When the check engine light flashes on your car’s dashboard, that’s a call for concern. It could be a serious issue such as unburned fuel getting into the exhaust system or the engine misfiring.
On other occasions, when the check engine light flashes, it could be time to fill up the gas tank. Whatever the reason, it’s always important to find out why the check engine light flashed.
Want to know what it means when your ABS light and Traction Control light come on?
Read on.
What Does It Mean When Your Abs Light and Traction Control Light Comes On?
The ABS light and Traction Control light share the same control module. So if they come on, it means there is an issue with traction control triggering the ABS light or vice versa.
As you already know, traction control and brake systems are among the most important components in your vehicle. Not only do they ensure your safety but that of other road users. So, if your ABS light and traction control light turn on, have a professional mechanic diagnose the problem.
What Causes the ABS Light and Traction Control to Come On in a Jeep?
The following are reasons why your ABS light and traction control light came on in your Jeep.
Traction Control is Off
Car manufacturers recommend not turning off traction control for safety reasons. However, most drivers turn off traction control when they are stuck in snow or mud or when using tire chains. By disabling traction control, the car can generate enough wheel spin to grab the grip needed to get out of snow or mud.
If you turn off the traction control, the light will turn on your car dashboard.
Wheel Speed Sensors Got Damaged
Modern vehicles have wheel speed sensors that help to measure the speed of each wheel. If your wheels move at different speeds, the traction control will determine that your car needs a shift in power. This will help to even the wheel speed.
On other occasions, the sensors may be dirty leading to incorrect readings. If the sensors are faulty, your traction control module will not detect wheel speed accurately. As such, it will not enable the traction control system.
Malfunctioning ABS System
If the anti-lock brake system is malfunctioning, the ABS light and traction control light will come on. This is because they both share the same control module which means if one system is malfunctioning or faulty, the other will trigger a light to come on.
Brake Fluid Level Is Low
Your Jeep has sensors that detect when brake fluid levels get low. If your brake fluid level is low, the brakes will start to feel spongy or soft. As such, when you attempt to bring your Jeep to a stop, it may take more time.
If the sensors detect low brake fluid levels, the ABS light and traction control light will come on. Besides these lights, you’ll also get other system warnings and indicators. Low brake fluid levels are a danger to you, your passengers, and other road users.
If you’re speeding on the highway and you attempt to slow down or bring your car to a complete stop, you may end up causing an accident. It’s important to have a mechanic check your Jeep immediately.
Bad Wheel Alignment
When you’re driving and one of your wheels hits a bump, curb, or pothole, you might lose the alignment of your Jeep. Once you hit a pothole, curb or bump, your tires will have low pressure prompting the ABS light and traction control light to come on.
Blown Fuse
Along with the check engine light, you might notice the ABS light and traction control light come on if you have a blown fuse. To find out if a blown fuse triggered the lights to come on, we recommend using an OBD2 scanner.
Why Is My Abs and Traction Control Light on the Jeep Wrangler?
As aforementioned, your ABS and traction control lights may come on due to tire pressure, fuse, PCM, steering rack, and sensor issues. The lights may also come on due to a faulty ABS or traction control module, low tire pressure, low brake fluid level, and turned off ABS or traction control.
How Do You Reset ABS and Traction Control Light on a Jeep?
To reset the ABS light, you’ll need a screwdriver and an OBD2 scanner. Start by disconnecting the positive cable from your car battery. Then, get in your Jeep’s cabin and hold down the brake. This will drain your vehicle’s electrical system and reset the onboard computer.
Now plug the positive cable to restore power to your Jeep. If there is no problem with the system, the steps above should reset the ABS light. Once the ABS light comes on, you can choose to replace the sensor.
Unscrew the housing for your sensor, unplug the wire then attach the new sensor then use the steps above to reset the onboard computer.
Alternatively, you can use the OBD2 scan tool to diagnose the problem and reset the ABS light and traction light by clearing the code. If the ABS light and traction control light comes back after resetting, take your Jeep to a professional mechanic.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Abs Traction Control Light?
The total cost of labor and parts to replace an ABS and traction control module can be anywhere between $300 and $1,000. This largely depends on the availability of the ABS control module and its cost.
Best ABS/TCS Code Readers
The following is a list of the best ABS/TCS code readers.
- Autel MS309 OBD2 Scanner
- INNOVA 6030P OBD2 Scanner
- MOTOPOWER MP69033 Car OBD2 Scanner
- ANCEL FX2000 Car Scanner
- ANCEL AD310 Classic Enhanced Universal OBD II Scanner
- FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner
- Autel Autolink AL319 OBD2 Scanner
- FOXWELL NT201 OBD2 Scanner
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to drive a Jeep with ABS and the traction control light is on?
You should not drive your Jeep with ABS and traction control lights on. Have the Jeep towed to a repair shop.
Is it OK to drive a car with an ABS light on?
Yes, you can still drive your car with the ABS light on as it does not impact normal braking. However, it’s not recommended.
Is it OK to drive with the traction control light on?
It’s not ok to drive with the traction control light on until a professional mechanic identifies the problem and makes repairs.
Can worn brake pads cause the ABS light to come on?
Worn brakes usually deplete your Jeep’s brake fluid. By doing this, they trigger the ABS light.
Final Thoughts
Driving your car with the ABS and traction control lights on is not recommended. You should have your Jeep inspected by a professional mechanic immediately. The traction control and ABS systems are very important components of your Jeep. If faulty or damaged, your safety, that of your passengers, and other road users is not guaranteed. To prevent accidents, quickly diagnose the problem with an OBD2 scanner or have your Jeep towed to the repair shop.