2000 DODGE NEON brakes

AMBER ABS WARNING LAMP
The amber ABS warning lamp is located in the
instrument cluster. The purpose of the warning lamp
is discussed in detail below.
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the amber ABS warning lamp is lit until the
CAB completes its self-tests and turns off the lamp
(approximately 4 seconds). The amber ABS warning
lamp will illuminate when the CAB detects a condi-
tion that results in the shutdown of ABS function.
The CAB sends a message to the mechanical instu-
ment cluster (MIC) instructing it to turn on the
amber ABS warning lamp.
Under most conditions, when the amber ABS warn-
ing lamp is on, only the ABS function of the brake
system is affected; The electronic brake distribution
(EBD), the base brake system and the ability to stop
the vehicle are not affected.
WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (WSS)
At each wheel of the vehicle there is one wheel
speed sensor (WSS) and one tone wheel (Fig. 3) (Fig.
4) (Fig. 5) (Fig. 6). Each front wheel speed sensor is
attached to a boss in the steering knuckle. The front
tone wheel is part of the driveshaft outboard con-
stant velocity joint. The rear wheel speed sensor is
mounted to the rear disc brake adapter. The rear
tone wheel is an integral part of the rear wheel hub
and bearing.
The wheel speed sensor operates on electronic
energy supplied by the CAB and outputs a square
wave signal whose current alternates between two
constant levels. Its frequency is proportional to the
speed of the tone wheel. The output is available as
long as the sensor is powered and its state (high or
low) corresponds to the presence or absence of tone
wheel teeth. The output signal is sent to the CAB. If
a wheel locking tendency is detected by the CAB, it
will then modulate hydraulic pressure via the HCU
to prevent the wheel(s) from locking.
Correct ABS operation is dependent on accurate
wheel speed signals. The vehicle's tires and wheels
all must be the same size and type to generate accu-
rate signals. Variations in tire and wheel size can
produce inaccurate wheel speed signals.
Improper speed sensor-to-tone wheel clearance can
cause erratic speed sensor signals. The speed sensor
air gap is not adjustable, but should be checked when
applicable. Wheel speed sensor-to-tone wheel clear-
ance specifications can be found in the SPECIFICA-
TIONS section within this section in this service
manual group.
ELECTRONIC BRAKE DISTRIBUTION
Vehicles equipped with ABS use electronic brake
distribution (EBD) to balance front-to-rear braking.The EBD is used in place of a rear proportioning
valve. The EBD system uses the ABS system to con-
trol the slip of the rear wheels in partial braking
range. The braking force of the rear wheels is con-
trolled electronically by using the inlet and outlet
valves located in the integrated control unit.
Upon entry into EBD the inlet valve for the rear
brake circuit is switched on so that the fluid supply
from the master cylinder is shut off. In order to
decrease the rear brake pressure, the outlet valve for
Fig. 3 Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor
1 ± LEFT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 ± TONE WHEEL
Fig. 4 Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor
1 ± RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 ± TONE WHEEL
PLBRAKES 5 - 69
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

the rear brake circuit is pulsed. This allows fluid to
enter the low pressure accumulator (LPA) in the
hydraulic control unit (HCU) resulting in a drop in
fluid pressure to the rear brakes. In order to increase
the rear brake pressure, the outlet valve is switched
off and the inlet valve is pulsed. This increases the
pressure to the rear brakes. This back-and-forth pro-
cess will continue until the required slip difference is
obtained. At the end of EBD braking (brakes
released) the fluid in the LPA drains back to themaster cylinder by switching on the outlet valve and
draining through the inlet valve check valve. At the
same time the inlet valve is switched on in case of
another brake application.
The EBD will remain functional during many ABS
fault modes. If both the red BRAKE, and amber ABS
warning lamps are illuminated, the EBD may not be
functioning.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Traction control reduces wheel slip and maintains
traction at the driving wheels at speeds below 56 kph
(35 mph) when road surfaces are slippery. The trac-
tion control system reduces wheel slip by braking the
wheel that is losing traction.
The CAB monitors wheel speed. During accelera-
tion, if the CAB detects front (drive) wheel slip and
the brakes are not applied, the CAB enters traction
control mode. Traction control operation proceeds in
the following order:
(1) Close the normally open traction control (TC)
valves.
(2) Start the pump/motor and supply volume and
pressure to the front (drive) hydraulic circuit. (The
pump/motor runs continuously during traction con-
trol operation.)
(3) Open and close the build and decay solenoid
valves to maintain minimum wheel slip and maxi-
mum traction.
