2011 JK Unlimited Sport, I have a 4'' procomp lift and drive a lot of windy roads. When I turn hard into a corner at speed my traction control kicks in. When I push the traction control button, which I assumes turns it off I get the exact same response, indicator on the dash and it starts braking. Any thoughts?

 

It's not that simple to turn it off and I can't recall if it is even really possible, although I think it can be done.

Not too uncommon on lifted Jeeps. One thing that helps is a proper alignment. Essentially the computer is reading steering wheel position relative to tire speed. If you are turning, then the tires are moving at slightly different speeds (outside tire faster). When the wind blows and you steer to stay straight, the tires are still at the same speed, but the wheel is turned. So, the computer thinks you are sliding and the traction control kicks in.

Assuming the alignment is good and the wheel is perfectly centered, then you live with it or look for ways to tighten up the steering. If you are running larger tires, things like a steering shaft brace and one ton drag link can help keep things more firm, thereby requiring less steering input.

 

That doesn't actually turn it off. After people started lifting and adding bigger tires and complaining about this issue, the factory folks came out with a 'steering wheel dance' procedure to shut the system off. It may be in your owners manual? If not, a quick search should find a few dozen posts on it with the procedure listed.

You also need to verify that your steering wheel is straight.



I found it in the 2010 owners manual, not sure which other years it is in. If you go to Jeeps website, click on Owners in the upper right corner, then Owners and Service manuals, 2010 JK, and download the .pdf. Go to the Starting and Operating section - open the Electronic Brake Control section, and scroll down to ESP. You will see the 11 step procedure.

 

Chances are that your steering wheel is off center, or at least the computer thinks it is. This can activate the abs/traction control when cornering in some situations. You just need to take it to the alignment shop or dealer and have them recenter the wheel within the computers parameters.

RK

 

Procal can do this as well if on an alignment rack. Center the steering and then use the Procal function to tell computer it's now at center.

 

When I've dug into this for our club members or others I've generally found that one or both axles aren't properly centered under the frame and that the steering wheel isn't centered. This all assumes the alignment is acceptably close to spec. Using identical spots on the frame side to side, measure from the frame to the inside sidewall of the tire. Be sure not to measure sidewall lettering, etc. The measurements need to be reasonably the same, say within 1/4". If it's more than that adjust the track bar, or change the axle side track bar bracket hole until the measurement is as close as you can get it side to side. Once that's squared away, with the rig parked on as flat a surface as possible, dead center the front road wheels and look at the steering wheel. If the spokes aren't visually horizontal, use the drag link adjuster to move the wheel whichever way necessary to level them out. A better way than visual is to use the centering function in an AEV Procal, Aeroforce gauge, tuner, etc. With the axles centered and the wheel centered your issue should be gone.

 

The steering wheel dance is supposed to turn that off!

I've tried it a couple times though and I can't get it right to disable it. I'm considering going to a jeep dealer now and asking them to disable it.

It only takes a minute to do it though if you can get that wheel dance right.

 

There are several modes to the ESP system. Here is from my owners manual (a 2007), but yours should be similar. What is missing is an explanation of the steering wheel dance, but from what I understand it basically just places the ESP permanently into the Full Off mode (which is described below). Sorry for the rough copy, but I think you can get the gist of how the system works ...

ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with an advanced electronic
brake control system that includes ABS (Anti-Lock Brake
System), TCS (Traction Control System), BAS (Brake
Assist System), ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation), and
ESP (Electronic Stability Program). All five systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability and control in various
driving conditions, and are commonly referred to as
ESP.

ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
This system aids the driver in maintaining vehicle control
under adverse braking conditions. The system controls
hydraulic brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up and
help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces during braking.
Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake System” in Section 5 of this
manual for more information about ABS.

WARNING!
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) cannot prevent the
natural laws of physics from acting on the vehicle,
nor can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. ABS cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.

TCS (Traction Control System)
This system monitors the amount of wheel spin of each of
the driven wheels. If wheel spin is detected, brake
pressure is applied to the slipping wheel(s) to provide
enhanced acceleration and stability. A feature of the TCS
system functions similar to a limited slip differential and
controls the wheel spin across a driven axle. If one wheel
on a driven axle is spinning faster than the other, the
system will apply the brake of the spinning wheel. This
will allow more engine torque to be applied to the wheel
that is not spinning. This feature remains active even if
TCS and ESP are in either the “Partial Off” or “Full Off”
modes. Refer to “ESP (Electronic Stability Program)” in
this section.

