Dodge Charger ABS And Traction Control Light On (Common Causes and Solutions)
While driving your Dodge Charger on a usual level, any of the dashboard’s lights popping on is a common problem, yet quite disturbing. Whether it’s ABS or TCS, any warning light on your dashboard is worth paying attention to since it might indicate a severe issue with your car if ignored.
Here we’re going to discuss Dodge Charger ABS and Traction Control Light on thoroughly, whatever the reasons behind it and solutions for the issues. But, before that, you need to have a deep knowledge of ABS and TCS.
What Are ABS and Traction Control System?
Modern vehicle models have come equipped with stability control systems since 2012, based on anti-lock brakes and traction. These technologies enhance control when drivers press the brake suddenly.
Both the driver and the passengers benefit from anti-lock braking systems, often known as anti-skid braking systems, or ABS for short. When applying emergency or severe braking, ABS keeps your wheels from locking or stopping altogether. The system’s sequential braking mechanism improves control for the driver across a variety of conditions and reduces breaking-off distances throughout an emergency.
You need secure brakes during sudden stops, and the ABS feature provides this controlling action. Wheel lockup is a common occurrence under challenging braking situations. The wheels stop rotating, causing a loss of road traction and the tires spin out of control. Due to the locked wheels, control over the steering is impossible.
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is a significant improvement for risky braking situations and the safety of passengers. ABS generally includes an ABS Controller, Wheel Speed Sensor, Brake Pedal, Brake Fluid Bank, and Brake Pressure Regulator.
The ABS warning light on the dashboard represents the Anti-Lock Brake System. The vehicle’s wheel speed sensors provide approximations of how fast the wheels are spinning. The anti-lock brake system will not activate when driving usually. If there is a change in both vehicle and wheel speed, the ABS lights will come on.
On the other hand, the Traction Control System prevents the vehicle’s wheels from slipping during acceleration. Especially in snow and rain, in these poor traction conditions, this technology performs impressively by applying the optimum levels of throttle and supervening when excessive power is being provided. As a result, the driver can maintain a stable balance between traction and acceleration no matter the road surface.
Read More > How to Fix Misfire 6 Cylinder Issues.
What Are The Common Causes of Dodge Charger ABS And Traction Control Light On
In most cases, defective wheels or WSS (Wheel Speed Sensor) or ABS control module failure would trigger the activation of the ABS and TCS warning lights. However, the following are all possible causes of Dodge Charger ABS And Traction Control Light On:
01. Misaligned Wheels
We all have faced situations like sudden car bumping in snow conditions as the wheels may not be moving in the same direction each time. And, sometimes, we have to drive on too many rocks and potholes.
When this occurs, the wheels with inadequate pressure will be controlled by either ABS or TCS. Indication lights will activate if anything disrupts these systems and stay on until the problem is fixed.
02. Failure of the ABS Module
So far, this one is the primary reason why either of the alerting lights pops on. The ABS module manages the anti-lock braking module system and performs diagnostic tests on the anti-lock brake system. How would you identify any issue in the ABS module?
All you need is to follow certain signs such as flashing ABS lights for a few seconds, harsh braking, unresponsive brake pedal over time, increased pedal effort to slow down the vehicle, and speedometer malfunctioning.
Due to the ABS control module, both the ABS and traction signal lights can come on since the TCS, and ABS follows similar vehicle components and control modules.
Generally, the ABS light turns on quickly and turns off. If it remains glowing, you can reboot the vehicle by turning the ignition key off and on again.
02. Faulty Sensor for Steering Angle
The steering angle sensor monitors relevant navigation data such as rotation rate and steering angle. It communicates with other components, including the EPS system, to coordinate the steering wheel’s motion with the car’s wheels.
Flashing on the engine light, TCS light, power steering working incorrectly, and steering sensitivity variations are significant symptoms of defective steering angle sensors.
Though different issues are causing this sensor to develop a fault, faulty wiring is the most common. The wires in the vehicle can get damaged by the weather, lack of maintenance, substandard repairs, rodents, or regular erosion.
As a result, the connection between the wheel and the computer that control the Traction Control System may be disrupted, leading to incorrect information processing and activation of the TCS warning light.
03. Low Level Of Brake Fluid
The lower brake fluid level can cause the ABS light to turn on. Most cars contain sensors in those compartments. So, low fluid levels can be damaging. Also it can also cause subtle changes in the way the vehicle runs. What are the symptoms?
You’ll feel the vehicle is taking longer than usual to stop. Also, the brakes may be spongy or soft. However, the ABS light isn’t the only warning you’ll receive when your brake fluid is low. The other system’s signals may be susceptible, in which case the problem could be little and easily remedied.
Also, the low fluid level may indicate a leak of brake fluid. You should inspect the whole brake system and ABS for signs of leakage.
04. Low-Level Tire Pressure
Wheel speed sensors continuously pass on feedback to the Traction Control system and ABS. When any of the tires are slightly deflated, the Electronic Control Unit will register an impressive speed. The Abs and TCS might receive incorrect information, inadvertently setting off their warning lights.
05. Dust and Debris
While driving on dusty tracks or salty roads, the Traction Control System may get affected by malfunctioning. As a result, the red signal light turns on and stays on. Washing the vehicle can make the TCS warning light go, and the feature works again.
