Troubleshooting Anti-Lock Brakes on 04 Dakota | Expert Tips

[mtworkowski@o]

Based on your symptoms and the fact that you have only rear-wheel ABS, it is my suspicion that your rear brake proportioning valve is adjusted incorrectly. If your proportioning valve isn't working correctly and is sending to much brake pressure to the rear wheels, it is possible the ABS system will unintentionally limit the braking force to your front wheels as well. I would suggest having your proportioning valve inspected by either the dealer or a reputable shop.

If the P valve is adjusted wrong would the brakes act so well with the ABS fuse pulled?

 

[mtworkowski@o]

I hated ABS until W bought our (her ) Grand Am a few months ago. They're almost unnoticeable under normal conditions, as opposed to that 'chattering' crap that the earlier systems inflicted. That just drove me apegarbage.
The only thing that bothers me about it now is that it still stands as a buffer between me and the vehicle. As with an aeroplane, I like to wear a car as an extension of my body. Every computerized interception of that symbiosis is irritating. Sometimes, I want my brakes to lock. A silicon 'brain' getting in the way of that is a pain in the ass.

edit: Evo, the censor still isn't working.

As a rule I would rather have a computer take care of the work. I have a lot of faith in their ability to hash out the variables at lightning speed. This, suspect, is just bad design...but let's see.

 

[mtworkowski@o]

Did you do what many pickup drivers do and put different tires on the rear? Even a small difference really screws up ABS.

Tires identical

 

[TVP45]

Then there's nothing else to do but call the Car Talk guys.

 

[Danger]

As a rule I would rather have a computer take care of the work. I have a lot of faith in their ability to hash out the variables at lightning speed.

I can fully understand that, but remember that I started driving before seatbelts were available as an option. Some of we old folks still like to do things for ourselves, and in some cases can do it better than a computer. I've been in a couple of situations where locking my brakes saved my life. I'm not sure that I would have died if a computer had been driving, but I know that I didn't because I had control.

 

[mtworkowski@o]

Danger,
Did you think you were talking to a kid? I'm up there too. Also, I'm not thinking that locked up brakes are the way to stop fast. But I think ABS could be the worst. I opt for air bags on the front bumper and a complete rethink on the ABS deal. Suspension as a whole is interesting to me. I think basically It's from the stone age. The shock absorber has to be the most misunderstood thing in the world. The whole thing is quite interesting.

 

[mtworkowski@o]

Then there's nothing else to do but call the Car Talk guys.

You know, that's a good idea. I listen to those maniacs every Saturday. I should make them work for a living. Thank you TVP45.

 

[Danger]

Danger,
Did you think you were talking to a kid?.

No offense intended, pal; most people on this site are much younger, and something about your posts indicated that you were in that group. So if you happen to have a picture that isn't engraved on a stone tablet, how about you post it in the Users Photos thread so I know what I'm dealing with?

 

[mtworkowski@o]

No offense intended, pal; most people on this site are much younger, and something about your posts indicated that you were in that group. So if you happen to have a picture that isn't engraved on a stone tablet, how about you post it in the Users Photos thread so I know what I'm dealing with?

this is the best picture I could find. I hope it's OK.

 

[TVP45]

You know, that's a good idea. I listen to those maniacs every Saturday. I should make them work for a living. Thank you TVP45.

BTW, they're coming to PBS TV soon. I missed the exact date since the ad featured a huge mound of maggots and Tom seemed to be comparing Ray to the maggots? Only Click and Clack would think of doing that.

 

[russ_watters]

I can fully understand that, but remember that I started driving before seatbelts were available as an option. Some of we old folks still like to do things for ourselves, and in some cases can do it better than a computer. I've been in a couple of situations where locking my brakes saved my life. I'm not sure that I would have died if a computer had been driving, but I know that I didn't because I had control.

I was in an accident where I rear-ended someone in the rain. ABS probably would have helped prevent it, as I tried unsuccessfully to swerve around the other car, with my locked-up wheels.

 

[Danger]

I agree that ABS is good for a situation where maximum stopping effectiveness (threshold braking) is desired. When I find the lock-up desirable is during some extreme manoeuvring.