my abs and brake warning lights came on yesterday. What can cause this and how can I fix it with minimal $?

Question

my abs and brake warning lights came on yesterday. What can cause this and how can I fix it with minimal expense? this is for a 2003 dodge ram 4x4. Please help... I added approx 1/4" of brake fluid but lights are still on

Answer 1

The problem is that when both the abs and brake warning lights came on, there is a problem the abs system. It could be something as simple as a wheel sensor. You will need to take your vehicle to a dealer or reputable mechanic that has knowledge of abs systems. Now you added 1/4 inch of brake fluid, that is more likely nothing more than a sign of normal brake pad wear. As the brake pads wear, the fluid level will drop, but not much. so no more than you added, and you brake pedal has good firm pressure, and you dont see any wet spots on any of the wheels , you dont have a leak. Your abs system has just disabled due to the trouble fault it has detected. I would strongly recommend getting it fixed, but you will still have brakes, but if you have to hit the brakes hard, they will lock up instead of the abs system kicking in and preventing that.

carnut.........you are way out in left field.

Answer 2

Sounds like your truck has a brake fluid leak. I cannot be sure without seeing the truck but if you had to add fluid and had both brake systems' warnign lights on, then it's a pretty sure bet. Now, if there is fluid coming out of the system, DO NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK. You do not have operational brakes on two wheels. When there is a leak, the combination valve will 'trip' to protect the rest of the system - What happens is that a two-way valve will be moved by the pressure differential within the fluid in your lines. When the valve moves, it closes off the side of the system that has lower pressure, which will be the side that is affected by leaking. I strongly recommend getting a technician to find the cause of the leak and to provide a detailed estimate for repairs. The estimate should include the labour, which will vary depending on what is leaking. Once the repair is made, the valve will be reset during the brake bleeding process, which is also required to remove air from the system after a repair.

PS During normal brake wear the fluid level will godown slightly over time as the friction material in the pads and/or shoes wear down. It is possible for you to have something other than a leak but whatever is wrong, your brakes will not operate normally. I really am urging you to have it towed to a shop (the dealer is always best - they are most familiar with your vehicle). GOOD LUCK.

Answer 3

I've seen this problem a LOT! Usually has something to do with the rear speed sensor (sometimes called an abs sensor). This is located on the top of the rear end. The sensor could be bad, or the wires to it may be damaged or torn off. This will turn the brake and abs lights on. Check the wiring and repair. If the wires are all right, chances are it is the sensor. (common problem on dodges). Best way to tell is have it connected to a scanner. (preferably the drb III at a chrysler dealership)

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Answer 4

(1) Did you add enough brake fluid? Is it at the full line?

(2) Go to Autozone or somewhere else where they can read out the error codes from your vehicle computer.

I had the ABS light come on and my vehicle computer told me that the right front speed sensor had failed. Replacing it was cheap and easy.

Answer 5

Means you let air get into your brake system, and now needs to be bled, and your probably in need of brake pads, up front, or brake shoes, in back. Or you may also have a leaking wheel cylinder, that can cause the lights. Thats if your truck has drums in the back. Or it may also be an ABS sensor going bad, or not working. Go and get codes read for the ABS if that is needed.

Answer 6

Don't go to the dealership and try and find a garage that charges a reasonable amount of money and will do a good job...