ABS lite

BUXNBAAS

MEMBER
1999 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
97,000 MILES

Howdy folks. I just replaced both rear brake lines running from the ABS pump to the rear axle. My ABS lite has been on for a long time now and I'm in the mood to make it go away. It came on after I bled the brakes a while back. I read somewhere that you have to do an ABS bleed requiring a $200 computer scanner. Any shortcuts to this? The local parts stores dont rent the computer tool, and I really cant afford the darn thing.

2 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

ABS light doesn't respond to air in the lines. If there was air, you would have a low mushy brake pedal, and the red warning light would come on.

Normal operation of the yellow light is it should turn on for a few seconds after you turn on the ignition switch, then go out. If it goes out but comes back on right away, suspect a defective sensor or cut wire to one of them. If the light stays off, but comes back on AFTER you start to drive, (from a few yards to a mile), suspect a cracked tone ring on a cv joint or inside the rear brake drum.

If the light comes on right away and doesn't even flicker, suspect a blown fuse, commonly caused by a shorted trailer wiring harness. The computer always has a second power source through a second fuse to run the warning lamp.

Caradiodoc