How To Fix Your 2017-2018 Ram 2500 or 3500 ABS Issues

[@michaeltrolan4143]

I watched your video and used your methods to change the HCU on my 2017 Ram 2500 diesel. Also got the JScan for the ABS brake bleed. The most difficult part was probably just getting the hydraulic lines reconnected. Other than that it wasn’t too difficult and problem solved, no more dinging. Giving the Vin number was strictly just to make sure that you get the right hydraulic control unit. Thanks for the video, it saved me a lot of money, not having to go to the dealer. For those who decide to do it yourself, make sure that your new HCU part number ends in AB, not AA. AA is the defective model, AB is the replacement.

[@DirtRockTeam]

Nice callout on the part number endings! Glad to hear this was helpful and saved you some money by doing it yourself.

[@DirtRockTeam]

the main concern with not doing an ABS bleed is you may not get all the air out of the system and may cause your breaks to not fully work when you need them to. The ABS bleed will apply way more pressure than our legs can to get most of the air out @02shooter20 don’t mean to deleted your comment. I was trying to edit mine 😢

[@windirono5409]

Great video! One thing to add. I did the rear air release first and still couldn’t get pressure (2018 Ram 3500) do the front drive first. Get any massive bubble out first. Then rework RR,RL,FR,FL. So if you are worried that it’s not building pressure do that first. Again. Great video !

[@RandyDial]

Same issue. Very helpful video. Thank you so much!

[@DirtRockTeam]

Glad it was helpful for you!

[@aquabarrel]

I was able to get a hold of a RAMCares rep and prove to them (and the dealer) that my HCU and ABS were an issue and I had sent video to my attorney - that if I died on the highway it was very likely directly attributable to defective parts. *video was night driving, in the rain, in a construction zone, uneven pavement with a fully loaded 28' enclosed trailer - It did take replacing both units a second time to finally resolve the issue - best of luck to all of you still dealing with this issue.. Now if Cummins had not tried to do what VW did and lie to the Feds and pay out 2 billion$ perhaps I could have an engine that ran on less DEF - my DEF consumption is up after the 'recall'

[@WordsOfDeBurdz]

what year is yours? I have an 18 with same issue

[@DirtRockTeam]

Glad to hear you finally got it resolved! Sucks that it took having to get an attorney involved though

[@DavidDuggins-j3w]

I have 2017 2500 Ram with same issues. I didn't see where you got the part and the part number. Also what did you mean when uou said Vin credits 20 dollars each. Thanks for doing this video it was very helpful.!

[@DirtRockTeam]

We obtained the part numbers from mopar.com and looking for abs module from the shop parts and accessories under the search field. There is a new one that ends in AC currently showing on the website. Don’t hesitate to call your local dealer with that part number to check pricing! In order to make modification or have access to certain features besides reading basic check engine codes you must purchase a VIN credit within JScan. Without the VIN credit you will not be able to do the ABS break bleed procedure. You can still bleed you breaks manually but that may leave air trapped with in the hydraulic control module itself.

[@charlesd6459]

I’ve had this exact problem with my 2018 RAM 2500! Sucks bad and is definitely a safety isssue. No ABS, no cruise control and no traction control! How in the world is there no recall by now????? Ram and NHTSB have failed us!!

[@DirtRockTeam]

What wild is there is a recall for the traction control light coming on for Ram 1500s, but not the 2500 & 3500 🤬

[@lilhanks84]

Getting ready to tackle this myself. On the manual bleed, was there a lot of air? Thanks for the video, very helpful.

[@DirtRockTeam]

I did not get a ton of air on the manual bleed but did get one “burst” of air at each wheel while manual bleeding. The ABS bleed will blow air like crazy!!

[@lilhanks84]

@@DirtRockTeam thanks!

[@laisuresboringadventures7052]

I have a abs code but no abs light or just the check engine light

[@dylancampbell7612]

Any issues of it coming back on? just ordered all the parts and OBD reader. good video.

[@DirtRockTeam]

Not a single issue with it since!

[@bassident5735]

Give it some time, it will definitely happen again. On my second one. Complete junk parts or it's an electrical/connector issue.

[@DirtRockTeam]

@@bassident5735just curious, do you happen to know how many miles you put on your truck before you had issues with it again? And do you happen to know if the part number ended in AA or if it was AB? We have heard a lot of dealers and other shops were replacing them with the part number that ends in AA and these are in fact defective units altogether

[@laneblount9888]

I’m having the same issue with my 17 Cummins. I took a 5 hour road trip and it would randomly ding, it was so aggravating

[@DirtRockTeam]

Yes, it is super frustrating and annoying. Especially for how much these trucks too! 🤬

[@1exploremore]

Very informative video!

