fairly sure now that that sensor is the offending culprit. Is it a
remove and replace item or does it require some kind of reprogramming
after installation?

 

pretty simple to do yourself... I had the dealer do it tho (didn't want to
crawl under the truck in the winter), cost about 100.00 Could have saved 80
bucks doing it myself.