ESP Problems
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
ESP Problems
I recently had a BDS 3 inch suspension system added to my unlimited jk. Since the lift and the addition of new tries and rims, the esp light flashes and a harsh grinding sound occurs in extremely mild curves. The dealer's service department flashed the software for the esp systems and increased the tire size to the largest allowable size. The dealer said they were unable to align the vehicle due to the type of rims that I had. He sent me to another shop today to align the front end and center the steering wheel to the tune of over $200 for the alignment plus mechanic work time. After all of this the esp still flashes in very minor curves. The dealer wants to order some type of watch spring for the steering column but I am unsure exactly what this will be to fix my problem. Anyone out there have any ideas on how to stop this irritating system from activating in such minor condition?
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: WNC
Hey John, I am sorry that didnt work. I think the watch spring thing is what they replaced in the steering on mine. He said it was actually a sensor in the steering wheel that was shorting out. At the least .. heres a bump for your question!
I think they called it a "clock sensor"? watch.. clock? not sure if its the same part.
I think they called it a "clock sensor"? watch.. clock? not sure if its the same part.
Last edited by greystonejk; May 2, 2007 at 07:05 AM.
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,567
Likes: 1
From: So. Cal.
How straight did the get your steering wheel? That's one problem.
Unfortunately due to your added height you have a higher center of gravity so if you enter a cloverleaf or turn that isn't banked properly your ESP will kick on. I notice mine happens less now that I am running no top instead of hardtop.(Less top heavy)
Also, did your lift come with adj. or new control arms. Some people with more complete lifts seem to be affected less due to the fact the can adjust the caster of the front axle.
Do any of these situations fit you.
By the way that horrible grinding noise is your brakes pulsing at a high rate of speed.
Take your turns a little slower and enjoy your ride until someone comes up with a fix. ?????
Unfortunately due to your added height you have a higher center of gravity so if you enter a cloverleaf or turn that isn't banked properly your ESP will kick on. I notice mine happens less now that I am running no top instead of hardtop.(Less top heavy)
Also, did your lift come with adj. or new control arms. Some people with more complete lifts seem to be affected less due to the fact the can adjust the caster of the front axle.
Do any of these situations fit you.
By the way that horrible grinding noise is your brakes pulsing at a high rate of speed.
Take your turns a little slower and enjoy your ride until someone comes up with a fix. ?????
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 2
From: Highland, Utah
It is called a "clock spring" and that is not your issue. The issue is the lift. I just put mine on and I have the same problem. It was real bad at first but as I am tweeking the suspension it is getting better.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
Yeah, same issues here. I think for me it was a combination of my kit being pretty wonky right after I installed it (steering wheel off center, caster was off too), and the fact that I was not used to a rig with 35" tires on 15" rims.
After I fixed the alignment, the ESP issues decreased significantly, though I still have not had any kind of re-flash done by the dealer.
At some point, the physics of the situation actually does mandate a slower speed through corners (higher center of gravity, more sidewall flex, less grippy tread pattern). For me, under normal driving, it's not an issue at all except for highway ramps, and for those I just keep the speed down a little bit. Everyone's driving style is a little different though. Hope you're able to adapt eventually.
If you're like me, you're anxiously awaiting dealer or aftermarket capability to actually flash for the correct tire size, though I'm actually skeptical as to whether this will help the ESP issues that much.
After I fixed the alignment, the ESP issues decreased significantly, though I still have not had any kind of re-flash done by the dealer.
At some point, the physics of the situation actually does mandate a slower speed through corners (higher center of gravity, more sidewall flex, less grippy tread pattern). For me, under normal driving, it's not an issue at all except for highway ramps, and for those I just keep the speed down a little bit. Everyone's driving style is a little different though. Hope you're able to adapt eventually.
If you're like me, you're anxiously awaiting dealer or aftermarket capability to actually flash for the correct tire size, though I'm actually skeptical as to whether this will help the ESP issues that much.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,326
Likes: 0
From: Central Georgia
I recently had a BDS 3 inch suspension system added to my unlimited jk. Since the lift and the addition of new tries and rims, the esp light flashes and a harsh grinding sound occurs in extremely mild curves. The dealer's service department flashed the software for the esp systems and increased the tire size to the largest allowable size. The dealer said they were unable to align the vehicle due to the type of rims that I had. He sent me to another shop today to align the front end and center the steering wheel to the tune of over $200 for the alignment plus mechanic work time. After all of this the esp still flashes in very minor curves. The dealer wants to order some type of watch spring for the steering column but I am unsure exactly what this will be to fix my problem. Anyone out there have any ideas on how to stop this irritating system from activating in such minor condition?
Thanks,
John
Thanks,
John
I was just re-reading mccurdy's post and something occured to me that has probably been covered, but maybe not. Wheel size could have something to do with it. As mccudy said, a 35" tire on a 15" wheels is going to give a lot more through a turn than a 35" on an 18" wheels, which could contribute to some peoples problems.
Last edited by BLKRUBI; May 2, 2007 at 08:02 AM.
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,567
Likes: 1
From: So. Cal.
Well, you're wheel alignment never changed. The only thing that changed was your caster. The way JK's are lifted, the tie rods are never touched. The only thing that really needs to be done, depending on you lift (adjustable track bar, upper and lower arms) is to loosen the drag link bolts and twist the drag link adjuster until your steering wheel is re-centered. If they charged you $200 for that, I hate to say, you got screwed. It really seems varied about who has ESP problems.Some people seem to have nothing but trouble after a lift, regardless of brand, and others do not. Mine has come on only two times in 1600 miles (while I was taking a turn at excessive speed) and I don't have an "Complete" kit.
I was just re-reading mccurdy's post and something occured to me that has probably been covered, but maybe not. Wheel size could have something to do with it. As mccudy said, a 35" tire on a 15" wheels is going to give a lot more through a turn than a 35" on an 18" wheels, which could contribute to some peoples problems.
I was just re-reading mccurdy's post and something occured to me that has probably been covered, but maybe not. Wheel size could have something to do with it. As mccudy said, a 35" tire on a 15" wheels is going to give a lot more through a turn than a 35" on an 18" wheels, which could contribute to some peoples problems.
And that in combination with Hardtop vs Soft Top too!
Trending Topics
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 2
From: Highland, Utah
Well, you're wheel alignment never changed. The only thing that changed was your caster. The way JK's are lifted, the tie rods are never touched. The only thing that really needs to be done, depending on you lift (adjustable track bar, upper and lower arms) is to loosen the drag link bolts and twist the drag link adjuster until your steering wheel is re-centered. If they charged you $200 for that, I hate to say, you got screwed. It really seems varied about who has ESP problems.Some people seem to have nothing but trouble after a lift, regardless of brand, and others do not. Mine has come on only two times in 1600 miles (while I was taking a turn at excessive speed) and I don't have an "Complete" kit.
I was just re-reading mccurdy's post and something occured to me that has probably been covered, but maybe not. Wheel size could have something to do with it. As mccudy said, a 35" tire on a 15" wheels is going to give a lot more through a turn than a 35" on an 18" wheels, which could contribute to some peoples problems.
I was just re-reading mccurdy's post and something occured to me that has probably been covered, but maybe not. Wheel size could have something to do with it. As mccudy said, a 35" tire on a 15" wheels is going to give a lot more through a turn than a 35" on an 18" wheels, which could contribute to some peoples problems.
JK Jedi
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,567
Likes: 1
From: So. Cal.
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 2
From: Highland, Utah