[jjfertig]

My brother is driving cross country at the moment and his abs light just came on. What type of things should he be looking for/be worried about? He still has about 1000 miles to go. Any info would be greatly appreciated... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

See attached Stats for vehicle info

 

[GrampyJim]

There are many things that can set the ABS light.... first and foremost is to check the brake fluid level but I would expect a concern here to set the the red brake warning lamp at the same time.

If the fluid level is adequate, I would consider continuing the trip knowing that my ABS system is non-functional and will act as standard (non-ABS) brakes.

HTH

 

[MOUNTAINMAN444]

Keep driving it, just be a little more careful. Mine came on and stayed on for months with no problems. I was under the truck one day and found where a critter had chewed the wires going to the wheel completly into. SO, there is no telling what might have broken or came loose.
Joe

 

[jjfertig]

Thanks for the info... I just passed this on to my brother. He now says that his speedometer is shutting off...then turning back on... when it is on...the marked speed is jumping all over the place.


Sorry to keep posting like this...but my brother is on his way home on mil leave. After this he ships out... so if he can avoid big problems... it wouldn't be a bad thing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[QtrHorse]

If his speedo is only working after about 15mph and his ABS light is on, then it is most likely his VSS (vehicle speed sensor) sensor (maybe called something diferent on the newer trucks). My truck was doing the same thing and I changed out the sensor and it worked fine after that.

You can look in my pics under detailed descriptions for where the sensor is located.

 

[jjfertig]

This sounds exactly like his problem /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif I've passed the information along to him {cell} He was in traffic the last time he called and it turns out he was only doing about 15/20 mph...so this very well could be the problem. Thanks again... if he calls with anything new I'll be back /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif {this is where my wife tell me "Thanks for the warning" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

 

[QtrHorse]

If that's the problem, then he should be okay until he gets somewhere permanent to fix it. I drove mine around for about 3 months before I changed out the sensor.

 

[SpringerPop]

Since it's a magnetic pickup, sometimes ferrous "sludge" builds up on it, the same as on the magnet on your transmission pan. Cleaning off the sludge may fix his problem. The sensor sits on top of the differential, and is the only thing that has wires going to it.

First, unplug the connector, and clean (as best he can) any dirt from around the sensor so it doesn't fall into the differential when he takes the sensor out.

He's going to need a 3/8" box wrench or socket to remove the bolt that holds the sensor to the top of the differential. After the bolt is out, using a set of long-nose pliers, carefully pry out the sensor. Careful, it's made of plastic. It's o-ringed in there to seal the gear oil, and he needs to be careful not to booger-up the o-ring when re-installing it.

Wipe it off with a clean rag, check for dirt and grime around the hole, and re-install the cleaned sensor. Replace bolt and electrical connector. Test drive.

Pop

 

[David C]

Try the cheap fix first.
Mine has acted like that a couple of times. So far I have just unplugged the connection of the rear sensor and replugged it back a few times to sort of "clean" the connection. First time it went over a year before acting up again, and the second time is still working. The rear sensor connector can easily collect a little dirt, and cleaning just may be all it needs. I have not tried any of that dielectric gel, but might if I can remember to buy some.

 

[jjfertig]

Thanks to everyone that posted. I cleaned the connection and the problem went away. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Driving that long with a light(idiot light) just drives me nuts, and a bit parniod. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif I appreciate all the help.

1800 miles 2 days. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif