Intermittent ABS Issue - 2018 Ram 3500 Pickup Truck

Our 2018 Ram pickup is now 5 years old, and we love it. However, it has recently developed an annoying intermittent problem with the Anti-lock Braking System. Often when the truck is cold or sometimes when we hit a bump or rough road, a warning will chime, trouble lights appear, and a message flashes on the dash. The fault causes loss of ABS, traction control, and cruise control functions.
In this video, I share the information I have found about the possible causes and parts involved. I also do a scan with my Bluedriver OBD2 Port scanner and show the results of what it reports after a scan for codes. It appears to be a common problem with the ABS system on the 2017-18 Ram trucks. There is even an open investigation about it on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
Related Links:
NHTSA page - www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RA...
BlueDriver OBD2 Port Scanner Review - www.loveyourrv.com/new-gadget...
My Previous Ram Truck Related Videos - www.loveyourrv.com/category/n...
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[@LoveYourRV]

*Related Links* NHTSA page - www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/3500#investigations BlueDriver OBD2 Port Scanner Review - www.loveyourrv.com/new-gadget-for-the-truck-bluedriver-obd2-pro-scan-tool/ My Previous Ram Truck Related Videos - www.loveyourrv.com/category/new-ram-truck/

[@broncstomper111]

Have you noticed a loss of power when those lights come on?

[@jerrydaminato743]

OMGosh. 5 years already! Seems like yesterday! Love that campsite. Very nice.

[@peterbarnett4986]

Identical problem with my 2018 RAM3500. I took it to the dealer who cleared the error. The ‘fix’ lasted about three months. I appreciate the nhtsa link.

[@desertdog2282]

I have a 2016 with 120k miles and have not seen this yet. If it does come up I won’t be very alarmed now. Thanks for the information and hope a permanent fix is available soon.

[@Running_To_Something]

Exact same issue happened to us on our 2018 Ram 2500 about 2 months ago. I learned like you, that there are two parts - the HCU and ABS Module. I ended up finding a dealer with both parts, but Ram would only cover paying for the HCU. That fixed the problem for us at least for now. We've been driving about 2K miles since with no errors and the code disappeared (same code as you). There's also someone who has filed a lawsuit against Ram for this problem.

[@kahxb3kahxb375]

My 2018 had the same problem - both components need to be repaired, the HCU and ABS module. FCA paid for about 75% of the repair costs as I was out of warranty but barely with only 45k miles. Call the 1800 Ram Cares number and speak with customer service rep. Soon this will be a recall and FCA knows this but they are dragging their feet.

[@williamjohnson1182]

My 2018, 3500 had the same problem and abs module had to be replaced. Since then no more problems.😊

[@mrjagart]

Concensus seems to be that the problem is in the electric motor that powers the HCU. It is a manufacturing flaw wear the brushes bind in their guides. Definitely needs to be a recall. A new motor would not be that expensive or labor intensive compared to replacing the whole thing.

[@ericcowan7759]

I'd inspect the wiring in and around the connector, including the weather pack for any damage/issues. I'd then pull the connector check for pin fit and corrosion. I've found problems tend to be simple before they are complex.

[@CrazyMooseManor]

Holy cow!!! Didn't realize it's been that long. Seems just like last year you were buying it.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yup time flies. All paid off now, they gave us 60 month loan at 1.49% back then

[@timalmich1964]

That’s to bad I got a 2017 and have not had that happen yet. I did get the steering linkage thing fixed. On mine I get service air supention come on once in a while in the winter cause I have factory air bags in the back. Hope you can get it fixed Ray.

[@chad2886]

I have a 2018 ram 2500 with the same intermittent issue. I've filed a complaint with the NTSB and would incourage everyone with this issue to do the same. My hope is Ram steps up and issues a safety recall. Otherwise the truck has been fairly problem free other than a failed thermostat and the factory original tires causing vibration above 70 mph. Love the power of the 6.7

[@jeffgott1530]

Love my truck also, but that issue is driving me nuts, 30,000 miles, been doing this for around 1 years

[@brianrhodes7131]

My 2018 ram 2500 had the same issue. The pump module completely failed eventually and I needed to take it in for warranty fix. This was 3 years ago at about 20k miles. I haven’t had any issues since.

[@daverussell2222]

The campground looks nice,is it in Canada?

[@rgdegregori8744]

It was the brake position sensor on my 2012 RAM 2500 Cummins. I was able to recalibrate it with my scanner. The cruse control and active handling all cleared up.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, I had read that the older Rams had sensor issues. This one appears to be a known problem with 2017-18 judging by this March 2024 NHTSA document static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INIM-PE22012-13415.pdf Fingers crossed for a recall.

