Four problems related to brake light on have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph and attempting to brake, the vehicle would not respond. The contact was able to downshift and reduce speed. The contact inspected under the hood and found that the brake fluid reservoir was leaking and causing the brake warning light to illuminate. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop where it was inspected. The mechanic advised the contact that metal was used for the brake line, which was of bad quality, and caused the brake lines to become corroded with rust. The brake line was fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileage was 105,000.
2003 Dodge ram rear speed sensor will fail, causing erratic speedometer behavior and dashboard abs and emergency brake lights to come on. This sensor is responsible for telling the abs system the speed of the vehicle and how much pressure to apply when braking. Operating the vehicle with this sensor not working properly could lead to erratic stopping lengths, not to mention unreliable speedometer and odometer readings. This is evidently a recurring problem among many year models of the vehicle, and the same part number is used in many applications for daimler Chrysler vehicles. I am yet to get the part changed, but will have the repair shop keep the part.
The truck has continually had an intermitten problem with a resistence sensation, as if thy parking brake was on. I thought at the time it was an engine problem because of excessive raw fuel smell at the tailpipe. Dealer shop found nothing wrong at 3,218 miles (12/01/05). At 18,000 miles (5/2/05) there was a complete brake faliure, lose of brake pressure. Brake light came on and I believe the anti-lock braking sysetem froze and shorted out, because the unit was humming very loud and was getting very hot after the key was removed. I called on the evening of 5/3/05 and asked to have the defective part given to me. They said they would.
En braking in rainy weather the abs light and brake light illuminated and the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. The consumer contacted the dealer. The rear wheel speed sensor was replaced.