I have a great mechanic I love here in Atlanta. I brought my 99 Durango to them recently to troubleshoot the ABS + brake warning lights being on. I have 141,000 miles.

They said there is a problem where the computer + brake system wasn't talking. They said I would have to go to the dealer and have the abs computer replaced since they will have to flash it. They said they could do it but that I'd then have to go to the dealer to flash the computer anyway. Is this some regulation with ABS?

Should I go to the dealer, get an estimate and then try and get the part somewhere cheaper? I'm worried the dealer will stick it to me on price.

Mark

 

If the ABS & Brake lights are on all the time, you probably have a bad rear wheel speed sensor. Sometimes another symptom of this issue is that your speedometer will work intermittantly below 30mph. The sensor costs about $30 from a dealership and can be replaced in your driveway. The replacement isn't hard, but some vehicle configs may make access a pain.

You usually don't need dealership intervention unless the ABS light is flashing - that can be an indication of the pinion factor needing to be reset.

 

Yes that's exactly what is happening, my speedometer isn't working below 30mph.

That's cool so I just need to tell my mechanic to put in a new rear wheel speed sensor?

Thanks,
Mark

 

Yup. The sensor should be about $30, the labor should be 30 mins tops.

 

I'm driving it this weekend on a 2 hour trip on the interstate. Is this ok given that this sensor is out? Will ABS still work?

 

you should be fine for your trip. you will still have brakes just no antilock. take additional care if your going to be driving in snow or ice etc.

 

I got the part at Auto Zone and I thought they said it comes in right where the shaft meets the rear differential at the top. They also mentioned the speedo cables came in there too.

Is this the correct location, right at the top of the rear differential?

 

Yup, that's the spot.

 

I got the part and had a mechanic put it in. The first time AutoZone gave me the wrong part. This one that goes in the rear transfer case has a 90 degree bend. The speed sensor that goes into the transmission on the other hand is straight.

I'm SO glad a mechanic did it because it was a good 30 minutes standing under the truck and some neck pain. He had a hard time just getting the old one out. It had to be pounded a bit with a wrench.

Good news though once it was put in, the trouble code automatically reset itself.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Mark