Dodge Grand Caravan ABS Light On: Reasons And Resetting Options

The Dodge Grand Caravan is a reliable and versatile minivan popular among families and adventurers. However, a common issue that can cause concern if you own this vehicle is the illumination of the ABS light on the dashboard.

So your question is, why is my Dodge Grand Caravan ABS light on? This illumination can stem from malfunctioning wheel speed sensors, low tire pressure, or diminished brake fluid levels. Other causes include a defective ABS module, a blown fuse, or a broken brake light switch.

Continue reading to discover more about these underlying causes and practical solutions for them and reset techniques.

Table Showing The Reasons Your ABS Light Is On

Here is a table summarizing the reason why your Caravan’s ABS light might be on.

Causes	Solution
ABS system is turned off.	Switch it back on.
Malfunctioning wheel speed sensor	Clean the sensors, or have them repaired if damaged.
Low tire pressure	Inflate the affected tire.
Low levels of brake fluid	Seal the cause of the leak.
Blown fuse	Replace the blown fuse with a new one.
Defective ABS module	Do a full ABS module inspection and replace any damaged part.
Broken brake light switch	Replace the broken brake light switch.

Why Is My Dodge Grand Caravan ABS Light On?

There are several reasons why your Caravan’s ABS light can illuminate your dashboard. They include the following.

1. The anti-lock braking system is turned off

Dodge allows you to manually deactivate or activate the anti-lock braking system (ABS). If you accidentally switch off the ABS, the ABS light on your dashboard will illuminate, reminding you to reactivate this critical safety feature.

Solution

To rectify this, locate the ABS switch within your Caravan. This switch is usually found on the bottom left or right of your steering wheel. Turn it on to activate the ABS, and the light will go off.

2. Malfunctioning Wheel Speed Sensors

Wheel speed sensors continuously monitor the rotational speed of your car’s wheels and transmit this information to the ABS control unit. However, their proximity to the wheels makes these sensors susceptible to exposure to harsh environmental elements such as dirt and debris. 

Over time, this exposure can lead to sensor malfunctions and trigger the ABS light to illuminate.

Solution

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you solve this malfunction:

Step 1: Safely elevate your vehicle using appropriate jack stands.

Step 2: Remove the wheel from the affected corner.

Step 3: Locate the wheel speed sensor near the wheel hub.

Step 4: Inspect the sensor for signs of damage, corrosion, or debris accumulation.

Step 5: Clean the sensor and its surroundings, removing any dirt or debris. Doing this should clear the ABS light on the dashboard.

Step 6: If the sensor is damaged or malfunctioning, have a professional mechanic replace it with a new sensor compatible with your Caravan model. It will cost you around $200=$450, inclusive of labor costs, to replace the sensor.

3. Low Tire Pressure

A decrease in tire pressure can result in a reduced wheel diameter, causing affected wheels to rotate faster than others. 

The ABS sensor will then detect this variance in rotational speed and respond by activating the ABS light on your dashboard in accordance with the law.

Solution

You should inflate the tire with an appropriate pressure level, about 36 psi. Thus, ensure that all your vehicle’s tires have uniform pressure to prevent variations in rotational speed.

4. Low Levels of Brake Fluid

A low brake fluid level can trigger the ABS light to illuminate. This is because the brake system is designed to be sealed. So, any noticeable reduction in brake fluid means there are leaks, or the brakes feel spongy or soft.

Solution

You will have to find the leak of your car’s brake fluid. Here is how to do it.

Step 1: Locate the brake fluid reservoir under your vehicle’s hood.

Step 2: Using a boiling point tester, check the fluid level, ensuring it is within the recommended range.

Step 3: If the brake fluid level is low, inspect the brake system for leaks by placing a white paper under the master cylinder and continuously stepping on the brakes.

Step 4: Once you identify where the leak is coming from, you should get a professional mechanic to fix the leak to avoid causing further damage. It will cost you about $150-$550, depending on the cause of the leak.

5. Blown Fuse

An ABS fuse serves a critical role in safeguarding the ABS control module within your vehicle’s electrical system. In the event of power surges or electrical anomalies, the fuse is designed to blow and interrupt the ABS’s connection, preventing potential damage. 