The cycling of the build and decay valves during
traction control is similar to that during antilock
braking, except the valves work to control wheel spin
by applying the brakes, whereas the ABS function is
to control wheel skid by releasing the brakes.
HYDRAULIC SHUTTLE VALVES
Two pressure relief shuttle valves allow pressure
and volume to return to the master cylinder reservoir
when not consumed by the build and decay valves.
These valves are necessary because the pump/motor
supplies more volume than the system requires.
If the brakes are applied at anytime during a trac-
tion control cycle, the brake lamp switch triggers the
control module to switch off traction control.
TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION LAMP
The traction control function lamp illuminates dur-
ing a traction control cycle, displaying TRAC on the
instrument panel.
The traction control system is enabled at each igni-
tion cycle. It may be turned off by depressing the
traction control switch button. The traction control
function lamp (TRAC OFF) illuminates immediately
upon depressing the button. Pressing this button
again, or turning off and restarting the vehicle will
enable the traction control system.
Fig. 5 Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor
1 ± LEFT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 ± TENSION STRUT
Fig. 6 Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor
1 ± RIGHT REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
2 ± TENSION STRUT
5 - 70 BRAKESPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

If the CAB calculates that the brake temperatures
are high, the traction control system becomes inoper-
ative until a time-out period has elapsed. During this
ªthermo-protection mode,º the traction control func-
tion lamp illuminates TRAC OFF; note that no trou-
ble code is registered.
HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS AND VALVE OPERATION
The hydraulic shuttle valves control the flow of
pressurized brake fluid to the wheel brakes during
the different modes of ABS braking. The following
paragraphs explain how this works. For purposes of
explanation only, it is assumed that only the right
front wheel is experiencing antilock braking; the fol-
lowing diagrams show only the right front wheel in
an antilock braking operation.
NORMAL BRAKING HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT,
SOLENOID VALVE, AND SHUTTLE VALVE
FUNCTION (ABS WITH TRACTION CONTROL)
The hydraulic diagram (Fig. 7) shows a vehicle
with traction control in the normal braking mode.
The diagram shows no wheel spin or slip occurring
relative to the speed of the vehicle. The driver is
applying the brake pedal; this builds pressure in the
brake hydraulic system to engage the brakes and
stop the vehicle. The hydraulic shuttle valve closes
with every brake pedal application so pressure is not
created at the inlet to the pump/motor.
Fig. 7 ABS With Traction Control - Normal Braking Hydraulic Circuit
1 ± OUTLET VALVE
2 ± PUMP PISTON
3 ± PUMP MOTOR (OFF)
4 ± SUCTION VALVE
5 ± LOW PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR
6 ± NORMALLY CLOSED VALVE (OFF)
7 ± TO RIGHT FRONT WHEEL8 ± NORMALLY OPEN VALVE (OFF)
9 ± NORMALLY OPEN ASR VALVE (OFF)
10 ± FROM MASTER CYLINDER
11 ± HYDRAULIC SHUTTLE VALVE
12 ± MASTER CYLINDER PRESSURE
13 ± NOISE DAMPER CHAMBER
PLBRAKES 5 - 71
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

ABS BRAKING HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT, SOLENOID
VALVE, AND SHUTTLE VALVE FUNCTION (ABS
WITH TRACTION CONTROL)
The hydraulic diagram (Fig. 8) shows the vehicle in
the ABS braking mode. The diagram shows one
wheel is slipping because the driver is attempting to
stop the vehicle at a faster rate than is allowed by
the surface on which the tires are riding.
²The hydraulic shuttle valve closes upon brake
application so that the pump/motor cannot siphon
brake fluid from the master cylinder.²The normally open and normally closed valves
modulate (build/decay) the brake hydraulic pressure
as required.
²The pump/motor is switched on so that the
brake fluid from the low pressure accumulators is
returned to the master cylinder circuits.
²The brake fluid is routed to either the master
cylinder or the wheel brake depending on the posi-
tion of the normally open valve.