[@littlejohnny4470]

It's amazing how many problems the newer vehicles can develop. The more electronics and sensors they put in these vehicles, the more problems we have! I have a 2015 RAM 2500 and it turned 8 years old this year but it only has 49k miles. This year I had to have the pump for the DEF system replaced, and it cost me $3000.00. Talk about a huge setback! For that last year, I've been getting an intermittent oxygen sensor error. Fortunately, it doesn't appear to affect anything, but when the check engine light comes on, it disables the remote stating system. So I just clear it out and all is well again. The code reader I bought was a really good investment. Hopefully your DEF system won't cause you any heartaches.

[@LoveYourRV]

Yup, all the extra performance, conveniences, and cleaner emissions come at a cost. I purposely went with a barebones Tradesman model to keep the electronic gizmos to a minimum. Still uses a metal key versus a fob. :) But they are amazing compared to the old trucks. My 1994 was a pig performance-wise next to this Ram, which also has way more weight, capacity, etc. The oldie was also nickel and diming to death as things kept wearing out on it, and parts were harder and harder to source.

[@Zihuatanejo...]

My Ram 1500 2017 has a backup camera that the video would get catawampus intermittently. I found the camera connection, M/F contacts looked perfect...spread a little di-electric grease on both contacts, no problems in three years. Maybe do the same starting at the ABS connector for each of your brakes and then the other end of the ABS cables

[@BrandonH1138]

My Jeep Wrangler 2018 JLU has the same issues! Ive been waiting 4 months for a replacement. Finally found one at a dealership in Florida. My mechanic re wired it with older Jeep parts to make it drive able for now. Something about separating the high and low speed buses

[@LoveYourRV]

Interesting, thanks

[@michelp583]

I would try to crack open both the HCU and the ABS Module. Then clean any circuit board there is as well as re solder any large terminal. And of course clean all connector making sure they make tight connections.

[@timf6916]

Good luck, we have a 2018 F350 SRW LB Ford

[@kevinmartin7760]

If replacing either of the modules did not fix the problem, it is almost assured that it is an intermittent wiring problem. It is unfortunately the nature of intermittent problems that the service tech won't have the time (or, more precisely, you can't afford to pay them for the time) to properly diagnose the problem. Once the actual problem is found it would be really easy to fix, though. The diagnosis involves, using the wiring diagrams, tracing the relevant circuits to examine the condition of all the wires and connectors. If that doesn't help, the next step would be to rig in replacement wires for the circuits (a few at a time). If you re-run some wires and the problem still occurs, you know none of the replaced wires were the problem. Conversely, though, if re-running the wires does eliminate the problem, it could just be your luck that the intermittent problem is in remission. Doing this also ideally involves a supply of connector pins and the appropriate pin removal tool(s) so you can replace entire circuits connector to connector. This also assumes it is a single-failure problem. If a mouse has chewed on a harness (or it was struck by road debris) and damaged several wires the process of elimination above is less reliable.

[@robbstack]

I had a problem with my 2003 Chevy Silverado Diesel throwing a few different codes, but I was able to continue to drive. Turns out one of my two batteries was very bad and the other was getting bad. Replaced both batteries and everything cleared up. Before replacing the batteries, I also checked and cleaned all grounds that I could find in the engine compartment and on the frame.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks for the tip, I have checked the batteries and alternator voltages, look good and also made sure all the blade fuses were pushed all the way down in the fuse box. I've heard sometimes they come loose and cause a problem.

[@alphabetsoup7918]

In 2019 we had this on our 2018 3500 dually, always when it rained. FIVE times back and forth to the RAM dealer, replaced wheel sensors, and faffed around for almost 3 months. Eventually they spoke with the "Tech gurus" at head office, whoever they are, who talked the local guys through a rewire fix. Not had a problem with it since, fingers firmly crossed and touching wood at the same time.

[@LoveYourRV]

I'm leaning towards a intermittent connection either a wiring plug or solder connection in a module. I've noticed it first acted up after traveling on some rough gravel roads and it often is set off when I hit a bump. Worse when the truck is cold not hot. Also rarely happens when the trailer is hooked up like the extra weight pushing down on the suspension changes things.

[@alphabetsoup7918]

@@LoveYourRV Certainly sounds like you are on the right track, intermittent problems are always so bloody irritating. BTW when ours kicked in it disabled the cruise control also, do you get the same?

