2003 Dodge RAM 1500: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Mar 1, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · 220,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

My girlfriend used the brakes and the ABS system would allow her to slow down and regain control cause it kept kicking the pedal back with no braking control whatsoever. She hit a guard rail and as the air bag deployed a piece of metal inside the steering column caused approx a 1 1/2 inch tear in the side of the air bag causing to not inflate and causing damage to her neck severally to the point where she needs surgery now to have cervical vertebrae fused together and extreme shoulder pain and unsure of the cause for that now. If this air bag would not have tore and worked properly she would have a soar face right now and not needing surgery. Yes we fully intend to start making inquiries to lawyers starting 3/2/2015 and find a remedy because with all the air bag problems dodge has had this should have never happened.

Filed Dec 3, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 125,600 miles · AL · fire

Started up and the ABS dash indicator light stayed on. I took the truck to my mechanics and noticed the speedometer wasn't working. My mechanics found the problem with the ABS right away. They said that a fire had occurred and the entire truck could have caught fire. The ABS controller was burnt and the wires leading from it.

Filed Mar 13, 2012 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · TX · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the driver noticed that the ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The tire and the wheel detached from the vehicle causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a ditch. The driver and passenger were able to exit the vehicle from the front driver side door. The driver inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front passenger side hub was fractured, causing the tire to detach. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2009 · Suspension · 69,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the driver's side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact lost control of the vehicle. Prior to the failure, he noticed that the ABS warning indicator illuminated on the instrument control panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and they stated that the failure was caused by the wheel bearing. The technician added that it would cost approximately $3,000 to repair the vehicle. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 69,000.

Filed May 18, 2008 · Electrical · 33,700 miles · NY

I started the truck one day, and I noticed the speedometer going crazy, and I had yet to put the truck in gear. At that same time the ABS and brake lights both lit up. I did notice with the truck not even running and the ignition turned to the on position, the speedometer still goes crazy, moving from 0 to 120 MPH. At this point, all I have done so far is to take it to a shop for evaluation, and they were unable to diagnose the problem. I did some research on the federal safety agency website, and found there were 5 other complaints with the same problem. The more I look into this, it appears to be a manufacturers defect.

Filed Feb 13, 2007 · Transmission · 69,971 miles · TX

On the way to work one morning, both the brake and ABS lamps came on at the instrument panel on the dash. At the same time I noticed that the speedometer readings began to oscillate 5-10 MPH from true vehicle speed. Truck seemed to drive just fine otherwise but dropped it off at a local dealer just in case. Dealer confirmed that the rear wheel speed sensor has been "destroyed" by debris accumulated in the tone or exciter ring in the differential housing. Dealer also found the remains of numerous "keepers" used to align the clutch packs in the dodge 9.25" anti-spin differential housing and noted substantial scoring of the bearing caps. Faulty retainer clips have rendered the anti-lock braking system inoperative and made the speedometer unreliable.

Filed Nov 10, 2006 · Brakes · 38,145 miles · KY

2003 dodge ram rear speed sensor will fail, causing erratic speedometer behavior and dashboard ABS and emergency brake lights to come on. This sensor is responsible for telling the ABS system the speed of the vehicle and how much pressure to apply when braking. Operating the vehicle with this sensor not working properly could lead to erratic stopping lengths, not to mention unreliable speedometer and odometer readings. This is evidently a recurring problem among many year models of the vehicle, and the same part number is used in many applications for daimler chrysler vehicles. I am yet to get the part changed, but will have the repair shop keep the part.

Filed Oct 14, 2006 · Electrical · 32,000 miles · VA · fire

2003 dodge ram 1500 slt quad cab experienced over the course of the past year a malfunctioning speedometer, fuel gauge, brake warning light, ABS warning light, wiper motor, aux. Power outlet. As a result of recurring electrical defects vehicle suffered an electrical fire completely destroying it's value and use while it was parked and unattended. Owner had written complaint letters to dealership and manufacturer prior to fire incident and has service records documenting defective speedometer, replaced brake sensor (which continued to malfunction after repair), and replaced wiper motor. Other complaints were never addressed by dealer service department because "they were sporadic intermittent electrical problems that were impossible to diagnose and repair" according to service writer statements.

Filed Dec 15, 2005 · Brakes · WV

Dt: the contact states there is an the federal safety agency recall campaign 04v185000 concerning the ABS brakes module. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The vehicle has not been repaired.

Filed Oct 22, 2004 · Brakes · 41,000 miles · FL

While driving the digital dashboard components went out. Vehicle was then driven to a dealership, who indicated that water had gotten into the anti lock braking system and shorted out the wiring. Dealership did not know how the water got into the system. Abs module and the wiring harness needed to be replaced.

Filed Sep 9, 2004 · Acceleration, Brakes · 2,147 miles · WV · crash

10/25/02-bought new 2003 dodge 1500 extended cab. 11/26/02, ABS light and brake light on. Dealership said "connection at cab had water in it, and dried off and sealed." 12/19/02, 3685 miles, took back because of ABS and brake light on. Short in brake switch and replaced the brake switch. 12/20/02 returned with ABS light and brake light on. Brake switch and rear ABS sensor shorted. Replaced both sensors and found water in the wiring connector. Disconnected, cleaned, dried and sealed. Returned to me on 12/24. 12/30/02, 4339 miles, ABS/brake lights on/RPM spiked. 8-way plug had water in it. "contacted star and was told to cut out plug and solder wires." truck returned to me on 01/02/03. 01/24/03, 5864 miles, ABS and brake lights on/speedometer spiking at idle. Dealership checked codes, checked wiring, rear ABS sensor, connector, ABS controller connector, cleaned, sealed connector. Truck returned to me on 01/28/03. 08/20/03, 19775 milest, transmission wouldn't kick out of passing gear until 80 MPH and when it did, made loud popping noise. Dealership said "transmission not upshifting, flash program transmission control." 10/11/03, 23180 miles, I was driving, power steering pump came out and caused me to lose control/run into ditch. Damage to bumpers and tailpipe. I had also noticed that day before the wreck that the transmission was kicking into passing gear at 40 MPH. Had towed to nearest dealership on 10/13/03. Would not give me a rental-I had bought the truck from a different dealership. Dodge sat on this truck for five months leaving me without a vehicle, saying that they were sending an inspector out to look at it, inspector would be there any day. Dodge would not replace bumpers and did not fix/return to me until 03/09/04. Truck was still not right/acted like it was going to quit running when started. 09/09/04, ABS and brake lights on again/speedometer spiking. Over 36,000 miles, have extended warranty, going back to dealership tomorrow.

Filed Oct 5, 2003 · Electrical · TX

During a rainy day, the gauges on my truck died completely. All the indicator lights on the dashboard (gas, engine, ABS, brake, etc.) went dead. Worst of all, the wipers went dead. Although the truck was running, this created a problem. Took it to the dealer and they said the "cluster" was bad. Part was ordered but has not arrived yet.