Hello. I bought a 98 Ram 1500 5.9 about 5 months ago. A couple months ago, the ABS and Brake light would stay on when I started the truck after driving it sometimes. Never comes on if it sits overnight on first start. Brakes seem to work fine, new front rotors and pads, backs have a little life left (problem did exist before fronts replaced).

I have read on this and replaced the rear speed abs sensor and cleaned the connections into the abs control module. I tried to have the abs codes checked, but was told due to the age they were unable to read any. Recently had front axle seals replaced and the mechanic did a small amount of looking and thought the abs control module had a relay that was "sticky".

I pulled a module from a 98 Ram (5.2) from local salvage (all they had for Ram in that year) but when comparing the white label values they are different than mine. So, my questions:
1. Are there differt control modules? Maybe a 2 wheel and 4 wheel?
2. If I can find the module with same label, can I simply just unplug my current module and swap them out, leaving battery disconnected for 30 minutes after replacement, or do I need to do more than this? Are there other years of Ram or possibly Dakota or Durango that would use same module?
3. Any other thoughts on what may cause this behavior?

Thanks for any input/advice!

 

I had the same problem for a while. Mine went away however, my brakes continued to work fine. To be honest, i would go out and test your brakes, fast stop, make sure they work. If your truck stops well enough for you i woudlnt worry about it. Most parts stores wont read brake codes due to liability concerns. You could go to a garage and have them read them, but theyll probably just tell you that your speed sensors are off(thats what they told me). If your abs is working you should feel it pulsing through the brake pedal when you slam on the brakes or try to brake on a slippery surface.

Supposedly there were trucks with 4 wheel abs but no ones really been able to confirm, as far as I can tell. My truck supposedly has it but I really have no idea. Its like when you get your build sheet for your truck and it says rack and pinion steering, just makes you scratch your head.

 

have you checked the brake fluid level. sounds similar to what my ram charger did when i had a leaking brake line or 2.

 

Fluid is full and always has been since it started acting up. Brakes seem fine, but haven't tried locking them on a gravel road or anything, so will sometime this week.

If it is a relay in the module, can I just unplug and plug in a different module leaving the abs pump as-is?

Thanks!

 

Can you post the part numbers you have, I see 7 of them listed in the parts book. The difference is between 2wd and 4wd and cab and chassis con fig.

You can find the 99 parts manual in the diy area for download.

Possible numbers are

05003102AC
05003122AA
05013919AA
05013920AA
05003101AA
05003102AA
05003102AC

 

I was having the same issue a couple weeks ago hile on the road to Houston. Had a shop bleed brakes and it worked for 200 miles. Changed out master cylinder last eek as fluid looked dirty, and I anted to flush system. So I bought one of these from Summit Racing. Best buy in some time!



Brakes will stop on a dime and give change!

 

The control module isn't your problem. The rear speed sensor was a good start but the other sensor that feeds information to that system is a sensor in the transmission case, I believe driver's side. Replace that next and I'll wager your lights will go off.

I chased the same exact problem. ABS and BRAKE lights on. They started off just coming on every now and then. Soon they were on full time if the engine was running. I chased the ABS control module too at the behest of the F'ing dealership service department. I didn't want a new one for $375 so I paid $75 to have mine serviced by a company I found online. Did not change one thing.

I knew the brakes worked great, were bled properly, and the ABS still worked.

Once I found how those two sensors played a role, I started with the sensor in the rear end and that fixed my problem. However, if it didn't change anything for you...change the sensor in the transmission case.

 

On a quick search, I believe the one you are talking about is called the transmission output speed sensor, does that sound correct? Can I simply remove and install a new one, like the rear one, or will I lose fluids, etc.? (Sorry, new to the whol DIY thing, but with the way times are I am trying to learn and do as much as possible on my own.)

Also, for numbers on the module, there was a sticker on the one side with the following:
TXXBK0508A1482
P52009707AE

And on the other side, I think it was (but not 100% sure as wearing off):
C1065XH

Thanks for the information!

 

Yes, you can just unscrew the one in the trans. May drip a little fluid, but it is below the fluid level in th pan so it won't pour out.

 

Took a look, believe it is sensor on driver side about half back and points downward with a "plate" beneath it. Assume it will screw out clearing the plate. Pretty rusty...will I need to soak for a few days or just a big wrench be okay without twisting something off?

Thanks again for the insight!