Service Electronic Stability Control Dodge Charger (Meaning, Causes and Fixes)
Dodge Chargers are among the most technologically advanced vehicles in the kingdom of Dodge and are far more than simply a pretty face. They provide a host of cutting-edge extras that guarantee satisfaction. Dodge Charger’s electronic stability control system is a highly sought-after and handy option.
However, what must one do when the service electronic stability control dodge charger light flashes on the dashboard? This might be a sign of a problem or a warning that something unexpected is about to happen with the system.
Despite this signal light coming on, you may continue driving normally. But only leave it for a day or two after checking on the vehicle. Continue reading to learn more about it.
What is ESC?
A wide range of safety systems continually monitors the vehicle’s performance and its surroundings. In the case of a collision, this technology assists the driver in avoiding or reducing its consequences. When faced with a potentially hazardous circumstance, the driver has greater control thanks to active systems.
One of the most significant active safety features that are currently being installed widely in commercial and passenger vehicles is ESC (electronic stability control).
ESC featured vehicles are less likely to slide, and their drivers lose control while navigating turns, hard braking, or executing abrupt maneuvers. The brakes will apply themselves automatically using ESC technology to assist you in keeping your car going in the proper direction.
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How Does ESC Work?
Being one of the vehicle’s active systems gives the driver increased control in risky situations. If there is sudden skidding on dry, rainy, or sloppy roads, this anti-skid system adjusts the slip by lowering the torque that is applied to the engine. And also restrains specific wheels from taking the car back on the right track.
Oversteering (when the back of the car begins to drift laterally out of turn) triggers ESC to apply the braking force to the outside front tire, producing a torque that acts counter to the oversteering torque. Doing so stabilizes the car and may be directed back along the course the driver had initially planned.
Why Is Service Electronic Stability Control Dodge Charger Light On?
The ESC of your Dodge Charger monitors its wheel rotation speed and parameters like steering angle. And it helps you stay in control on the road. Usually, the ESC warning light comes on when you lose traction control.
And the warning light service electronic stability control of Dodge Charger indicates any malfunction in the system or its functionality is shut off manually.
The service ESC warning light or malfunctioning icon remains shown, and so far, the ESC is not functioning. If your Dodge Chargers’ anti-lock brake system or TCS isn’t working, ESC won’t be able to help balance the vehicle in an emergency situation. If the service ESC indicator appears, it might be a sign of trouble with the anti-lock brakes, the traction control, or the ESC itself.
A professional technician is the best and simplest option to discover why your vehicle’s service ESC light flashes on. The mechanic pinpoints the precise nature of the problem using a scanner to decode the brake control modules trouble codes. However, there are several causes for the service ESC light popping on in your Dodge Charger:
01. Defective Wheel Sensor
The failure of a wheel-speed sensor is often the root cause of any systemic issues. To function correctly, your car’s ESC system constantly checks data from each WSS (wheel speed sensor) and makes necessary adjustments to the brakes.
But, the Dodge Charger ESC system may break down if any of the vehicle’s wheel-speed sensors are either fully damaged or provide incorrect data. Connect a scan tool to each sensor and verify their readings during driving to ensure proper operation.
02. Problematic Navigation Angle Sensor
The steering or navigation angle sensor helps regulate the ESC system. In collaboration with the WSS, this sensor ensures wheel rotation at the correct speed to your current destination.
This is due to the fact that when you turn, the outer wheels are likely to spin at a faster speed than the inner wheels. Though it’s perfectly normal, ECM (Engine Control Module) only gets the notification through the steering angle sensor. Otherwise, your wheels’ one side is sliding while the other side retains excellent grip.
03. Electrical Problems or Defective Wiring
Despite properly functioning sensors, disconnection in the cabling between both the ECM and sensor will be a hindrance. Though it’s less common, still possible, particularly if the wire is left exposed around the wheel speed sensors.
Moreover, while inspecting these sensors, always double-check the battery and power. Dead cells in the battery can cause unexpected high-speed activation of the ECS system.
How to Turn off The Service Electronic Stability Control of The Dodge Charger?
You unintentionally clicked the ESC key on your Dodge Charger or Dodge Ram dashboard. In such a scenario, you may switch off the ESC indicator manually.
Step-01: Turn the ignition key.
Step-02: On the dashboard, find the ESC switch and hold it down for 3 seconds.
Step-03: Check whether the instrument panel’s light went off.
Step-04: The Emergency Stop Control Button
In order to read and diagnose the error codes indicating there’s an ESC issue, you’ll need an OBD-ll scanner. Connect it to the car’s OBD-ll socket. Put the key in the ignition “on” position, but don’t start the vehicle. You may check for error codes by opening the diagnostic program and navigating to the ESC and ABS menus.
What Are The Benefits of ESC?
When it comes to collision mitigation systems, ECS is among the most powerful technologies on the market. By now, this anti-skid system has prevented a considerable number of loss-of-control collisions and possibly saved thousands of civilians.
From 2001 to 2007, 17 investigations have demonstrated ESC’s efficacy, showing that it reduced the likelihood of single-vehicle accidents by 30%. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims that almost ten thousand lives can be conserved and nearly twenty three thousand injuries can be averted if all passenger cars on-road are equipped with ESC.
ESC feature has been obligatory in the USA since 2012, and according to a report, over six thousand lives were conserved as a direct result. Not only in the USA, but ESC is also now a mandatory vehicle system in Canada, Australia, European Union, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, and Russia. It will be in Argentina quite soon.
The worldwide New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) has called for an ESC obligation in all updated vehicle models and all autos in manufacturing by the conclusion of the United Nations “Decade of Action for Road Safety” in 2020.
The adoption of a universal standard for this safety system by the United Nations makes it considerably simpler for governments throughout the globe to endorse the obligatory use of ESC.
Is Driving Safe With the ESC Light on?
You should never ignore an ESC warning. However, if the ESC warning light turns on while driving, it may not always indicate any issue. You can assume it is safe that the system usually functions if the service ESC light flashes on and off when driving on slick roads or while sliding.
But, driving won’t be safe if the Dodge Charger service ESC light comes on unexpectedly or stays on continuously even after switching off the system. The ESC system restores stability by switching on ABS and employing brakes on particular tires.
As a result, you may experience intermittent braking even at high speeds (up to 80mph) while driving. So having an ESC warning light on may not cause any issues while driving, but the very first time it malfunctions, it might result in a severe crash.
How Much Does It Cost of Fixing ECS?
You can take your vehicle to the Dodge Charger dealer for a proper diagnosis. And, if your car is under warranty, there won’t be any charge to fix the problem regarding ESC.
According to NHTSA, the installation cost of ESC in cars that currently have ABS brakes in them will be about $111. And you should expect to pay around $300 to $800 for extra accessories.
Final Thoughts
While driving in wet or snowy weather, ESC ( Electronic Stability Control) is beneficial. A fully operational ESC system is crucial if you intend to drive in hazardous conditions.
To get a Warrant of Fitness, your Dodge Charger must have an operational Electronic Stability Control System. If the signal light is always on, you can risk a fine.
And you cannot ignore the safety issue, so you should get the service electronic stability control dodge charger checked immediately as the warning light comes on or you start to notice problems.
