While driving the ABS system activated even though the pavement was dry. The problem is that the ABS system prevented the brakes from functioning at all and I rolled through an intersection even though I was pressing firmly on the brake pedal. The ABS warning indicator eventually illuminates indicating something is wrong with the system however, I don't think it should have failed in such a way as to prevent any braking action from occurring. This problem has only happened once but I was very lucky that no other vehicles were traveling through that intersection at the same time that this problem caused me to roll through it while the stoplight was red for me.
1997 Dodge Caravan: ABS light or ABS activating
6 of the 706 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Caravan describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
What owners say
Vehicle recalled for anti-lock brakes. *ph the brake light had come and there was a clicking noise which had come from the ABS brakes. The consumer requested reimbursement. *sc the hydraulic master cylinder, ABS pump and motor assembly were all replaced.
I have experienced failures in my steering colmn which does not allow me to use my horn, cruise control, and I am afraid that my air bag does not work. The airbag light stays on along with ABS and intermitant other lights. I have had to repair my transmission and it still does not work properly. Slipping from time to time. The rear A/C fan switch only works in the low and high position. Trassmision gives off a burning smell when hot.
When traveling at any speed on wet or dry pavement the ABS light illuminated on the dash. Upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle became very hard to stop, causing extended stopping distance/brake fade away. Consumer has contacted the dealer has replaced parts.
Abs failure, resulting in extend stopping distance/brakes fading.
When applying the ABS brakes, the pedal went to the floor and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. Replaced master cylinder.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum
- Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum
- Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum
- A condition may exist where a low frequency howl / moan noise is heard from the rear brake area during low...
- On some vehicles, while driving through deep or blowing snow / water, the snow / water may enter the rear...
- Information regarding snow / water entering the rear brake drums
- Information on rear wheel park brake actuator / lever service
- Some vehicles may experience a rattle in the area of the rear wheels caused by the parking brake actuator...
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- The master cylinder rear seal, between the hydraulic fluid and the vacuum reservoir, may not seal adequately allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the power assist vacuum reservoir.
- Risk
- As the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases, the level sensor will detect the loss of fluid and illuminate the instrument panel brake warning lamp. Continued operation of the vehicle with the warning lamp illuminated can result in extended stopping distances.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder on all affected vehicles. Addendum (4-14-97): vehicles inspected per chrysler recall no. 707 and found to be outside the listed suspect master cylinder date code range, must now have the master cylinder primary piston replaced (chrysler recall no. 714).
Recall number 96V215000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Caravan abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
6 of 706 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Caravan (1%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1993.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
There is 1 recall and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge Caravan
Airbag light 83Adaptive cruise 45Wipers 42Transmission failure 28Fire or smoke 24Stalling 23Fuel leak 16Headlights 15Loss of power 15Check engine light 13Slipping 12No deployment 10Fuel smell 10Power steering loss 10Door locks 8Grinding brakes 7Engine failure 7Jerking 7Overheating 7Won't shift 7Tire blowout 7Brake failure 6Harsh shifting 6Ball joint 5Coil spring 5Premature wear 5Seat belt 5
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