I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 4x4. I have had the speed sensor in the rear diff go out before, so I am familiar with the issue. It happened again this year back in Feb. The Speedometer stopped working and the ABS and brake lights came on. I was in a hurry and it was cold out, so I took it to the local Goodyear service center to get it replaced. They put the new sensor in and the speedometer worked, but the ABS and brake light stillcome on, and I have to get the truck up to about 60 MPH or more for them to come on. There is also a clicking sound when I apply the brakes at any speed, and it stops when I release the brake pedal or come to a complete stop.

The computer shows no trouble codes, but I assume a bad sensor replacement was used, I am not sure where they got it from. I took it back to them today to have them investigate. They are claiming that the rear diff is gone and that the metal flakes it is throwing off are causing the problem with the sensor, and gave an approx. estimate of about $800 to replace the rear gears. I am going to get a second opinion, but that is difficult to do today. I have had no other problems with it. They claim it makes noise, I only hear the tires. This vehicle has been well maintained and the rear end has been serviced this year.

My thoughts are that since the ABS and brake light problem happened at the exact moment that the speedomoter failed, that is is the sensor. And that the new sensor immediately fixed the speedometer, but not the lights, that the sensor is still the problem. I have had no problems that I am aware of with the rear diff. Any thoughts? Would you assume they were trying to rip you off in this situation, or would you take their word and park it until someone else can check the rear end?

 

Are you driving a 4x4?

Everyone thinks that these trucks only have rear wheel anti lock. There are anti-lock/speed sensors on both sides of the front axle on the 2500. Not sure if the 1500 and/or 3500 share this item. The sensor will cause ABS problems. If you are getting the light and no code it could be the hub/bearing unit. I have had to replace both of mine. Two occassions, both fixes resulted in ABS dummy light shutting off and regain of brake power.

Simple check...pull offfront tires. One screw holds the sensor in place on top side of axle behind rotor. Pull sensor look to see if it has grease.

When mine went bad the sensor was black and dry on the end vs.having a fresh grease look.
Looking into hole where sensor sat resulted in shiny metal with black residue. Grease was gone.

This will keep you from pulling hub/bearing. It is a lot of work and isn't fun. Just a recommendation.

 

Well, to follow up on this, I took it to another mechanic. Someone more trustworthy than the Goodyear service center that put the last speed sensor in because I was in a hurry and they could do it. He pulled the rear diff cover, and the gears are trashed. Apparently, when Goodyear put in the last one, they broke it and left the pieces in the diff. Everything has to be replaced. They claim they told us about it and we declined a diff service to get it out. An outright lie, so I am going to be stuck spending $850.00 for their little screw up. I'm not to pleased with Dodge at the moment either for designing a setup that requires a speed sensor replacement every 4 years/50,000 miles. I can fight with these people, but I need it fixed so I am going to have to go ahead and pay for it. I don't know that I expect I will get reimbursed on this one, but I'll push the issue and see what happens.

 

Ok so i'm having the same problem on my 04 ram 1500 with my ABS and Brake light staying on, but my speedo is ok. Should I still try a new speed sensor?

 

xx2000RAMxx ! It might not be the greatest design by Dodge, BUT, they are NOT the ones at fault , for F'ing up one of the most simplest things to replace on the truck! Goodyear is! And it was probably just a corroded connection at the plug to begin with.

mitujek , as far as your prob goes. I would post it in the 3rd gen forum. 2004 is a different animal.

 

This happened to me in mid June. ABS and Brake lights came on and the speedo stopped working simultaneously. Truck was scheduled to go in the next day so told my shop about it and after a new rear speed sensor everything was good to go. It's a shame to hear that some places just don't have the patience or will to care about something like that, and then flat out lie to you about it. Sorry to hear it.