QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I have a 2000 Chrysler 300M with the ABS/Trac light on.
The brake problems started when the brake booster went out. After it was replaced, the brake pedal felt soft - back to the mechanic who replaced the booster. He said the master cylinder was bad - it was replaced.
The brake pedal still has a lot of travel (the brakes were bled three different times) but can lock up the wheel when stomped on.
And, the ABS/Trac light comes on after driving a few moments.
The last mechanic to look at it (there have been 4 so far) says that he is 90% sure that the ABS pump needs to be replaced (he found a code 30).
Considering the cost to replace an ABS pump and lack of complete confidence that this will remedy my brake problems, should I go ahead with the pump replacement, or is there something else to look at first?
Thank you
ANSWER: Hi Rich,
Revised answer: I do notice that on page 30 of the manual there is a discussion of the "pump not working" code. It basically suggests checking 3 fuses and the wiring of the ABS system. Failing a finding then replacing the pump is the suggested correction. Let me know if you want the details to try this yourself.
The Chrysler ABS manual lists the fault codes by name rather that by number. If you could get the specific name for the code 30 then I can look into that and give you more information about what it means and whether that seems to fit with the behavior you are experiencing. Then you will have a better understanding of the potential benefit of replacing the ABS pump. I believe it is likely that the brakes will continue to function safely without repair, just not giving you the full benefit of ABS. I will await your response.
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Roland -
All of the information have on the code is from the mechanics report; all it says is, "#30 Pump Circuit Codes - ABS Pump Problems".
Could you tell me what fuses to check and where they are located?
Any thoughts on how to check the wiring and where to look?
Also, I wonder about the brake pedal travel. Would a problem with the pump cause an increase in travel, or could the pedal travel cause a problem with the pump?
Lastly, is it possible/advisable to just replace the pump motor?
Thank you for your quick replies.
- Rich
AnswerHi Rich,
The fuses are K and F in the power box in the engine compartment and fuses 17 and 20 (which powers the brake lights) located in the box behind the left end-cap of the dash.
I can copy the pages for the pump code remediation and also the pages for the ABS circuitry and attach them to an email I would send to you directly. Tell me your email address, but don't use the @ symbol, instead use "at" or the address will be automatically erased.
I don't know about the pedal travel question. Replacing the motor would depend upon the results of going through the code remediation process and see where that leads you.
Roland