[@cameronlabbe4335]

Had a box of spare fluids in my trunk went to grab somthing one day and noticed the brake fluid spilled and ate through the box carpet and metal of the trunk.

[@DirtRockTeam]

Yikes!!!

[@MtCur]

Thanks and awesome video. 👍

[@ryancornelius1007]

What a mess, i gotta do this on my ram. Heater grid relay stuck open melted the power wire, abs, coolant sensor. Its been no stop since i bought this truck in july.

[@DirtRockTeam]

That really sucks! Man sorry to hear you are having all those problems 😢

[@thewbrunk7263]

Ram website says part is no longer available for sale wow

[@DirtRockTeam]

They probably build them in batches. Since this is a huge ordeal most dealers cannot keep them available before selling out of what they have. I would keep an eye on the website or stay on dealers and get one from the next batch. and make sure they aren't sending you one that ends in AA as these are the defective units.

[@danielhighbaugh2611]

What all do I need for the Jscan? The app and what obd 2 adapter?

[@DirtRockTeam]

JScan is just an app, but you do have buy a credit for the VIN of your vehicle. The other stuff you can get from Amazon like we did. We did not use this cable for the power wagon because the cables for the taser do the same thing. Wireless OBD 2 Reader - amzn.to/3xPJeNZ Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep OBD 2 Cable Adapter - amzn.to/3VZWOGC

[@Basshead305]

If you dont have a taser then we need to use the adapter cable ? To by pass the chrysler security?​@DirtRockTeam

[@DirtRockTeam]

@ yes, you will need the adapter cable to bypass the Chrysler security if you do not already have a Tazer for Rams 2018-2021.

[@MKSPerformanceOffroad]

HCU and motor are not vin locked to your truck but the motor is a pain to seperate from the HCU and are not sold separately. We have done several of these already to include pulling motors apart and replacing components. Such a terrible design and nothing is really different from old to new PN other than possibly clearances on brushes and guides. Haven't used Jscan but have heard about it, have yall used alfaobd or stick to Jscan?

[@DirtRockTeam]

We have only used JScan.

[@MKSPerformanceOffroad]

@@DirtRockTeam interested now in trying it out to compare to alfaobd. Only downside is paying for each Vin which kind of stinks. Curious of functionality and similarities though. Sub'd your channel though, get to that 1k yall are close.

[@DirtRockTeam]

@@MKSPerformanceOffroad it has a demo mode on it that you can go through to compare them side by side before you move forward with buying VIN credits

[@MKSPerformanceOffroad]

@@DirtRockTeam I seen that, looking through it and it does seem pretty capable but lacks some of the capability that Alfaobd offers. I do think it is pretty intuitive for those using it to enable common add-ons

[@WordsOfDeBurdz]

I found the the same thing on my 18, the brush guides for the motor are too tight against the brushes causing the brush to get in a bind within the guide and lose contact with the commutator intermittently in turn throwing the codes and killing cruise.

[@nelsongraber8987]

Was that Big Boy Train?

[@DirtRockTeam]

Yes! In Rochelle, IL

[@bassident5735]

Replaced ABS module on my 2018 at around 18k. Now it's doing the same thing again at 25k. Ram should have recalled these trucks over this. No secret they are aware of this problem. Anyone aware of a class action lawsuit? After spending over $1,800.00 on junk parts I'd seriously sue the piss ot of Ram!

[@DirtRockTeam]

There was one for the 1500s but not the 2500/3500. Do you happen to know if yours was replaced with another one that ended in AA? The units with part numbers that end in AA are defective out of the box.

[@adrianofloiran8058]

I have a 2022 ram 3500 same problem in 2 years I been in the dealership like 4 times and still same problem idk exactly what wrong whit the abs

[@DirtRockTeam]

@@adrianofloiran8058 wow didn’t realize it went that far for a year span.

[@CarveLife]

Why not just replace the motor instead of opening up the system. It’s the brushes in the motor.

[@DirtRockTeam]

There is not anywhere local to us where we can get just the brushes. Replacing the unit itself and re bleeding the system wasn’t a big repair for us

[@CarlBrameloah-nm9oi]

Rationing parts what a joke defective factory parts and designs.What a shame Dodge has turned to junk and doesn’t want to stand behind their products.

[@DirtRockTeam]

I know we won't be buying ANY brand new vehicles ever again. But other people will and until people stop buying them they will keep producing junk