The ABS system, a short form of an Anti-lock Brake system, is a security feature for motor vehicles used to help you steer during emergencies. Basically, the system helps to prevent your brakes from locking up, thus allowing you to navigate to safety.
Without this system, the normal braking makes your car skid or continues moving even after the wheels have stopped turning. This can make you lose control over your car, and the situation can get very dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds.
Jeep Wrangler ABS system is no different, and it is specially designed to facilitate better traction upon applying the brake function. However, when the Jeep Wrangler ABS light comes on, it means that your ABS system is compromised, and you may want to get it examined as soon as possible.
Now, there are many reasons why Jeep Wrangler ABS light stays on, but the most common cause has to do with the breakdown of the ABS module and faulty speed sensors. Having said that, let’s now have an in-depth look into the reasons why your Jeep anti-lock brake system light comes on;
Jeep Wrangler ABS Sensor problems
ABS sensors are specialized devices whose primary role is to activate the ABS module. One thing that is important to note is that the sensors are installed at each wheel to help lock the wheels independently and to allow for a more precise operation.
If your Jeep Wrangler sensors stop working abruptly, the ABS module will definitely become deactivated. Some of the symptoms of faulty ABS sensors include reduced stoppage time and less stability, especially when driving under unfavorable conditions.
However, the most common symptom of a bad ABS sensor is the appearance of the ABS light. So when you notice ABS light illumination, it is usually the first warning sign that there might be a problem with your ABS system, and perhaps one or all the ABS’s sensors are compromised.
In some cases, you can solve the problem by servicing or restarting the vehicle, but this might leave your Jeep susceptible to more complex problems. If the problem does not disappear even after restating your vehicle, you may want to consider involving a professional to help solve the issue. The technician will help pinpoint the exact problem and carry out any repairs/replacements if needed.
Jeep Wrangler ABS module Problems
The Jeep ABS control module is a computer-controlled program that receives data from the ABS sensors and uses it to control the braking system. Basically, the module acts as the brain of the ABS system, and it is integrated into the brake lines to help regulate the amount of pressure applied when you depress the brake pedal.
Additionally, the ABS module helps improve traction while preventing your Jeep from losing stability during braking. Now, if the module malfunctions, you can still stop the car, but the wheels will not have skid protection. This can be extremely dangerous, especially during hard braking, fast acceleration, or in the event the wheels get off the tarmac road.
The first sign you’ll notice when the ABS module is faulty is a warning light on your Jeep dashboard. A part from the illumination, an error code that is specific to the ABS module will be sent to the ECU to demand your attention.
When this happens, the only way to fix the situation is to tow your vehicle to an authorized Jeep shop for immediate repair/ replacement. However, it is important to note that replacing a Jeep Wrangler ABS module can be generally expensive, but this will vary depending on your Jeep model/year and other related repairs. The good thing is that most ABS models are easy to fix, and very few cases will require you to replace the module.
Insufficient fluid
The brake system uses a hydraulic medium to press the brake pads, thereby bringing the vehicle to a stop. As such, having a consistent fluid level is crucial for the optimal functioning of the entire brake and ABS system. There are several reasons that can contribute to low fluid levels, including leakage and slow evaporation.
If the fluid level falls below the recommended level, it is a no-brainer that the ABS system will not function as expected. The sensors are poised to detect insufficient hydraulic brake, and when this happens, the ABS light turns on to let you of the impending danger.
Deactivated ABS system
Perhaps one of the obvious reasons why the Jeep Wrangler ABS light stays on is as a result of deactivating the ABS system. The moment you switch off your ABS system, the indicator light will show up on your dashboard to let you know that feature is not functional.
So, if you’re certain that there is nothing wrong with ABS sensors/module and the fluid level is at the recommended level, then there is a probability that your system has been turned off accidentally. You may want to consult the user manual to help locate the system switch.
How to turn off ABS light on Jeep Wrangler
One of the most frequently asked questions by Jeep Wrangler owners is ‘Can I drive my Jeep with the ABS light on?’ Now, contrary to the common perception, the ABS system helps you have better control of the braking system, but this doesn’t mean you can’t drive your car with the light on.
However, having the system up and running allows you to steer into safety and minimize the chances of avoidable accidents. In addition, the ABS system improves the lifespan of your wheels and the entire braking system at large. As such, Jeep manufacturers recommend that you ensure that this safety is in good condition as you become accustomed to the vehicle.
If your Jeep is experiencing an advanced ABS issue, you should consider getting an experienced auto repair technician to help you solve it. However, when the ABS light shows up, you can try and turn it off on your own, but for you to achieve this, you’ll need to accurately diagnose the underlying issue. You might also want to take some time off and learn how to reset the ABS light on Jeep compass.
Turning off the ABS light generally involves a thorough inspection of the ABS system, including checking the fluid level, visual inspection of the sensors, and paying close attention to any abnormalities in the braking system of your Jeep. Once, you have identified and solved the root cause of the problem, the ABS system will automatically reset and turn off the light.
For instance, if you’ve discovered that all or one of the sensors is not functioning as required, the only way around this is to get a replacement. The good thing is that you can easily replace the sensors by removing them from the wheels. On the other hand, if you suspect the fluid is leaking or may have fallen below the recommended level, this should warrant an immediate refill and possibly some minor repairs.
The process of replacing the ABS module and sensors is relatively easy, and you should be able to manage the situation with the help of a few basic tools. However, if you don’t have prior experience in handling the ABS system, it is always a good idea to seek the services of an experienced mechanic.
Conclusion
While it is practically possible to drive your Jeep with the ABS light on, it is recommended to have it inspected as soon as possible. The ABS system has a great impact on the car’s braking operation, and it can be risky to drive without one. If you service your Jeep at an authorized dealership, it is always a good idea to have the ABS serviced as well to be on the safe side.
