Dodge Journey: ABS Light Meaning & Diagnosis
When braking, the ABS system uses a system of sensors to determine wheel speed; if one of the wheels begins to lock up, the ABS system will apply the maximum amount of brake to that wheel. Skidding tires also cause flat spots in the tire, which can be inconvenient and dangerous.
Is it Safe to Drive Your Journey?
The ABS light is not the same as the brake warning light, which indicates a problem with the physical braking system. Driving with the ABS light on, especially if it’s raining or snowing, is not as safe, which is why we recommend having the ABS fixed as soon as possible.
Dodge Journey ABS Light On Causes
The three most common causes of the ABS light coming on are faulty wiring, overheating, and mechanical failure, and a code scanner can tell you which part of the ABS system has gone bad. Most auto parts stores will gladly let you use their free scanning service.
1. Wheel Speed Sensor
The wheel speed sensors are in charge of monitoring wheel speed and transmitting it to the computer system; if one of the wheels is moving slower than the others, it is on its way to locking up, and the ABS is activated on that wheel to prevent it from locking.
2. ABS Module
The ABS brake module controls the anti-lock brake system; if it becomes damaged and can no longer control all four brakes, the ABS light will illuminate. Corrosion is the most common cause of ABS module failure; wear and corrosion are the most common causes.
3. ABS Fluid Level
The ABS will not be able to physically activate if the fluid levels in the ABS lines are too low; if the fluid level falls below a certain level, an ABS light will illuminate and the ABS box will vibrate, indicating that something needs to be done.
How do you reset the ABS light on a Dodge Journey?
Resetting an Anti-Lock Brake Light
- If the light comes back on, disconnect the positive cable from the car battery and then press the brake pedal to drain the car’s electrical system, which will reset the car’s central computer.
Why is my ABS light on in my Dodge Journey?
The ABS will not receive the wheel speed information it requires if the wheel speed sensor is defective or the wiring from the sensor to the ABS is damaged, making it one of the more common causes of the ABS light coming on.
How do I turn off my ABS and traction control light?
If the traction control light comes on while driving but no other warning lights are illuminated, don’t panic. Pull over to a safe location, turn off your vehicle, and then restart it. If the warning light was triggered by a glitch in the TCS system, it should turn off and stay off when you restart the engine.
How do you reset the ABS light on a 2009 Dodge Journey?
To reset the esp bas light on a 2009 Dodge Journey, turn the steering wheel twice to the right and then back to center.
Can worn brake pads cause ABS light to come on?
While the heat from worn brake pads on the wheel can damage the speed sensor, it’s possible that ignoring your worn brakes for long enough will cause your ABS light to illuminate.
What causes ABS light to come on and stay on?
A malfunctioning ABS module, low fluid levels in the reservoir, broken wheel speed sensors, or the system being turned off are the four most common causes for this light to illuminate. Your ABS actually shares some important components with another system in your vehicle: your traction control system.
How do you reset ABS light without scan tool?
How to Hard Reset an ABS Light Without Using a Scan Tool
- Get a Jumper Wire. First and foremost, get a jumper wire.
- Find the DLC Connectors. Once you have the fused jumper wire or service connector adapter kit, locate the DLC connectors.
- Connect the Jumper to the DLC.
Why can’t I turn my traction control off?
If the traction control warning light stays off after turning your vehicle off and on, there was a temporary glitch in the system, and you should be fine to continue; however, if the light comes back on and stays on, you should contact your mechanic immediately to schedule a service appointment.
What is the traction control light?
When the traction control warning light stays on, it means the system isn’t helping you control traction, and the system needs to be checked. Some systems are so sensitive that they immediately reduce power or apply the brakes so hard that you don’t get anywhere.
How much does it cost to fix ABS and traction control?
For most makes, models, and years of vehicles, the average cost of a traction control switch replacement is between $80 and $90, with total labor costs ranging between $38 and $48, and parts costs ranging between $43 and $43.
How do I fix my ABS light?
ABS Brake Troubleshooting Techniques
- If the ABS light appears on the dashboard, turn the key in the ignition and turn the car on and off.
- Clean the front wheel sensors if your ABS pulses at low speed with little pressure applied.
- Apply pressure to the ABS brake if it won’t stop.
Can blown fuse cause ABS light to come on?
Blown Fuse or Stuck Bulb This could be a glitch or, more commonly, a blown fuse to the ABS, which can cause the light to come on and stay on. Fuses are easy to blow, so it’s often a simple fix to check.
Can you bypass a ABS sensor?
No dice; tried removing and replacing the resistor; same result; light remains on. At this point, the resistor fools the car into believing that a sensor exists, but it does not provide the necessary output.
What causes ABS to fail?
The most common ABS issues occur when sensors become contaminated with debris or metal shavings, as well as when sensor wiring becomes damaged, resulting in intermittent or no continuity. If you have an ABS problem, check all wiring and brake sensors physically first.