Fig. 8 ABS With Traction Control - ABS Braking Hydraulic Circuit
1 ± OUTLET VALVE
2 ± PUMP PISTON
3 ± PUMP MOTOR (ON)
4 ± SUCTION VALVE
5 ± LOW PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR
6 ± NORMALLY CLOSED VALVE (MODULATING)
7 ± TO RIGHT FRONT WHEEL
8 ± NORMALLY OPEN VALVE (MODULATING)9 ± NORMALLY OPEN ASR VALVE (OFF)
10 ± FROM MASTER CYLINDER
11 ± HYDRAULIC SHUTTLE VALVE
12 ± MASTER CYLINDER PRESSURE
13 ± CONTROLLED WHEEL PRESSURE
14 ± LOW PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE
15 ± PUMP INTERSTAGE PRESSURE
16 ± NOISE DAMPER CHAMBER
5 - 72 BRAKESPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

ABS TRACTION CONTROL HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT,
SOLENOID VALVE, AND SHUTTLE VALVE
FUNCTION (ABS WITH TRACTION CONTROL)
The hydraulic diagram (Fig. 9) shows the vehicle in
the traction control (TC) mode. The diagram shows a
drive wheel is spinning and brake pressure is
required to reduce its speed.
²The normally open TC (ASR) valve is energized
to isolate the brake fluid being pumped from the
master cylinder and to isolate the driven wheel.
²The normally open TC (ASR) valve bypasses the
pump output back to the master cylinder at a fixed
pressure setting.
²The normally open and normally closed valves
modulate (build/decay) the brake pressure as
required to the spinning wheel.
Fig. 9 Traction Control Hydraulic Circuit
1 ± OUTLET VALVE
2 ± PUMP PISTON
3 ± PUMP MOTOR (ON)
4 ± LOW PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE
5 ± LOW PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR
6 ± NORMALLY CLOSED VALVE (MODULATING)
7 ± TO RIGHT FRONT WHEEL (SPINNING)
8 ± NORMALLY OPEN VALVE (MODULATING)
9 ± NORMALLY OPEN ASR VALVE ON (REGULATING)10 ± FROM MASTER CYLINDER
11 ± HYDRAULIC SHUTTLE VALVE
12 ± CONTROLLED WHEEL PRESSURE
13 ± SUCTION VALVE
14 ± PUMP INTERSTAGE PRESSURE
15 ± NOISE DAMPER CHAMBER
16 ± MASTER CYLINDER PRESSURE
17 ± PUMP PRESSURE
PLBRAKES 5 - 73
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
SERVICE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
The ABS uses an electronic control module, the
CAB. This module is designed to withstand normal
current draws associated with vehicle operation.
Care must be taken to avoid overloading the CAB
circuits.
CAUTION: In testing for open or short circuits, do
not ground or apply voltage to any of the circuits
unless instructed to do so for a diagnostic proce-
dure.
CAUTION: These circuits should only be tested
using a high impedance multi-meter or the DRB
scan tool as described in this section. Power
should never be removed or applied to any control
module with the ignition in the ON position. Before
removing or connecting battery cables, fuses, or
connectors, always turn the ignition to the OFF
position.
CAUTION: Use only factory wiring harnesses. Do
not cut or splice wiring to the brake circuits. The
addition of after-market electrical equipment (car
phone, radar detector, citizen band radio, trailer
lighting, trailer brakes, etc.) on a vehicle equipped
with antilock brakes may affect the function of the
antilock brake system.
ABS GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS INFORMATION
This section contains information necessary to
diagnose the antilock brake system. Specifically, this
section should be used to help diagnose conditions
which result in any of the following:
(1) amber ABS warning lamp turned on.
(2) brakes lock-up on hard application.
Diagnosis of base brake conditions that are obvi-
ously mechanical in nature should be directed to
BASE BRAKE SYSTEM at the beginning of this
group.
Many ABS conditions judged to be a problem by
the driver may be normal operating conditions. See
ABS OPERATION in the DESCRIPTION AND
OPERATION section of this group to become famil-
iarized with the normal characteristics of this
antilock brake system.
ABS WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION
During the diagnosis and testing of the antilock
brake system it may become necessary to reference
the wiring diagrams covering the antilock brake sys-
tem and its components. For wiring diagrams refer to
GROUP 8W of this service manual. It will provide
you with the wiring diagrams and the circuit descrip-
tion and operation information covering the antilock
brake system.
ABS VEHICLE TEST DRIVE
Most ABS complaints will require a test drive to
properly duplicate and diagnose the condition.
WARNING: CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN TURN-
ING ON THE RED BRAKE WARNING LAMP MAY
INDICATE REDUCED BRAKING ABILITY.
Before test driving a brake complaint vehicle, note
whether the red BRAKE warning lamp, amber ABS
warning lamp, or both are turned on. If it is the red
BRAKE warning lamp, there is a brake hydraulic
problem that must be corrected before driving the
vehicle. Refer to the BASE BRAKE SYSTEM for
diagnosis of the red BRAKE warning lamp. If the red
brake warning lamp is illuminated, there is also a
possibility that there is an ABS problem and the
amber ABS warning lamp is not able to illuminate,
so the MIC turns on the red Brake warning lamp by
default.