BAS (Brake Assist System)
The BAS is designed to optimize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers. The
system detects an emergency braking situation by sensing
the rate and amount of brake application and then
applies optimum pressure to the brakes. This can help
reduce braking distances. The BAS complements the
anti-lock brake system (ABS). Applying the brakes very
quickly results in the best BAS assistance. To receive the
benefit of the system, you must apply continuous braking
pressure during the stopping sequence. Do not
reduce brake pedal pressure unless braking is no longer
desired. Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is
deactivated.

WARNING!
BAS (Brake Assist System) cannot prevent the natural
laws of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase the traction afforded by prevailing
road conditions. BAS cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or hydroplaning.
Only a safe, attentive, and skillful driver
can prevent accidents. The capabilities of a BAS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.

ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation)
This system anticipates the potential for wheel lift by
monitoring the driver’s steering wheel input and the
speed of the vehicle. When ERM determines that the rate
of change of the steering wheel angle and vehicles speed
are sufficient to potentially cause wheel lift, it applies the
appropriate brake and may reduce engine power to
lessen the chance that wheel lift will occur. ERM will only
intervene during very severe or evasive driving maneuvers.
ERM can only reduce the chance of wheel lift occurring
during severe or evasive driving maneuvers. It cannot
prevent wheel lift due to other factors such as road
conditions, leaving the roadway or striking objects or
other vehicles.

NOTE: Anytime the ESP system is in the “Full Off”
mode, ERM is disabled. Refer to ESP (Electronic Stability
Program) for a complete explanation of the available ESP
modes.

WARNING!
Many factors, such as vehicle loading, road conditions
and driving conditions, influence the chance
that wheel lift or rollover may occur. ERM cannot
prevent all wheel lift or rollovers, especially those
that involve leaving the roadway or striking objects
or other vehicles. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ERM-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.

ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
This system enhances directional control and stability of
the vehicle under various driving conditions. ESP corrects
for over/under steering of the vehicle by applying
the brake of the appropriate wheel to assist in counteracting
the over/under steer condition. Engine power
may also be reduced to help the vehicle maintain the
desired path.

ESP uses sensors in the vehicle to determine the vehicle
path intended by the driver and compares it to the actual
path of the vehicle. When the actual path does not match
the intended path, ESP applies the brake of the appropriate
wheel to assist in counteracting the oversteer or
understeer condition.

• Oversteer - when the vehicle is turning more than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
• Understeer - when the vehicle is turning less than
appropriate for the steering wheel position.
The _ESP/TCS Indicator Light_ located in the instrument
cluster, starts to flash as soon as the tires lose traction and
the ESP system becomes active. The _ESP/TCS Indicator
Light_ also flashes when TCS is active. If the _ESP/TCS
Indicator Light_ begins to flash during acceleration, ease
up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as
possible. Be sure to adapt your speed and driving to the
prevailing road conditions.

WARNING!
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on the
vehicle, nor can it increase the traction afforded by
prevailing road conditions. ESP cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent accidents. The capabilities of an
ESP-equipped vehicle must never be exploited in a
reckless or dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.

The ESP system has 3 available operating modes in 4WD
High Range. The system has 1 operating mode in 4WD
Low Range. 2WD vehicles and 4WD vehicles in 2WD
mode have 2 operating modes.

High Range (4WD Models) or 2WD Models

On
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD high
range and in 2WD vehicles. Whenever the vehicle is
started or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from
4WD low range or neutral back to 4WD high range, the
ESP system will be in this mode. This mode should be
used for most all driving situations. ESP should only be
turned to “Partial Off” or “Full Off” for specific reasons
as noted below.

Partial Off
This mode is entered by momentarily depressing the
_ESP Control Switch_. When in _Partial Off_ mode, the
TCS portion of ESP has been disabled and the _ESP/TCS
Indicator Light_ will be illuminated. All other stability
features of ESP function normally. This mode is intended
to be used if the vehicle is in deep snow, sand, or gravel
conditions and more wheel spin than ESP would normally
allow is required to gain traction. To turn ESP on
again, momentarily depress the _ESP Control Switch_.
This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.