Solution

You will have to replace the blown fuse with a new one. Here is how to do it.

Step 1: Disconnect your battery, then locate your car’s fuse box, often found in the engine compartment or beneath the dashboard.

Step 2: Identify the ABS fuse within the fuse box. Check the fuse box cover to help you identify the ABS fuse. Here is a video to help you find the right fuse.

Step 3: Inspect the ABS fuse for signs of damage or a blown filament.

Step 4: If the ABS fuse is blown, unscrew it and remove it, then replace it with a new fuse of the same rating.

Step 4: Also inspect for any potential short circuits or exposed wiring that contributed to the blown fuse.

6. Defective ABS Module

The ABS relies on an intricate hydraulic pump to modulate brake pressure when you brake hard at high speeds. However, this hydraulic pump can be susceptible to corrosion over time, leading to its malfunction. 

Thus, if the ABS control unit detects any irregularity within its hydraulic system, the ABS light turns on.

Solution

Consult a professional mechanic or dealership for a comprehensive ABS module inspection. 

If they identify a malfunction, they will follow the recommended course of action, which may involve repairing or replacing the ABS module. It will cost you around $500-$1,000, depending on the part that will have to be replaced.

7. Broken Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch serves the essential purpose of detecting whether the brake pedal is engaged. A malfunctioning brake light switch can transmit incorrect signals to the ABS control module, leading to unintended braking when driving. 

This issue becomes apparent when the brake and ABS lights illuminate while driving around 40 mph.

Solution

Here is how to replace a broken brake light switch.

Step 1: Locate the brake light switch, often positioned near the brake pedal assembly.

Step 2: Disconnect the wiring harness from the brake light switch.

Step 3: Remove the old brake light switch from its mounting bracket.

Step 4: Install the new brake light switch, ensuring proper alignment and secure fastening.

Step 5: Reconnect the wiring harness to the new switch.

How To Reset The ABS Light?

You can reset the ABS light of your Dodge in several ways. They include the following.

Method 1: Wipe Your Dodge’s Computer Memory

1. To reset the ABS light, you can begin by disconnecting the negative terminal of your vehicle’s battery. 
2. Allow the battery to remain disconnected for a few minutes, ensuring the vehicle’s electrical systems fully discharge. During this time, turn on your car’s headlights and press the horn multiple times to drain any residual electricity. 
3. After a few minutes, carefully reconnect the negative terminal.

Method 2: Solve the Underlying Problem

Identifying and resolving the underlying problem that triggered the ABS light is paramount to restoring the ABS’s proper functioning. Once the specific concern is resolved, the ABS light should automatically turn off.

Method 3: Turning the Steering Wheel

An alternative method to reset the ABS light involves a series of actions while the vehicle is running. 

1. Begin by starting your car and stepping on the brake pedal. 
2. While keeping your foot on the brake, turn the steering wheel to the right and shift the gear into the Drive position. 
3. Gradually return the steering wheel to its original position while gently releasing pressure from the brake pedal. 
4. After this, press the brakes again and turn the steering wheel to the left. 
5. As before, return the steering wheel to its original position while gradually releasing the brake pedal.

If you’re experiencing an ABS light issue in your Dodge Grand Caravan, our article on ABS light on transmission not shifting might provide insights that could help you troubleshoot similar situations. Furthermore, if you’re driving a Chevy Malibu and facing ABS-related challenges, our guide on Chevy Malibu ABS light on matters is here to offer assistance. We recognize the importance of addressing ABS-related issues promptly and ensuring the smooth functioning of your vehicle, and our comprehensive resources are designed to help you navigate and resolve any concerns you may encounter.

FAQs

Here are a few additional questions you might be interested in regarding the Grand Caravan ABS light.

Conclusion

If your Dodge Grand Caravan ABS light is on, it’s alerting you of potential concerns within your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System. By comprehending the diverse factors that can trigger the ABS light to illuminate, you are better equipped to navigate the roads with confidence and safety. 

Remember that while resetting the ABS light is a valuable step, resolving the underlying issue is paramount to ensuring the proper functionality of your ABS. Regular maintenance, timely inspections, and addressing issues will contribute to a secure and enjoyable driving experience in your Caravan.