If the amber ABS warning lamp is on, test drive
the vehicle as described below. While the amber ABS
warning lamp is on, the ABS is not functional. The
ability to stop the car using the base brake system
should not be affected.
If a functional problem of the ABS is determined
while test driving the vehicle, refer to the Chassis
Diagnostic Procedures manual.
(1) Turn the key to the OFF position and then
back to the ON position. Note whether the amber
ABS warning lamp continues to stay on. If it does,
refer to the diagnostic manual.
(2) If the amber ABS warning lamp goes out, shift
into gear and drive the car to a speed of 20 kph (12
mph) to complete the ABS start-up and drive-off
cycles (see ABS ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS). If at
this time the amber ABS warning lamp comes on,
refer to the diagnostic manual.
(3) If the amber ABS warning lamp remains out,
drive the vehicle a short distance. Accelerate the
vehicle to a speed of at least 40 mph. Bring the vehi-
cle to a complete stop, braking hard enough to cause
the ABS to cycle. Again accelerate the vehicle past 25
mph. Refer to the diagnostic manual for further test-
ing of the antilock brake system.
5 - 74 BRAKESPL

ABS ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSIS
The following information is presented to give the
technician a general background on the diagnostic
capabilities of the ABS system. Complete electronic
diagnosis of the ABS system used on this vehicle is
covered in the Chassis Diagnostic Procedures manual.
Electronic diagnosis of the ABS system used on
this vehicle is performed using the DRBIIItscan
tool. The vehicle's scan tool diagnostic connector is
located under the steering column lower cover, to the
left side of the steering column (Fig. 10).
ABS SELF-DIAGNOSIS
The ABS system is equipped with a self-diagnosis
capability, which may be used to assist in the isola-
tion of ABS faults. The features are described below.
START-UP CYCLE
The self-diagnosis ABS start-up cycle begins when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.
Electrical checks are completed on ABS components,
including the CAB, solenoid continuity, and the relay
system operation. During this check the amber ABS
warning lamp is turned on for approximately 5 sec-
onds and the brake pedal may emit a popping sound,
moving slightly when the solenoid valves are
checked.
DRIVE-OFF CYCLE
The first time the vehicle is set in motion after an
ignition off/on cycle, the drive-off cycle occurs. This
cycle is performed when the vehicle reaches a speed
of approximately 20 kph (12 mph.).²The pump/motor is briefly activated to verify
function. When the pump/motor is briefly activated, a
whirling or buzzing sound may be heard by the
driver. This sound is normal, indicating the pump/
motor is running.
²The wheel speed sensor output correct operating
range is verified.
ONGOING TESTS
While the system is operating, these tests are per-
formed on a continuous basis:
²solenoid continuity
²wheel speed sensor continuity
²wheel speed sensor output
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC's)
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) are kept in the
controller's memory until either erased by the techni-
cian using the DRB, or erased automatically after
3500 miles or 255 ignition key cycles, whichever
occurs first. DTC's are retained by the controller
even if the ignition is turned off or the battery is dis-
connected. More than one DTC can be stored at a
time. When accessed, the number of occurrences
(ignition key cycles) and the DTC that is stored are
displayed. Most functions of the CAB and the ABS
system can be accessed by the technician for testing
and diagnostic purposes using the DRB.
LATCHING VERSUS NON-LATCHING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODES
Some DTC's detected by the CAB are ªlatchingº
codes. The DTC is latched and ABS braking is dis-
abled until the ignition switch is reset. Thus, ABS
braking is non-operational even if the original DTC
has disappeared. Other DTC's are non-latching. Any
warning lamps that are turned on are only turned on
as long as the DTC condition exists; as soon as the
condition goes away, the amber ABS warning lamp is
turned off, although, in most cases, a DTC is set.
INTERMITTENT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
As with virtually any electronic system, intermit-
tent electrical problems in the ABS system may be
difficult to accurately diagnose. Most intermittent
electrical problems are caused by faulty electrical
connections or wiring. A visual inspection should be
done before trying to diagnose or service the antilock
brake system; this will eliminate unnecessary diag-
nosis and testing time. Perform a visual inspection
for loose, disconnected, damaged, or misrouted wires
or connectors; include the following components and
areas of the vehicle in the inspection.
