Trip to the Mountains and an ABS Question

[JDT]

We just got back from a 2000 mile round trip to southwestern Colorado (Ouray). We rented a Jeep for 7 days and did the jeep trails through the surrounding mountains, to include Imogene and Engineer passes. If you are familiar with the area these are moderate to difficult trails but the scenery was well worth it.

Our 05 Ambassador performed almost flawlessly. Not knowing any better we came in from the south on Highway 550 through Durango. There are 3 passes over 10,000 feet on this 74 mile stretch to Ouray with steep climbs and descents, numerous switchbacks and sharp curves. We were able to maintain a reasonable speed up the grades and the exhaust brake kept it under control going down. Never came close to overheating. Once we got the KOA in Ouray we were told it is not advisable for large RV's to use that road. Hmmm.

The only issues we had were a set screw came loose on the antenna crank and the ABS (anti-lock brake) warning light. It came on as we were leaving Ouray to go to Montrose and pick up Highway 50 to Pueblo. It stayed on for about 30 minutes, went off, came back on about 30 minutes later, stayed on for about 10 more minutes and then went out. It did not come on for the rest of the trip, or about 800 miles.

My 3 year warranty on the chassis expires Monday but I'm afraid if I try to get something done I will be told it must be working as the warning light is not on.

Anyone have any idea why the ABS warning light would behave this way?

Jim

[JDT]

We just got back from a 2000 mile round trip to southwestern Colorado (Ouray). We rented a Jeep for 7 days and did the jeep trails through the surrounding mountains, to include Imogene and Engineer passes. If you are familiar with the area these are moderate to difficult trails but the scenery was well worth it.

Our 05 Ambassador performed almost flawlessly. Not knowing any better we came in from the south on Highway 550 through Durango. There are 3 passes over 10,000 feet on this 74 mile stretch to Ouray with steep climbs and descents, numerous switchbacks and sharp curves. We were able to maintain a reasonable speed up the grades and the exhaust brake kept it under control going down. Never came close to overheating. Once we got the KOA in Ouray we were told it is not advisable for large RV's to use that road. Hmmm.

The only issues we had were a set screw came loose on the antenna crank and the ABS (anti-lock brake) warning light. It came on as we were leaving Ouray to go to Montrose and pick up Highway 50 to Pueblo. It stayed on for about 30 minutes, went off, came back on about 30 minutes later, stayed on for about 10 more minutes and then went out. It did not come on for the rest of the trip, or about 800 miles.

My 3 year warranty on the chassis expires Monday but I'm afraid if I try to get something done I will be told it must be working as the warning light is not on.

Anyone have any idea why the ABS warning light would behave this way?

Jim

[Mutha]

Jim, my guess is you have a ABS Wheel Speed Sensor that needs to be either cleaned or re-seated or both. The sensors just push into the brake backing plate until they stop - that is how to re-seat them. They pull straight out with moderate force to be cleaned or replaced. No tools are needed, You should probably clean all four (six if you have a drag axle) of them with Berryman's B-12 carb cleaner or a similar solvent. I use plain ole Laquer thinner on mine.

Good luck - Glenn

[Les Stallings]

Our 02 Dynasty has an ABS data port next to the ECM data port. I believe the service department could hook up their ABS code reader and see what error messages are stored in the ABS unit. If nothing else, they certainly could perform a standard diagnosis test.

[Diplomat Don]

JDT.....We left a campground just outside of Yellowstone and were forced to drive down a muddy road that was under construction. My undercarriage was loaded with mud and caused the ABS light to come on and stay on. I stopped and rinsed the undercarriage. It went out a few minutes later. You're going to need to check underneath for debris or a loose plug as stated above.

[JDT]

Thanks for the tips. We were in a campground in Albuquerque that was very dusty. Since it is intermittent I have a feeling it is dirt. I will get under the coach tomorrow and clean the sensors. We have 2 shorter trips planned in the next 3 weeks so will see soon if this works.

Jim

[SpursMVP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT Thanks for the tips. We were in a campground in Albuquerque that was very dusty. Since it is intermittent I have a feeling it is dirt. I will get under the coach tomorrow and clean the sensors. We have 2 shorter trips planned in the next 3 weeks so will see soon if this works. Jim

I know this is an older thread, but how do you get to the ABS sensors on the rear axle? I've cleaned both on the front and my RV mechanic has run the code test and no codes have been triggered.

Any tips on how to get to the rear axle sensors would be great. Thanks!