ABS, brake light 98 Dodge Dakota

likely

Rear wheel speed sensor is the likely culprit.

yes it is safe to drive but I wouldn't wait too long. the only issue is you don't have ABS your brakes will still work fine,in the event of a panic stop your wheels may lock up like on older vehicles that don't have ABS.

Could be clockspring?

Ted

I had read that to mean his brake warning light on the dash was coming on. If he's observing the ABS light coming on for a few seconds while driving I can't imagine how he would be in a place to see if the brake lights on the rear of the vehicle are coming on for a few seconds.

But if it is his vehicle brake lights that are coming on for a few seconds then yes, that very likely wouldn't be the clockspring.

Ted

Took it to a brake place this morning. Mechanic, who I trust and has done brake work for me in the past with good results, put it on his $10K Snap On scanner that he pays $1100 per quarter for software updates and it would not scan the ABS. He said first time that has ever happened. Frustrated after 30 minutes of trying, he sent me on my way and didn't charge me for the effort.

I got an appointment with the dealership (whom I don't trust) but can't get it done till next Wed. I'm trying to get this fixed before I go south to Biloxi to haul some fuel and supplies. Waiting for the Highway Patrol to lift the barricades south of Hattiesburg.

I think you got confused with Passive restraint AIR BAG LITE When the OP was referring to Anti lock brakes..The clock spring doesnt come into play Ted

In addition to the above, I've noticed that my speedometer is delaying it's operation when I start to move. It stays at zero until I hit about 30mph and then pops up. I can't see any relation to the brake issue, but I'll defer to the more knowledgeable if anyone else does.

How does this speedometer work. Is there a pickup or sensor that could be going bad? where is it? Driveshaft, transmission?

Frank

Answering my own question, I read that on '98 and newer models the speedometer gets its signal from the ABS speed sensor located on the rear differential housing.

Fairly sure now that that sensor is the offending culprit. Is it a remove and replace item or does it require some kind of reprogramming after installation?

pretty simple to do yourself... I had the dealer do it tho (didn't want to crawl under the truck in the winter), cost about 100.00 Could have saved 80 bucks doing it myself.