[@LoveYourRV]

@@alphabetsoup7918 Yes, there is no cruise control when the fault is active

[@jking1286]

Hello! could you please elaborate on what the fix was? or could you provide the dealership contact info from where you were able to have this repair? Ive dealt with 5 different dealerships and they all want to just charge me diagnosis fees of a problem I already have the diagnosis for... thank you!

[@justinwilson1447]

What is the fix?

[@G_RAThbun]

I have no doubt that you can fix that yourself. I don't care what the problem is. I just know you are abilities.

[@LoveYourRV]

I'm leaning towards a intermittent connection either a wiring plug or solder connection in a module. I've noticed it first acted up after traveling on some rough gravel roads and it often is set off when I hit a bump. Worse when the truck is cold not hot. Also rarely happens when the trailer is hooked up like the extra weight pushing down on the suspension changes things.

[@G_RAThbun]

@@LoveYourRV If you need to work on stuff and my area. I have a pretty complete shop here. Keep that in mind.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks!

[@Yukonjackman1]

I had to replace mine on my 2001dodge I tried cleaning the connector finally replaced the abs controller under the hood

[@markhudgins4479]

Most are more than likely the brush contact on the ABS pump motor around the armature of the motor . Several you tube videos of fixing the brushes so they slide in its shroud so the brushes can make constant contact with the armature to energize the motor .

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks. Yes, I previously posted one of those videos in a comment. Cheers, Ray @LoveYourRV 2 months ago I found this forum thread about a possible sticky motor brush www.ramforum.com/threads/2018-failed-abs-hcu-teardown.199515/ It makes sense as my failure is intermittent and when it takes place is usually after a sharp road bump of some type or rough pavement and it often works fine for weeks. My feeling also is it seems to happen more in cold weather or before the engine heats up. If this is the common fault I could see companies starting to do remans of the HCU to update/repair the simple problem with cores sent back.

[@demartaeshackelford2350]

Is I could be your abs module needs to be replaced

[@aquabarrel]

Called RamCares - they approved my 2018 3500 at go to the dealer for new ABS mod (already had the HCU replaced) after the 'new' part was installed - 800 miles later the ABS lights begin the flicker and lost cruise control with another 800 miles to go - Waiting for RamCares to get back to the dealer for follow up. Please go to the NTSB site and file your report - this IS A Safety hazard - especially when towing, in the rain, in a construction zone, with uneven pavement. Not how I want to die.

[@tonydent9063]

2017 Ram 3500 dually. My first abs failure started about 2 years ago. $500 and lasted about a year. Waiting on the recall.

[@LoveYourRV]

The sucks, hope they can get this figured out. :(

[@jefffrancis6824]

had the same problem with my 2017 . it was still intermittent when i traded it in

[@fishman5519]

My 2018 started doing this in February

[@sstrongful]

Bad wheel speed sensor can cause similar symptoms.

[@chuckgillett663]

I got a 2017 2500 with a Cummins. Had the same issue. Just changed the hcu in mine it's better but not perfect. But the dinging did stop. I think I now have a wheel shed sensor issue. The job isn't that bad tools I used was impact to get the wheels of then 8mm socket 10mm socket 12mm line wrench vice grip pliers and a screw driver. You will have to bleed the brakes I found it was a lot faster with a vacuum pump.

[@LoveYourRV]

Thanks, good to know. Cheers, Ray

[@SpykersB]

Ray, my truck 3500 dually, 2018 just started this while i was on the island, i just got back from my dealer two days ago! Seriuosly! Its the abs module has failed! Is not under warranty. Is not a recall either. It is going to cost me 1450$ to replace. Part is $900. But the problem is due to the usa strike there are 3500 or so on back order! 🍻

[@LoveYourRV]

I'm leaning towards a intermittent connection either a wiring plug or solder connection in a module. I've noticed it first acted up after traveling on some rough gravel roads and it often is set off when I hit a bump. Worse when the truck is cold not hot. Also rarely happens when the trailer is hooked up like the extra weight pushing down on the suspension changes things.

