I noticed when i took the truck out for a test drive the abs light and the brake light were on all the way and never came off what could be the cause of this?

 

Those lites indicate a fault detected in the rear ABS system. Typically it looses tooth count on the rear gear and throws a code.

To test it you have to reset the ABS computer by unhooking the power for about 20 seconds. Some guys pull the plug on the ABS controller behind the glovebox, but I have just pulled the battery lead. IF the lites come back after driving for a bit,then there is either a problem with the pickup in the differential or there is some corrosion on the plug. Either way its not a big deal. Most guys I see here just pull the plug on the ABS and leave it off.

J-eh

 

aint abs antiliock brake system? and how important is it

 

Its only rear ABS. And really its not that helpful as far as I'm concerned. Since I drive standard the only thing it does is keep one wheel from hangin up.. If I punch the brakes/clutch and the driveshaft stops, then they lock anyway. I do alot of driving in the snow/ice up here and it really isn't worth the upkeep to have it working.

Its "supposed" to keep the rears from locking and having you go helecoptering into the ditch, a bunch o hog wash IMHO..

J-eh

 

The couple of times the ABS "activated" on me it scared the heck outta me. Each time I was going down hill and thought I'd lost the brakes and I don't like that feeling. Too many years of driving before ABS was even thought of, I guess.

 

In my oppinion ABS stands for All BS I just unplugged mine because I hate ABS! It's supposed to help control the vehicle when you're doing heavy braking but in my experience it only lengthens stopping distance. Just another thing to take to the dealer when it breaks. :-X

Edited by moderator

 

Would the reason my lights stay be the speed sensor thing on the top of the rear diff being either one corroded or loose?

 

Yes, and more likely. Pull the plug and give it a shot of brake clean or ignition cleaner and plug it back in. Also check the wires for any obvious breaks or abrasions.

It is also possible that the pickup has some filings on it from normal wear in the diff.

J-eh

 

I removed both the ABS and brake light bulb, but also had a city truck make a right hand turn from the left hand lane, had to stand on it and the truck wanted to swap ends, even with trying to steer out of it. I only missed the fool by about 6". I did let off the pedal and then get back on it to allow it to staighten up for 1/2 a second. On a scale of 1-10, the pucker factor was 15. It wants to swap ends even worse on a wet road, but there again, the people drive like this thing can stop on a dime and give you 12 cents change. It was kinda cool to see all the cars scatter when all 4 back tires locked up, started smoking, and the tail end went crazy.