ABS and brake light on?

ECHO3321

MEMBER
2008 DODGE RAM
5.7L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
77,000 MILES

I am trying to figure out why my ABS does not engage. I have only owned my truck for a little over 1 year. The dash light comes on when I start it, then goes off along with the rest of the lights that are supposed to. I tested the breaks in the snow a few times last winter. It feels like all 4 tires lock, and the truck just slides.

7 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

If you hit the brake hard enough to lock all four wheels at once, the computer will not know the truck is still moving. It needs to see at least one wheel turning. These guides can help us find the problem or code and fix it

https://youtu.be/Pb6nXV-iamI

and

https://youtu.be/rTtAnsOlZU4

and

https://youtu.be/ANWVTh2RQoQ

Please run down these guides and report back.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:38 PM

ECHO3321

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Is there a was to tell 100% that the truck DOES actually have ABS? I have had one guy tell my that it might not. I have a hard time believing that a vehicle as new as a 2008, doesn't have at least rear ABS. I spoke with a Dodge dealer, and gave them the VIN, they told me it should have 4 wheel ABS. I don't know enough about the ABS system to be able to check.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:38 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

If you have an ABS light, then you have an ABS system.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:38 PM

ECHO3321

MEMBER
4 POSTS

That is what I thought. So, is there a way to reset the system? Or is there maybe a bad sensor somewhere that isn't telling it to engage?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:38 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,757 POSTS

No, there is no reset and I don't believe there is anything wrong with your system.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:38 PM

JUSHALV

MEMBER
1 POST

I have the same issue with my 2008 Ram. I've owned it since new and I remember the ABS functioning as expected. Living in GA, I seldom have the need for ABS, but I discovered that the ABS does not function while driving in a snow storm in the midwest recently. Anyone have any further info on how to affect a repair?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:38 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
12,963 POSTS

First you would need to verify there is a problem. To do that you would take a scan tool and graph the wheel speed sensors, compare the speeds you have on the scan tool to the speed you are going. Do they all match? Next is a bit harder, for it you would want a dirt or gravel road, get up to about 20 and step on the brakes. Do you hear or feel the ABS engage? Does the scan tool show it engaging? If yes then it is working. Many time a P/U ABS system also works differently if it is loaded or empty. Plus if they are in 2WD or 4WD. However if they test out, then there isn't anything that can really be done.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 12:38 PM