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1998 Dodge Dakota Speed sensor problem?

Tiny
MJWILLERT2
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 94,000 MILES
When I started my truck, my brake light & ABS light on the dash stay on. Also my speedometer does not working at all from 0 to 15 miles per hour. It appears to be reading properly from 15 mph and faster. The transmission seems to be shifting properly at all speeds. I was told by a service station that it might be a speed sensor. Is this a speed sensor problem and if so, which speed sensor is it? Is it the ABS rear wheel speed sensor on the differential? If so can I check the voltage across the connector plug to see if the sensor is bad?
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Saturday, October 16th, 2010 AT 2:42 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,117 POSTS
Have you had the computer scanned?
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Saturday, October 16th, 2010 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
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  • 19 POSTS
Yes. I had the computer scanned at a auto parts store and it showed no fault codes.
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Sunday, October 17th, 2010 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
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Chances are they are using the wrong type of scanner for ABS. Their scanners are only for engine codes. I have found very few have scanners for ABS and trans codes. Just so (we) know, could you contact them and ask if their scanner is able to read ABS codes? That way I know what direction to lead you.

As far as the speed sensor, usually it will cause the trans to shift oddly. However, the fact that this is a 2wd leads me to believe you may have two different problems. With the rear ABS sensor, it could as easily be one of the front ones. You could do a physical inspection to see if they are in good conditiion and there is no damage to wiring. Also, check to make sure the stator isn't caked with dirt.
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Sunday, October 17th, 2010 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
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  • 19 POSTS
The scanners cannot read ABS codes.
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Sunday, October 17th, 2010 AT 3:04 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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That is what I thought. I hate to say it but we have two choices. Start throwing parts at it hoping to hit the right one (usually waste a lot of time and money) or pay someone who has a scanner that can read the proper codes and identify where the problem is coming from.

Let me know what you want to do. From my end, I will try to direct you the best I can, but please remember, it becomes a guessing game without the codes.

Joe
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Sunday, October 17th, 2010 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
I'm going to replace the rear ABS speed sensor on top of the diff. Tomorrow, weather permitting. I will let you know if this fixes my problem. Thank you for all your help.
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Glad to help. Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
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Replacing the rear ABS speed sensor fixed my problem. I thought if there was any fault codes, I might have to clear out the fault codes using some diagnostic equipment but that was not the case. As soon as I replaced the sensor the ABS & brake light on my dash went out. The speedometer also is working properly.
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Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
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Glad it is fixed. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 7:20 AM

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