06. Low Voltage Battery
Low voltage or a weak battery might accidentally trigger ABS and TCS warning lights. If your vehicle’s alternator is not functioning correctly, this can cause the battery to lose all power. A lack of control in the battery may cause the ECU to transmit the error signals to the ABS and the TCS, triggering the systems’ respective warning lights.
07. Wheel-Speed Sensor Failure
In the event of a faulty WSS, the Electronic Control Unit will detect an error and activate the ABS warning light. If this is the problem, confirm that the braking fluid level is adequate, that the wheel speed sensor is working properly or not clogged by dirt, and also check that all the tires are the same size and type. If you don’t fix this, your ABS signal will again come on.
08. Damaged Fuse
A malfunctioning ABS might be caused by a blown transformer or a damaged wire connecting the controller to the sensors. When your car’s computer senses any issue with the ABS, the warning light will show on.
The PCM detects fuse failure, which then turns on the ABS warning light and the Check Engine warning light. The only way to determine this occurrence is to get your car scanned for error codes.
09. Broken Valve and Pump
The wheel speed sensor works with the valve and pump system. When this fails, the anti-lock mechanism is affected because the braking fluid is applied at the improper pressure to each wheel.
Usually accompanied by a flashing red warning light, this signals a problem with your vehicle’s braking fluid or worn brakes. These issues must be addressed immediately, and some repairs may be required.
How to Reset the ABS Warning Light?
Step-1: Disconnect the Battery
Take the car’s positive wire out of the battery. Afterward, hold the brake pedal down to deplete the vehicle’s electrical system. When you do this, the car’s central computer will be rebooted. Simply reconnecting the cord will bring the electricity back on. If there isn’t any other issue with the ABS, the light should now be reset.
Step-2 : Install New ABS Sensor
If the warning light returns even after resetting, the ABS sensor may need replacing. If your sensor is attached to the wheel hub, you may remove it by unscrewing the housing and disconnecting the cable. The next step is to install a replacement sensor. You’ll have to repeat the steps outlined above to restart the computer.
Step-3: Take Professional Help
If still the ABS warning light comes on, it would be better to trace down the reason behind the light flashing on by connecting the OBD-ll scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostics system. Or, you can take the car to a shop for professional help.
How to Fix the TCS Light?
Step-1: Check Engine Light
In the same way that the CEL( Check Engine Light) turns off after the root cause has been fixed, the TCS warning light goes off once the vehicle sensors determine that the problem’s cause has been eliminated.
Suppose your vehicle’s stability or TCS indicator light remains on even after repair. In that case, you should drive the vehicle for several minutes to provide the onboard computer with enough information to determine that traction is normal.
Step-2: Check Wheel Speed Sensor
Check out if all wheels are of equal size and model to provide reliable readings from the wheel speed sensors. This will also avoid accidental triggering of the Stability Control warning light due to inconsistencies in wheel rotation caused by mismatched wheel sizes.
Moreover, you can avoid turning off the stability control light by maintaining the vehicle’s driving speed at a moderate level. If you drive carefully and have a steady hand on the wheel, you should be able to get the light to go out.
If you ever find yourself trapped in a patch of snow, ice, or mud and need to override the Stability Control Light deliberately, remember to switch it back on. And similarly, the TCS light will remain on even if the traction control system is turned off, so double-check that both are functioning properly.
Step-3: Use OBD-2 Diagnostic Scanner
If the first several methods don’t work to turn the TCS light, it’s time to use the OBD-ll scanner and run a full system check to find out where the problem is. Get the car checked up by a professional technician for the best possible results.
Can I drive even though the abs and traction control light are on?
While driving, if only the TCS light turns on, but none of the other dashboard’s warning lights are flashing, don’t stress out. Place the vehicle at a safe location, shut it off, and afterward start it again. If the signal light came on because of a flaw within that TCS system, it might go off once the car is restarted.
If the light turns on again, it’s time to obtain a system diagnostic from a professional. While it’s being rectified, please drive carefully, avoiding sudden acceleration, which might cause the wheels to skid.
The same advice holds true if the ABS signal light is on in your Dodge Charger. Moreover, as a precautionary step, you should avoid harsh brakes that might trigger a skid.
Plus, experts only suggest driving once the fault is rectified if both the ABS and TCS lights come on and the leading brake red signal light. As the vehicle’s
The entire braking system is malfunctioning, and it might be unable to stop whenever required. Finding the fault code that caused the light to come on takes a specialist scan tool. You can read and correctly diagnose the problem code by using the OBDll scanner.
ABS and TCS Light Reset cost
Given the variety of reasons for the ABS and TCS warning lights to turn on, there needs to be an accurate estimation of how much fixing it will cost.However, diagnostic procedures performed by a technician might cost anywhere from $60 to $1,000.
Where you live, and whatever repair shop you choose may make a difference, excluding tariffs and other additional fees. You can foresee any issues ahead of time using an OBD-II scanner suited to your vehicle’s brand.
Final Thought
Well, the Dodge Charger ABS And Traction Control Light On can occur if the PCM of the vehicle detects any issue, such as a malfunctioning wheel sensor, ABS module, or any other technical problems.
Although only some of the reasons behind these lights aren’t always indicating something major, you should investigate and resolve it in-depth before you go for the next drive.
