The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control help drivers to stay in charge of their vehicles. Therefore, it can be a source of alarm for some people when the traction control and ABS light come on.
There are several reasons why that warning light can switch on. It could be due to a simple transient fault and a potentially more serious problem.
If you are a Jeep owner with a big curiosity about the ABS and traction control system on your vehicle, this guide will be of great help.
What Is ABS And Traction Control Light?
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a design that prevents you from engaging your brakes to the extent of locking your car’s axle and wheels.
Since the turn of the 21st century, the ABS has begun to feature in every vehicle. You might wonder, “how does the ABS work to keep me safe? Isn’t it counterintuitive? Why can’t my wheels just stop anytime I break?”
Imagine a scenario in which the ABS is absent. If you apply brakes while at top speed, your car will start skidding instead of coming to a complete stop. That kind of situation can turn out to be very dangerous.
Well, there are sensors on each of the four wheels of your vehicle. These electronic components provide important feedback to the ABS. Consequently, the ABS helps to maintain the aerodynamic stability of your car against external disturbance.
On the other hand, the traction control system on an automobile prevents it from spinning on a slimy surface. It improves your wheels’ grip on the road during icy conditions. How does the traction control network achieve this task?
It stores numerical information on how your wheels grip the road and keeps track of any poor performance. Similar to the ABS, the traction control system relies on sensors attached to your vehicle’s wheels.
Why Is The ABS And Traction Control Light On In My Jeep?
There are several reasons why your Jeep’s ABS and traction control light is coming on. Firstly, understand that the same electronic module controls the traction system and the ABS.
Therefore, a warning light will activate it if either of the two mechanisms experiences a glitch. Sometimes, you might not have to worry about them when the light comes on.
Conversely, you should still be cautious. Something might be wrong with your Jeep’s braking network. Let’s examine some of them.
Powertrain Control Module Problems
The PCM is a central computer that helps your traction control system to function correctly. If this module develops a fault, the warning indicator will light up. The solution is to reprogram the PCM and clear the fault.
Low Tire Pressure
As earlier emphasized, there are sensors on the four tires of your jeep. If any of these electronic devices sense poor tire pressure, it will send a warning signal to the ECU.
Low Brake Fluid Level
Your brakes use a hydraulic system to slow the wheel. Leakages can cause fluid to deplete in your vehicle. When fluid levels go down, the ABS and traction control light will come on. Beware! If your Jeep’s fluid level is down, there might be other serious problems with your vehicle.
Dirt And Debris
Dirt can get stuck in your traction control system and trigger the warning system. Consult a good mechanic to take care of this problem.
Why Does My Traction Control Light Keep Coming On In My Jeep Wrangler?
As earlier said, the traction control and ABS within your Jeep Wrangler are mutually exclusive. An issue with the ABS can trigger the traction control light.
Apart from that, it can also come on due to problems with the steering rack, bad wheel speed sensors, or a malfunctioning rotational speed sensor.
Is It Ok To Drive A Jeep With ABS And The Traction Control Light Is On?
Yes, it is quite safe to drive your jeep with the traction control and ABS light on. However, you should investigate the reason for it. Check your brake oil level, tire pressure, and other possible causative factors.
But beware! Don’t drive your Jeep when your brake system warning signal and ABS light come up at the same time. You are putting yourself in a risky situation. If this happens, halt your vehicle and consult a hauling company.
Also, when the ABS and traction control light come up under snowy conditions, use your intuition and check to see if you are still in control.
Bonus: Service Stabilitrak: Why? What to Do?
How Do I Reset My ABS And Traction Control Light?
It is easy to perform this task. Follow the steps below.
- Detach the positive cable (usually red) of your car battery.
- Get into your vehicle and depress the brake pedal. The purpose of doing this is to remove any electrical energy and reset the car’s central processing unit.
- Attach the positive cable back to the battery.
The light should go off after performing these steps. If it doesn’t go off, you might need to take a look at the ABS sensors or use an ODB code reader to detect the issue. To be on the safe side, consult your mechanic.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix ABS And Traction Control?
It will require a total of about US$1600-US$2000 for you to fix your faulty ABS. For a reasonable breakdown, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) control module costs an average of US$1000 to repair. Each of the four sensors in the wheel cost about US$100 to US$200.
As for your traction control system, you will pay about US$100 to get it working.
Nevertheless, the repair amount depends on the model, age, and year of your Jeep. If the extent of the damage is bad, you should expect to pay more. Furthermore, if your automobile is old, it will be difficult to find the necessary spare parts.
Read more: What Wheels Interchange With Jeep Grand Cherokee?
