Here we go again abs/traction control

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Trav16C

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ABS/Traction control lights on. A brief history. 2016 2500 6.7/auto longhorn

Issue started over a year ago. Lights would come on intermittently. Dealership scanned it, driver rear speed sensor. I replaced the sensor twice and it didn't stop happening. After banging my head researching the forums and testing wiring, fuses etc. I dropped it off at a very reputable local shop. They had the truck for 6 weeks. Replaced the hydraulic control unit and abs module. Didnt work, rams guideline says replace it again, didnt work. And again. Reset PCM, rewired the rear sensor, and banged their head. Eventually they gave up. Magically a week later the lights turned off and stayed off for quite some time. Flash forward to 2 weeks ago, lights flashed after slamming on the brakes in the rain with a trailer. Went off, came back on the next day, and are still lit. I replaced the sensor again today thinking maybe it actually failed this time, no luck. So back to scouring forums for the same issues. Checked the tone ring for play while I had the sensor out, and it was fine. When I pulled the sensor out today it was loaded with grease and possible shavings which I don't recall before.

I'm at my wits end, and tired of chasing a ghost issue. It's always the driver rear that throws the code, never specific conditions. I've dumped alot of money and time into this, and been without the truck way too many times. Tried to file a claim with FCA a year ago and got ghosted. If it wasn't for loving every other part of the truck, I would have sold it along time ago.
 

DMenn Ram

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Same here, just FINALLY replaced the Brake Pump Module and it took care of it. Was having issues for almost 6 months.
 

ahole4sure

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ABS/Traction control lights on. A brief history. 2016 2500 6.7/auto longhorn

Issue started over a year ago. Lights would come on intermittently. Dealership scanned it, driver rear speed sensor. I replaced the sensor twice and it didn't stop happening. After banging my head researching the forums and testing wiring, fuses etc. I dropped it off at a very reputable local shop. They had the truck for 6 weeks. Replaced the hydraulic control unit and abs module. Didnt work, rams guideline says replace it again, didnt work. And again. Reset PCM, rewired the rear sensor, and banged their head. Eventually they gave up. Magically a week later the lights turned off and stayed off for quite some time. Flash forward to 2 weeks ago, lights flashed after slamming on the brakes in the rain with a trailer. Went off, came back on the next day, and are still lit. I replaced the sensor again today thinking maybe it actually failed this time, no luck. So back to scouring forums for the same issues. Checked the tone ring for play while I had the sensor out, and it was fine. When I pulled the sensor out today it was loaded with grease and possible shavings which I don't recall before.

I'm at my wits end, and tired of chasing a ghost issue. It's always the driver rear that throws the code, never specific conditions. I've dumped alot of money and time into this, and been without the truck way too many times. Tried to file a claim with FCA a year ago and got ghosted. If it wasn't for loving every other part of the truck, I would have sold it along time ago.
Did you get this resolved?
 

ahole4sure

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Same here, just FINALLY replaced the Brake Pump Module and it took care of it. Was having issues for almost 6 months.
My Service Antilock Brake System (and Electronic Braking System ) error has been intermittent for over a year. Now - way more consistent making it unbearable to drive. When you say Brake Pump Module - do you mean the HCU (or Hydraulic Control Unit)? Did you replace yourself or have someone do it?
 

Jeepwalker

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Usually on repairs, it's the simple things. For one reason, there are a lot more of them. Mine was the brake switch. Lot of guys have had them flake out. They weigh like 5 grams ...can't be much metal in them. Easy to repl. Considering it's a fairly cheap part that you can probably install yourself, something to consider.

All connectors and wiring to the transfer case should be checked. I'd re-seat all the associated fuses in the fuse box, and wiggle the relays. Inspect and wiggle any wire connectors that are associated with the brakes/speed/4x4. Esp because you are in MI and cold winter temps and salt can corrode and wreak havoc, and rodents can seek a warm vehicle and chew wires you can't see.

