ABS and Parking indicators on and speedometer does not work until car reaches 35 MPH

Hi,

The first thing I need to do is provide you with a description of how this system works. After reading it, I'm confident you will say, "I miss having a speedo cable." Anyway, take a look through this:

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1999 Dodge or Ram Truck Dakota 4WD V8-5.2L VIN Y
Components
Vehicle Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators Speedometer Head Description and Operation Components
COMPONENTS
SYSTEM OPERATION
The speedometer gives an indication of the current vehicle speed. The instrument cluster circuitry controls the gauge pointer position. The instrument cluster circuitry calculates the proper gauge pointer position based upon vehicle speed messages received from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus.

The PCM uses a speed pulse input received from the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB) and internal programming to decide what vehicle speed and distance messages are required. The PCM then sends the proper messages to the instrument cluster circuitry on the CCD data bus. The CAB uses an input from the rear wheel speed sensor and internal programming, which includes a programmable pinion factor to compensate for different axle gear ratios and tire sizes, to determine what speed pulse output is required. The CAB then sends the proper speed pulse to the PCM on a hard-wired circuit.

The rear wheel speed sensor is excited by an exciter ring on the differential case within the rear axle housing. Incorrect tire size incorrect axle ratio, an incorrect pinion factor, a faulty or improperly installed rear wheel speed sensor, a faulty rear axle exciter ring, or a faulty CAB can each result in inaccurate speedometer readings. For diagnosis of the speedometer inputs, a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures are recommended.

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Now that you most likely have a headache, I need to know if the ABS sensor you replaced was the one on the top of the differential. That sensor is what ultimately tells the controller anti lock brake (CAB) speed which then goes to the PCM and then finally to the instrument panel.

Let me know,

Joe

That is where it is located. At this point, you really need to have the system scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Otherwise, it becomes a guessing game. You can try a parts store to see if they have a scanner that can scan ABS codes, but chances are they won't.

Just for the heck of it, try this. I think it should work on a 99, but it's been some time since I did it.

Cycle the ignition key from off to on 5 times. On the 5th time, allow the key to say in the run position (engine off). See if the check engine light begins to flash. If it does, count the number of flashes. They should be either 2 or 3 digit numbers. If this works, there should be a longer delay before it moves on to the next code.

Let me know if that works. It's a long shot, but lets hope.

Joe

I was hopeful. Regardless, let me know what codes are found.

Take care,
Joe