Hello everyone,

I am looking for some guidance on a nightmare ABS and front right wheel speed sensor issue with my 2016 Jeep Wrangler JK Sport Unlimited that has recently triggered limp mode, preventing the transmission from shifting.

Here is the breakdown of the situation:

• The Core Issue: My ABS module originally went out three years ago, but the vehicle still drove completely fine without it. Recently, the front right wheel speed sensor popped a code. As soon as this happened, the Jeep went into limp mode and the transmission stopped shifting.
  
• Attempted Fixes: I have tried a few afrter market speed sensors, none worked. Pulling fuses and performed multiple hard resets looking to cuit off power from units sending the signals, but nothing has cleared the issue or pulled the transmission out of limp mode. I then bought an old sensor off ebay and it worked. for two days before going back into limp mode. Now I’m also seeing the engine light is on with the ABS brake and so on.
  
• The Parts Dilemma: I fortunately have a bumper-to-bumper lifetime warranty on this vehicle. However, the dealership is currently claiming that they cannot acquire a replacement ABS module or the necessary speed sensor due to availability issues.
  

I am looking for advice on two fronts:

1. Diagnostic/Scanner Recommendations: Can anyone recommend a reliable chep OBD2 scanner with a Bluetooth hookup that is highly effective for reading and clearing these specific Jeep ABS/wheel codes and perm codes?
   
2. Warranty/Parts Leverage: Has anyone dealt with dealerships claiming parts are entirely unavailable for lifetime warranty repairs, and are there specific avenues or part alternatives I can push for to get this resolved? will they cover cost not at a dealer?
   

Any insights or technical advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm in Dunedin FL is anyone knows a local spot.
Thanks!
Jay

 

For scanner, your best option is really Jscan app with BT dongle. That is a pretty capable setup for diagnostics right there. The only thing it really lacks relative to more pro-sumer scanners is some of the bi-directional communication. I have an XTool D8S scanner and that thing has been well worth the money i spent on it a few years back.....but i practically have a used car lot in my family.

For the jeep, i'll often just use the jscan app instead of my XTool due to speed and convenience.

 

Thank you. What BT dongle do you recommend?

 

Veepeak BLE + is recommended by the folks who make JScan, and it works great with it.

 

Yup, definitely use one that they recommend:

https://jscan.net/supported-and-not-...-obd-adapters/

I use that iCar Pro (the first on the left) with my iPhone and it works well.

The ABS module and lifetime warranty scenario is really a pickle. there are a several petitions out there currently about this abs module that is damn near impossible to come by these days. the dealers are essentially held hostage along with us. if can't get the part, can't perform the work. this has been an ongoing issue for some time as well.

I have a bit different of a setup with a hub conversion kit on my front axle. essentially it's an old school inner & outter bearing rather than a sealed unit bearing like the factory. anyhow, i mention that cuz at one point i was dealing with a lot of speed sensor issues that would throw me into limp mode. for me, bearings went bad and allowed enough play (heavy tire/wheel combo) that the tone ring would contact the sensor and take it out of commission. i went through a couple different sensors at that time, and i never had an issue with an aftermarket sensor. I have a lot harder time seeing anything like that happening with a sealed unit bearing, not to mention over the years it's been pretty rare to see unit bearing failures. that kinda has me thinking this could be leading more towards the ABS module itself, but once you get the dongle and can read/clear the codes you'll at least have a bit more to go on.

In the past, i have seen a few long time members use Deoxit to clean the ABS contacts and seemed to resolve some issues they were having. that is likely a shot in the dark and just throwing it out there, depending on if it's looking like the module itself or not.

 

new VeePeakPlus should be here this afternoon. At this point I just want to be able to drive it. screw the abs lol

Below is from my dealer washing his hands of it after Mopar or Stell or whomever is the baby momma now telling them they have permission to do whatever is nessasary to fix this. I had my lawyer write a letter to mopar with all the key trigger words and it worked. Part Number 68259556AD back ordered with an eta that changes constantly. Never producing a part

We have called every dealer who lists this part in their inventory. All 25 declined selling to us.
Aftermarket does not produce this part. Used parts cannot be programmed as VIN number of previous vehicle would be imbedded in module.

We have a grand total of 14 of this part number on order. Some of the orders are more than 2 years old at this point.

The dealership has exhausted its abilities in resolving this for the customer. I recommend someone who is involved in Mopar’s supply chain get involved in this resolution.

ive read a few other places suggesting the rotor wear. maybe my next part to replace in hopes of after checking and clearing codes. really wishing that removes the limp mode and then sees the new/old wheel sensor is in and working,. fingers crossed. now its time to go relax and pull the controls off my boat lol