Have you gotten any other codes since the last repair?
 

dhay13

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Mine started about a month or so ago. Get a pop up on my dash every once in awhile saying 'Service Electronic Braking System' and my ABS and traction control lights come on. Then next time I drive it they are gone but then come back. Haven't had a chance to look into it yet as I have too many projects going on right now but hopefully near the end of summer I can did into this to fix it
 

XBrav

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After swapping the sensors, I also found a lot of wear on the wires at the speed sensors. I found the stranded wires had separated inside the insulation near the connector. After ripping a few more out of the local Pick N' Pull, the same wear was observed.

At least splicing in a new one isn't painful, so long as the break is near the connector.
 

dhay13

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Mine started about a month or so ago. Get a pop up on my dash every once in awhile saying 'Service Electronic Braking System' and my ABS and traction control lights come on. Then next time I drive it they are gone but then come back. Haven't had a chance to look into it yet as I have too many projects going on right now but hopefully near the end of summer I can did into this to fix it
So just got mine scanned at a local Auto Zone. Code C0020-01 'ABS Pump Motor Control-General Electric Failure.
Ideas? Truck is a 2018 2500 6.4 with 26,820 miles
 

MJCs18Diesel

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I have the same problem with my ABS and traction control lights, steady on now. At first it was intermittent whenever I hit a bump, turning warning lights on and off. And, each time it causes the cruise to turn off, and when the lights are on, the cruse will no longer come on. Visited my local mechanic for troubleshooting suggestions, and he first suggested unplugging the main connector on the ABS unit behind the FR wheel well and applying some dielectric grease into the female slots. I took it back, and he easily read the codes with his "On-line subscription" SnapOn scan tool and it said ABS Pump Motor Control-General Electric Failure. When I asked if this definitely meant this was the problem, he said no, I next need to check the + and ground wire for the ABS Pump Motor Control, then each connector at the wheel sensors and the fuse, probably a 30- or 40-Amp fuse. And, I need to put dielectric grease on each connector and to look for corrosion or breaks in the wires. Any other troubleshooting suggestions? I'm still troubleshooting...

As asked above, the rear axle sensor reflecting surfaces can be seen behind the parking brake area.

My 2-cents
 

Jeepwalker

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Yeah, by the on/off nature, I wonder if it's a bad wire/connector/ground if it was happening over bumps.
 

Beast2017

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My 2017 3500 Longhorn Laramie Dually Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) (according to Ram Service) just went out & is back ordered till 31 Oct. Approx $1200 for them to repair. The ABS Module was replaced in 2019 @ 14K miles. The malfunction causes the cruise to disengage so not getting fixed is not an option. Truck has a little over 33K miles and was purchased exactly 5 years ago. I like the truck & replacing is not an option due to supply & demand (aka: dealer price gouging)
 

dhay13

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I just replaced my HCU and called about 12-15 dealerships. They all said backordered until 12/31. I did find a dealer that had a couple of the AA revisions (AB is the newer revision) so ordered one from them and got it in about 2 days. Had a buddies shop replace it and all is good now. So wait for a few months for the AB version or call around and track down an AA version.
I found mine at Ron Lewis CJD in Pleasant Hills, PA
 

truk4u

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Me too, just this week same problem. Dealer says maybe 30 days to get the pump. The chime is driving me nuts and they said nothing could be done about that.
 

dhay13

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So I had called my local dealer when I was looking for the HCU and was told they had no timeline. Other dealers told me 12/31. I found one and got it fixed but my original dealer called me today with an update....they are now expecting to get them in June 2023
 

HighShyGuy

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Ugh...
My ABS/Trac light has been on and off for a few months now as I wait for this HCU part to come into the dealer... Same thing as above... No firm ETA.

Driving in freezing and slick conditions is scary without traction control... The truck wanted to go sideways twice getting on the freeway last night. It was 26 out, with patchy ice spots in shaded areas.
I wasn't racing to get on the freeway, I was taking it easy as it was dark and spotty ice on the sides of the on-ramp and I know how to drive in slick and snowy conditions I've lived in the PNW my entire life.
Now perhaps I should air down the rear tires (cooper AT3) from 75 to 50, but I need this fixed. I can't "not drive" for the next 4 months when it's freezing out, while I wait for a part.

