I know I'm bringing up a common issue but searching hasn't really found my answer (yet).

Anti-lock idiot light has been coming on intermittently, usually if it flashes on it stays on throughout the whole trip, sometimes doesn't come on at all. The truck doesn't seem to drive abnormally, speedo is accurate, etc etc.

I thought the simple fix would be to just replace the RABS sensor and be done with it, as it seems to me most of the codes suggest replacing it and the part's cheap. However the light still isn't going away, even after unplugging (-) battery terminal, etc. to see if it would reset.

I know I should prob just source a jumper of some sort and count the flashes, but is there something else I'm missing here? Definitely checked the brake fluid and level was good. I'm not very good at electrical stuff but I do have a multi-meter, if I need to do any checks there.

 

so...you did replace the Rear sensor ?

 

Yes, I did replace the RABS. Sorry if that wasn't clear in the original post.

 

I used to have an intermittent ABS light. Does the ebrake light also stay on occasionally? I found my problem was that the float in the master was getting stuck to the bottom.

It could also be something more serious like the RABS module behind the glove box.

 

no e-brake light at all, just the ABS. could take another look at the brake fluid reservoir, I didn't exactly open it up, just checked the level.

 

You should really read the codes... some people can't afford just to toss parts at a problem.

 

I hear you about reading the codes and that will also be part of the plan, but I hardly think I'm just throwing money and parts at it with one sensor from the parts store.

I'm not sure how your remarks are helpful here when I'm simply asking for other ideas of things to troubleshoot.

 

My idea was to read the code and replace what it says is bad...or you can replace both front ABS sensors and the ABS module.. your choice

 

Pretty sure the only ABS sensor on the truck is on the rear diff. But you are right, pulling the RABS codes might help.

 

You might want to look at the rabs unit on the frame - pretty much in line with your door hinges. Not much ever really goes wrong with those, but it is 20 + years old. They originally came up with that system because the trucks had an issue with rear wheel hop under heavy braking at highway speeds. Other than that the system isn't really good for much (compared to modern ABS systems). A lot of guys will bypass it altogether.
But for tracking down an issue; the rabs module, rabs unit itself, the VSS, the trans speed sensor and the cruise control are all tied into the same circuit that feeds info to the odometer (PSOM) so it can feed info to the PCM so it can tell the tranny when to shift.
Those are the things that are in any way related.