1998 Dodge Dakota Brake light & ABS light on, speedo pr

MJWILLERT2

MEMBER
1998 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
91,000 MILES

At this time, my truck (1998 Dodge Dakota), runs fine, and the transmission seems to shift properly, so can I just leave the truck the way it is and do nothing, unless something changes with the truck.

When I started my truck today my brake light & ABS light on my dash stayed on. Also my speedometer was not working at all from 0 to 20 miles per hour (mph). It appears to be reading properly from 20 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. I drove my truck over to an auto parts store and they hooked up a scanner to the computer on my truck and found no codes, probably because the ''check engine light'' was not on, only the ABS & brake lights were on. I then went over to a auto repair shop and they looked for codes and they told me that the codes they found only indicate a place for them to start diagnosing the problem, that the codes do not tell them the exact problem. I do not know if I believe that or not. The shop wanted about $85 to diagnose the problem. Where should I go from here?

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,752 POSTS

Honestly, they could be telling the truth. Some codes are "generic" and the mechanic has to go through several tests to actually identify the problem. As far as the VSS, it could cause the speedo problem, but usually has an adverse affect on the trans shifting patterns.

You may want to get another opinion if you don't trust the shop. That way, you will know. Also, if they will tell you the code they found, I can check it out. Since you are most likely a thosand miles away from me, you'll know that I have no vested interested in trying to make money. Just here to try and help people.

Joe