(1) Inspect fuses in the power distribution center
(PDC) and the wiring junction block. Verify that all
fuses are fully inserted into the PDC and wiring
Fig. 10 ABS System Diagnostic Connector Location
1 ± DRIVER AIRBAG MODULE
2 ± PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULE
3 ± DATA LINK CONNECTOR
PLBRAKES 5 - 75
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

junction block. A label on the underside of the PDC
cover identifies the locations of the ABS fuses.
(2) Inspect the 25-way electrical connector at the
CAB for damaged, spread, or backed-out wiring ter-
minals. Verify that the 25-way connector is fully
inserted in the socket of the CAB. Be sure that wires
are not stretched tight or pulled out of the connector.
(3) Verify that all the wheel speed sensor connec-
tions are secure.
(4) Look for poor mating of connector halves or ter-
minals not fully seated in the connector body.
(5)
Check for improperly formed or damaged termi-
nals. All connector terminals in a suspect circuit should
be carefully reformed to increase contact tension.
(6) Look for poor terminal-to-wire connections.
This requires removing the terminal from the connec-
tor body to inspect it.
(7) Verify pin presence in the connector assembly
(8) Check for proper ground connections. Check all
ground connections for signs of corrosion, loose fas-
teners, or other potential defects. Refer to the wiring
diagrams for ground locations.
(9) Look for problems with the main power sources
of the vehicle. Inspect the battery, generator, ignition
circuits and other related relays and fuses.
If a visual check does not find the cause of the
problem, operate the car in an attempt to duplicate
the condition and record any trouble codes.
Most failures of the ABS disable the ABS function
for the entire ignition cycle even if the fault clears
before key-off. There are some failure conditions,
however, that allow ABS operation to resume during
the ignition cycle in which the trouble occurred even
if the trouble conditions are no longer present.
The following trouble conditions may result in
intermittent illumination of the amber ABS warning
lamp.
²Low system voltage. If Low System Voltage is
detected by the CAB, the CAB will turn on the ABS
Warning Lamp until normal system voltage is
achieved. Once normal voltage is seen at the CAB,
normal operation resumes.
²High system voltage. If high system voltage is
detected by the CAB, the CAB will turn on the
Amber ABS Warning Lamp until normal system volt-
age is achieved. Once normal voltage is again
detected by the CAB, normal ABS operation resumes.
Additional possible causes that may result in the
illumination of the amber ABS warning lamp are as
follows:
²Any condition that interrupts electrical current
to the CAB may cause the amber ABS warning lamp
to turn on intermittently.
²If PCI communication between the body control-
ler and the CAB is interrupted, the body controller
can turn on the amber ABS warning lamp.
TONE WHEEL
Tone wheels can cause erratic wheel speed sensor
signals. Inspect tone wheels for the following possible
causes:
²missing, chipped, or broken teeth
²contact with the wheel speed sensor
²wheel speed sensor to tone wheel alignment
²wheel speed sensor to tone wheel clearance
²excessive tone wheel runout
²tone wheel loose on its mounting surface
If a front tone wheel is found to need replacement,
the drive shaft must be replaced. No attempt should
be made to replace just the tone wheel. Refer to the
DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE group in this
service manual for removal and installation.
If a rear tone wheel is found to need replacement,
the rear hub and bearing must be replaced. No
attempt should be made to replace just the tone
wheel. Refer to the SUSPENSION group in this ser-
vice manual for removal and installation.
If wheel speed sensor to tone wheel contact is evi-
dent, determine the cause and correct it before
replacing the wheel speed sensor or tone wheel.
Check the gap between the speed sensor head and
the tone wheel to ensure it is within specifications.
Refer to SPECIFICATIONS in this section of the ser-
vice manual for the minimum and maximum wheel
speed sensor to tone wheel clearance.
Excessive wheel speed sensor runout can cause
erratic wheel speed sensor signals. Refer to SPECI-
FICATIONS in this section of the service manual for
the maximum allowed tone wheel runout. If tone
wheel runout is excessive, determine if it is caused
by a defect in the driveshaft assembly or hub and
bearing. Replace as necessary.
Tone wheels are pressed onto their mounting sur-
faces and should not rotate independently from the
mounting surface. Replacement of the front drive-
shaft or rear hub and bearing is necessary.
BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts. Swelling indicates the
presence of petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If the fluid sep-
arates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If the brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush the brake system. Replace all the rubber
parts or components containing rubber coming into
contact with the brake fluid including: the master
cylinder; proportioning valves; caliper seals; wheel
cylinder seals; ABS hydraulic control unit; and all
hydraulic fluid hoses.
5 - 76 BRAKESPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)