NOTE: To improve the vehicle’s traction when driving
with snow chains, or starting off in deep snow, sand, or
gravel, it may be desirable to switch to the “Partial Off”
mode by pressing the ESP switch. Once the situation
requiring ESP to be switched to the “Partial Off” mode is
overcome, turn ESP back on by momentarily depressing
the “ESP Control Switch”. This may be done while the
vehicle is in motion.

ESP Off (4WD High Range Only)
This mode is intended for off-highway or off-road use
when ESP stability features could inhibit vehicle maneuverability
due to trail conditions. This mode is entered by
depressing and holding the “ESP Control Switch” for 5
seconds when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is
running. In this mode, all ESP and TCS stability features
are turned off except for the “limited slip” feature described
in the TCS section. After 5 seconds, a chime will
sound, the _ESP/TCS Indicator Light_ will illuminate,
and the _ESP OFF_ message will appear in the odometer.
Refer to “Compass and Mini-Trip Computer — If
Equipped” in Section 4 of this manual. To turn ESP on
again, momentarily depress the _ESP Control Switch_.
This will restore the normal “ESP On” mode of operation.
NOTE: The ESP system will change to “Partial Off”
mode if the vehicle speed exceeds 40 mph (64 km/h).
After the vehicle speed is reduced below 35 mph (56
km/h), the ESP system will return to “Full Off” mode.
NOTE: The “ESP OFF” message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the gear selector is
placed into the “P” (Park) position from any position
other than “P” (Park), and then moved out of the “P”
(Park) position. This will occur even if the message was
previously cleared.

WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP and ERM are unavailable. In
an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESP and ERM
systems will not engage to assist in maintaining
stability. The “Full Off” ESP mode is intended for
off-highway or off-road use only.

4WD Low Range

ESP Off
This is the normal operating mode for ESP in 4WD low
range. Whenever the vehicle is started in 4WD low range,
or the transfer case (if equipped) is shifted from 4WD
high range or neutral to 4WD low range, the ESP system
will be in this mode. In 4WD low range, ESP and TCS,
except for the “limited slip” feature described in the TCS
section, are turned off until the vehicle reaches a speed of
40 mph (48 km/h). At 40 mph (48 km/h), the normal ESP
stability function returns but TCS remains off. When the
vehicle speed drops below 35 mph (40 km/h), the ESP
system shuts off. ESP is off at low vehicle speeds in 4WD
low range so that it will not interfere with off-road
driving but ESP function returns to provide the stability
feature at speeds above 40 mph (48 km/h). The _ESP/
TCS Indicator Light_ will always be illuminated in 4WD
low range when ESP is off.

NOTE: The “ESP OFF” message will display and the
audible chime will sound when the gear selector is
placed into the “P” (Park) position from any position
other than “P” (Park), and then moved out of the “P”
(Park) position. This will occur even if the message was
previously cleared.

WARNING!
With the ESP switched off, the enhanced vehicle
stability offered by ESP and ERM are unavailable. In
an emergency evasive maneuver, the ESP and ERM
systems will not engage to assist in maintaining
stability. The “Full Off” mode is intended for off highway
or off-road use only.

ESP/BAS Warning Lamp
The malfunction indicator lamp for the ESP is
combined with the BAS indicator. The yellow
“ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the “ON” position. It should go out with the
engine running.

If the “ESP/BAS Warning Lamp” comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected
in either the ESP or the BAS system, or both. If this light
remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle
has been driven several miles at speeds greater than 30
mph (48 km/h), see your authorized dealer as soon as
possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.

NOTE:
• _The _ESP/BAS Warning Lamp_ comes on momentarily
each time the ignition switch is turned ON.
• Each time the ignition is turned ON, the ESP System
will be ON even if it was turned off previously.
• The ESP Control System will make buzzing or clicking
sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds
will stop when ESP becomes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESP activation.

 

I don't think you are going to find a dealership that will disable this feature. It is a safety feature and turning it off will open them up to all the liability should you ever roll or crash the Jeep. There are threads on this forum, and others, where you can pull the purple wire from the loom under the driver's side dash and splice in a switch. I did this and it works like a champ every time I drive up or down the mountain roads around the Big Bear area. All of the dash light come on,,, but they go out as soon as you turn the switch back on and restart the vehicle. If you are having regular problems with it I would straighten your wheel, as mentioned previously, then if the problem persists,,, switch it!!

 

Great thanks for the advice, I like the idea of being able to turn it off, and don't mind dash lights if I know why they are on. I will read up on some other forums and go from there, thanks again.