I have a ’96 Dodge 1500 SLT 5.2L 2w drive, towing package, 69000 miles. About 2 months ago, after being struck from the rear while stopped, the ABS and Brake warning lights came on and the brakes failed. The front brakes were completely replaced along with a rusted brake line by a local shop.

However, the ABS and Brake warning lights continue to come on. The same shop determined (ABS Code9) the rear speed sensor wiring harness Connectors and the body Connector had deteriorated. They claim both the wiring harness and the body contectors are discontinued without a substitute part.

So the brakes seem to be fine and I’ll drive it this way until some substitute falls in my lap. But my question is: When I start the truck after it has sat a while, the ABS and Brake warning lights come on, go off and come back on in less than a minute. After I drive it 2-5 miles, shut the engine off and restart, the ABS and Brake warning lights come on, go off and stay off – why?

 

The rwal sensor on top of the rear diff housing is probably bad. Check the plug and wire to it. Other than that, just replace it. And which brake line was replaced? The one above the gas tank?

 

Thanks ZMAN17

All the rear lines were replaced 2 years ago when they rusted out. The line from the master cylinder to the first junction was replaced 2 months ago.

The local shop indcated they are unable to locate the wiring or connectors or a substitue as Dodge has discontinued the part and provide no substitute part.

Do you think it would be worth changing the sensor anyway?

tjf

 

I would, it's not very expensive and if it's not the problem, it will at least eliminate it as being so. Plus they do go bad quite frequently, and you'll have a spare.

 

That makes sense, also seems so simple that I should have just done it. After all we're talking about a 14 year old electronric component.

The connectors may be bad but the intermittancy is probably caused by the sensor. Duh am I dumb.

Thanks again Zman17. I let you if it works after I get it changed.

tjf

 

Try cleaning the connector first, or simply unplug and plug it back in a few times. Maybe the connection is corroded.

 

its only a $31 dollar part at napa or any other part store