The abs/trac being out of commission is downright dangerous.
Regardless of the light being on or off, if you have this issue, DO NOT COUNT on abs or traction control doing anything for you.

FCA should be on this issue better. Google, Reddit, and other forums are littered with this exact issue, clearly, there is an issue with this part, AA and AB best I can tell.
I can't tell if they are backordered on this part due to a "shortage of materials" as I'm being told or if they are fixing the issue with an "AC" part.
(Ther is actually a class action started in Texas)

In fairness, Ram has been good at keeping me informed on the status of the part.

Perhaps someone without this issue can confirm what SHOULD happen when the rear end starts to slip sideways (due to mud, ice, etc) on a working truck.
My Tundra would cut power and use the ABS system to try and get traction, the Ram currently does nothing, just lets you slide, and do whatever you want with the throttle.
I can currently swing the truck (Ram, with bad HCU) sideways on purpose in the rain (open wet parking lot) without touching the traction control button...
Typically (in the Tundra) I had to disable traction control to pull that off or traction control put a stop to it pretty fast.

I'm curious about what the stock/working ram would typically do.
 

TerriT

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So just got mine scanned at a local Auto Zone. Code C0020-01 'ABS Pump Motor Control-General Electric Failure.
Ideas? Truck is a 2018 2500 6.4 with 26,820 miles
dhay13, did you get your error resolved? My ABS activated only in the right front wheel while driving on the interstate.
My error code was the same as yours, they’re saying it’s my hydro boost pump. I’m questioning how it could cause only 1 wheel to activate? My rotor got red hot and it had smoke rolling out of it. Thanks! New member
 

dhay13

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dhay13, did you get your error resolved? My ABS activated only in the right front wheel while driving on the interstate.
My error code was the same as yours, they’re saying it’s my hydro boost pump. I’m questioning how it could cause only 1 wheel to activate? My rotor got red hot and it had smoke rolling out of it. Thanks! New member
I didn't have any ABS activate. I just got the Service Electronic Braking System and Service ABS system lights on my dash and my traction control and ABS lights were also lit up. I had the HCU replace (hydraulic control unit) and that fixed it. It's just above the frame rail below the master cylinder
 

MJCs18Diesel

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I'm convinced my symptoms are a loose female pin connector or, one of the connectors to the four wheels. Here in NY, when the temps were in the low teens, it was off for that period. When connectors are cold, they get smaller and possibly connect better? When it warmed up the came and went when we hit bumps. When warm, it is on always. Does the 30 or 40 pin connector connect to the "pump" assembly? And, therefore changing the pump assembly masks the defective connectors they used? Is the female connector on the pump and the male is on the connector on the wiring harness? Or, am I wrong? Another possibility is the two connectors above the drivers side frame rail. To install my 5th wheel hitch, they pulled the two connectors away from the frame to install a bolt, and now they are dangling. I assume trucks with less than 36K miles should be fixed under warranty, when parts are available. I also assume, if I take it to a Ram dealership, their "troubleshooting" will be expensive? Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
 

TerriT

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I didn't have any ABS activate. I just got the Service Electronic Braking System and Service ABS system lights on my dash and my traction control and ABS lights were also lit up. I had the HCU replace (hydraulic control unit) and that fixed it. It's just above the frame rail below the master cylinder
I had no lights on the dash. Or maybe I did but didn’t notice them while trying not to wreck, lol
 

Jeepwalker

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Given the number of these which fail, there are obviously some common fault/s. Most likely something obvious, easy to find/fix. If it were me, I would be inclined to crack it open and look for common weakness (bad solder joint, connector, component) inside.

Or take yours to a buddy who is pretty good with electronics. Might have it fixed in an hour or two at $0 cost and be back on the road with a 'safe' truck (because your ABS isn't going to work as-is). If it doesn't solve the problem, you're not out anything but a little time. Continue to wait for a new one (till fall or whenever) like you otherwise would.

I would recommend the same for EPS boards too....

.
 
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