Two problems related to brake light on have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Brakes failed when applied. Abs and brake warning lights came on with very little braking. After hard braking application the tires locked and slid about 5 inches in damp backtop and hit a car stopped at a light. Had plenty of time to brake but no or very little braking action. Later inspection showed that one of the brake lines rusted through and lost pressure. This is the second time this has happened. These trucks are prone to brake line rusting. Driver seemed to be fine and drove away after exchanging info. He later claimed injury.
I started my truck to head out to answer a fire call (I am a volunteer firefighter). The engine was cold, had been sitting for over 8 hours. At the first stop sign, I pressed the brake pedal, only to have it go all the way to the floor with no resistance and no stopping power. The abs and brake warning lights came on the dashboard. I pumped the brakes twice, and the system re-pressurized and started functioning correctly. I took the truck back home, and parked it for the weekend. Sunday pm I went to drive it over to the dealership, and when I started it up, the computer codes cleared and the truck functioned perfectly. According to the dealer, Chrysler is aware of the problem, and it only occurs when the truck is cold and within the first 5 minutes after starting. The engineers have no idea why it is happening. Obviously, since I am a volunteer firefighter, I have a tendency to start my truck and go, so this issue is very worrisome to me.