[@SpykersB]

@@LoveYourRVwell ok. I thought first it was my 7 pin plug truck side, or on the camper side? or the electrical cord itself? I couldn’t pin point it. I put electrical connection ointment on my connections, seemed like it stopped, but then came back again next day. Do u want to know if replacing the abs module, when it happens (?) if it stops the problem of “service electronic brake system” “service antilock brake system”? 🍻

[@LoveYourRV]

@@SpykersB Mine happens without the trailer hooked up so it's completely a truck issue, and nothing to do with the tow cable. I just found this video. It's what I suspected may be the issue. The connector for the ABS system has quite a few contacts. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHPNc6CVYquofKc I'm going to check mine, but will wait until I'm somewhere I can be at for a while in case I end up screwing things up. ;) In the current condition I can live with the problem as it doesn't happen that much and when it does I know that I'm back to old-school braking, so can keep that in mind and be extra careful

[@SpykersB]

@@LoveYourRVthe guy in the vid said he had to take off the wheel, and the wheel well! to get at the ABS part he cleaned 😬. Dam wish i saw this prior, i would have suggested the dealer do the same while they were putting on new tires. My issue got bad fast, counted 185 dings chimes on a 50 km stretch, seriously I can’t go south now either as I’m waiting for this part. Based on the comments from that linked video, this should be a ram recall! 🤬. The cleaning of that part sounds like a 50/50 chance of curing the problem, however several say it returned. Best of luck it works for u. 🍻

[@geraldhatch8621]

My 2018 2500 has 27k miles and this is the second time this problem has happened. First time it was under warranty. This time they claimed the warranty has expired. Want $1800 to repair. Mine like yours doesn't alarm while towing my fifth wheel. Like you I think its an electrical connection and can go all day without alerting and other days ding constantly. It needs to be a recall fix.

[@LoveYourRV]

Sorry to hear. :( Yeah, its a weird one. In the last month or so since I've been towing a lot I've hardly had the issue occur even when unhooked.

[@kurt-reynolds]

Did you ever figure this out? I am looking at a used 2018 Ram 2500 and it has the same warning, I am bit reluctant to buy it without a clear path to fix it.

[@LoveYourRV]

No, I've just put up with so far it since it only happens occasionally. Waiting to see if there is a recall. It's been under investigation by the NHTSA www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/RAM/3500#investigations

[@hiltonray4461]

My 2018 3500 is doing the same thing, my cruise doesn't work and my trailer brake light or turn signals have stopped working , the running lights work though, I've tested this on 2 different trailers with the same results. There is a video on youtube about how to replace the module, doent seem very difficult.

[@LoveYourRV]

My trailer lights are all good. I wonder if you're problem is loose fuses, I read that can be a problem.

[@hiltonray4461]

I'll give that a look@@LoveYourRV

[@prevost1969]

Did you get the ABS problem fixed

[@LoveYourRV]

Not yet. It hasn't gotten worse; if anything, it has acted up much less in the last few months. Maybe it's the drier desert humidity, as we have been snowbirding down in the US Southwest. It seems to intermittently appear, usually when the truck is on a cold or rough road. But 99% of the time, it's fine.

[@4truth69]

My 2018 2500 just started intermittently giving error ABS which probably use the same ABS parts as the 3500 on up!

[@markhastings9037]

Everything I have seen includes the 2017 and 2018, 2500 and 3500. Mine is doing the same thing.

[@weaverron3751]

seen a youtube video to clean the rear sensors on the back tires its a little 8 mm bolt pull out the sensor and wipe off the dirt , and it went away after doing this twice .

[@LoveYourRV]

I've seen videos about that fix, too, but usually, they are older Rams than mine, or the fault code indicates a wheel sensor. My fault code points to the ABS HCU. I found this forum thread about a possible sticky motor brush www.ramforum.com/threads/2018-failed-abs-hcu-teardown.199515/ It makes sense as my failure is intermittent and when it takes place is usually after a sharp road bump of some type or rough pavement and it often works fine for weeks. My feeling also is it seems to happen more in cold weather or before the engine heats up. If this is the common fault I could see companies starting to do remans of the HCU to update/repair the simple problem with cores sent back.

[@TaylorvilleOptimist]

I had that… replace speed sensor wire

[@LoveYourRV]

What year is your truck? I have come across sensor problems reported in older models but not so much with the 2018 that I can find.

[@nelsongraber8987]

How do you fix it?

[@LoveYourRV]

Seems most repairs are done by replacing an expensive part called the HCU ABS Hydraulic Control Unit. Read the comments, lots of info has been discussed.

[@cayoung2053]

2017 ram 2500 big horn. 63k miles. Diagnostics said HCU, dealer replaced total cost @ 825.00. Shouldn’t happen on a vehicle with 63 k miles…

[@LoveYourRV]

Luckily, the dealer could get it, I guess is the bright side. :) Many people are having a hard time even getting the part. So far, mine hasn't acted up enough to cause great concern, so I hope Ram can get it sorted out.

