Disclaimers, Safety, Warnings: Diagnosis

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Dodge Dakota. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Your diagnostic test procedure must begin with a thorough visual inspection of the system components for damage and for disconnected connectors. A visual inspection consists of physically looking for the possible cause of a malfunction. A careful and thorough visual inspection of components may quickly identify the cause of a malfunction and eliminate the need for diagnostic testing.

PERFORM THE FOLLOWING VISUAL INSPECTIONS BEFORE DOING ANY DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. If a malfunction is not resolved by the visual inspection, proceed with diagnostic testing according to the instructions in the article.

See COMPONENT LOCATIONS for pictures identifying the location of system components.

BRAKE SYSTEM VISUAL INSPECTION

Brake Fluid level	Visually inspect for the proper fluid Level within the fluid reservoir.
Hydraulic Control Unit	Visually inspect the hydraulic assemblies for leaks and for damaged or disconnected connectors.
Fuses	Visually inspect that all fuses are properly installed.
Wheel Speed Sensor Connectors	Visually inspect both front wheel speed sensor connectors for damage or disconnection. Inspect the rear axle speed sensor connectors.
Brake Fluid Lines	Visually inspect brake fluid lines for any leaks or damage.
Wheel Speed Sensors	Visually inspect all wheel speed Sensors sensor(s) and tone wheel(s) for any damage.
Controller Antilock Brake (CAB)	Visually inspect the CAB for a secure mounting and the CAB connector for damage or loose connection.
Base Brake System	Visually inspect the condition of the parking brake, rotors, drums, and calipers.

Connect the DRBIII® to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
With the DRBIII®, read active and stored trouble codes and record them. If you encounter a "NO RESPONSE" message on the DRBIII® while accessing diagnostic menu, perform DRBIII® No Response Message test. For other DRBIII® related communication problems, refer to the Vehicle Communications test in the appropriate Body Diagnostic Procedures article. Using the DRBIII®, either reset the module to erase all stored trouble codes or use the erase command after reading all diagnostic trouble codes.
Turn ignition off, then on. If the diagnostic trouble code doesn't come back, refer to the diagnostic trouble code description. If the DRBIII® displays diagnostic trouble codes, proceed to the appropriate diagnostic test(s). If no diagnostic trouble codes are present at the time, perform the ABS Verification Test - VER 1 in VERIFICATION TESTS .
WARNING: Before performing any road, test, verify that full braking capability is present.