[@RamblinRoadies]

My 2018 Ram 3500 had an issue with the ABS. After being in the shop for 6 months, they gave up and said they couldn't fix it. It was still under warranty, just barely, so they bought it back as a Lemon. It was a bad deal for me because it cost me $20k out of my pocket to replace it.

[@LoveYourRV]

Wow, was it because they couldn't get parts?

[@markhastings9037]

There is a class action lawsuit against RAM. James Neu vs FCA.

[@RamblinRoadies]

@@LoveYourRV no, they couldn't figure out how to fix it.

[@Lunatic_Lou]

Had my abs pump replaced at 20k and it’s failed again at 32k. No parts available according to Ram

[@LoveYourRV]

Sad, :( So far, I haven't taken it in as it has gotten better this winter in the southwest desert, maybe the dry air. The fault only shows about 1% of the time and hardly ever when loaded up towing. I can go for weeks and not see it, then it acts up for a day or so. Usually, after I've hit a solid bump in the road.

[@chuckowens5518]

Same problem here ABS went south around 25000 miles, replaced module and pump under warranty.! 56000 went south again! dealers put me on a waiting list! The units are manufactured in Mexico and as you can see there's a lot of owners having this problem! Im kinda fed up with the dealers

[@peterlemire9058]

2017 2500 22000 miles. Mine has been replaced 2x already and is now failing again. I will buy ram no more forever!

[@LoveYourRV]

Doesn't sound encouraging. :( From what I can tell they seem to have an issue with the part design, needs to be redesigned/upgraded.

[@LoveYourRV]

I notice a new document on the open investigation. March 2024 NHTSA document static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INIM-PE22012-13415.pdf Fingers crossed for a recall.

[@nelsongraber8987]

Anyone still have these problems?

[@loganbrown1251]

Yes I am

[@LoveYourRV]

Yes I am. I noticed a new document on the open investigation. March 2024 NHTSA document static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2022/INIM-PE22012-13415.pdf Fingers crossed for a recall.

[@aquabarrel]

yes and go file a claim now - don't wait

[@jamesandrews1466]

Nothing more than a faulty abs/ brake sensor! They cost very little and can be changed easily

[@LoveYourRV]

That would be great and I've seen videos about that fix, too, but usually, they are older Rams than mine, or the fault code indicates a wheel sensor. My fault code indicates the ABS HCU. Its a common problem. I found this forum thread about a possible sticky motor brush www.ramforum.com/threads/2018-failed-abs-hcu-teardown.199515/ It makes sense as my failure is intermittent and when it takes place is usually after a sharp road bump of some type or rough pavement and it often works fine for weeks. My feeling also is it seems to happen more in cold weather or before the engine heats up. If this is the common fault I could see companies starting to do remans of the HCU to update/repair the simple problem with cores sent back.

[@heatonext]

Figure anything out yet?

[@LoveYourRV]

No, the problem has almost gone away for the last month and a half. Only dinged a few times and we have covered a couple thousand miles traveling with our RV.

[@heatonext]

@@LoveYourRV my 18’ 3500 does it all the time. It’s getting extremely annoying to where I’m either going to have to get this figured out or stop driving this damn thing

[@LoveYourRV]

You could try putting a toggle switch on the chime speaker. I found this video on how to get to it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZiXdZx3gNKFapY

[@heatonext]

@@LoveYourRV interesting. Honestly it may come to that. As the local dealer told me the replacement HCU is on engineering back order

[@LoveYourRV]

That's my plan if it starts to really annoying. Still hoping for a recall. All the best, Ray

[@livingourdestiny9075]

Don't know if this helps but stumbled upon this video with abs problem kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHPNc6CVYquofKc I retired from selling auto parts at Dodge 5 years ago but I can tell you the AA and AB or AC on the end doesn't necessarily mean they fixed something..it's just different runs of components from supplier sometimes..but if they have known issues and they redesign something then they supersede to a new number all together usually. Hope this helps Ray....waves high from Ontario

[@jamesblanchard3772]

I fixed mine take the sensor out and clean them

[@LoveYourRV]

Sounds like its worth a try. What year of truck is yours? I have read about wheel sensor issues in older models. They usually throw a different code that indicates a wheel sensor is a fault.

[@litzdog911]

@@LoveYourRV Yeah, if you can easily access the connectors it might be worth cleaning with something like DeOxit. Keep us posted.

[@terencecorkery5671]

this is just a beginning. put $$$ away for repairs.

[@LoveYourRV]

Cost of admission I guess. Maintaining a heavy duty diesel truck is rarely cheap. At least its paid for now. My old 1994 Ford diesel averaged about $3-5 grande a year in maintenance and repairs.