I've done quite a bit of reading of previous posts where others have had the ABS, ESP, and Traction Control lights come on.

To be more specific these are the 3 lights.


I'm currently intermittently observing this problem. Prior to these lights coming on, I will notice my brakes feel like they are slipping. I'm currently assuming this is the ABS kicking on when it shouldn't be.

While there seems to be quite a few diagnosis to this problem I've read, the one that seems to make the most sense from what I'm observing is a faulty wheel speed sensor. This would make sense to me, based upon what I'm observing. The wheel sensor is sending improper information, the ABS kicks in, my brakes feel like they're slipping, then the 3 dash lights pop on.

Here's my current dilemma. There are 4 wheel speed sensors. How can I determine which one is faulty without having to guess and end up replacing all 4 sensors?

Here's what I've done so far, but I haven't been able to get any closer in determining the faulty sensor or even be sure it is a wheel speed sensor, but I'm leaning in that direction.

1. Torque Pro diagnosis:
- I have Torque Pro connected to an OBD2 adapter and I've scanned for codes while the lights are lit up and it returns no diagnostic codes found.
- Torque Pro has the ability to monitor individual sensors, however I've not been able to identify anything that shows up in Torque which seems to identify itself as being related to a "Wheel Speed Sensor".
- While driving on dry pavement, Torque Pro made an announcement of "Caution Icy Conditions". That makes sense this might happen if a wheel speed sensor is giving bad information which would indicate a wheel is spinning, but what information is Torque Pro monitoring to make this announcement?

Dash Diagnostic Code readout:
- I have also tried reading diagnostic codes using the ignition OFF-ON, OFF-ON, OFF-ON, sequence to display diagnostic codes. It enters into diagnostic readout mode, but doesn't display any codes in the odometer display, it just shows "Done".

How can I diagnose this problem without taking shots in the dark and just throwing replacement parts at it?

 

Recommend making sure your battery connections are tight. Bad battery or bad connections can make whacky things happen with our jeeps, including dash light dances.

 

Already done this past weekend. Lights came on prior and after confirming battery connections. Battery is Sears Die-hard platinum AGM, less than a year old so assuming battery is not the problem as well.

 

So I learned this when my right rear speed sensor went out, is that the abs and srs (airbag) codes don't show on the dash or a standard obd reader. You have to use one that specifically reads those codes.

 

Thanks!!! That makes a lot of sense, because some of the prior information I read, someone posted that they were able to get a code which pointed to a specific speed sensor.

Any recommendations of a specific reader that will be able to get that information aside from going to the dealer?

 

Wow....I did some more research, and this seems like a big ole can of worms. What it looks like I need is a scanner which supports ABS, and in addition to that I need to "hope" the scanner supports the Jeep JK ABS scanning capability. I looked at software solutions, and those seem very complex where you're stuck with buying some software and then additionally purchasing an additional extension to get the ABS scanning support and it seems no one currently has Jeep support.

Been looking at and considering the Harbor Freight OBD II Scanner with ABS scanning support.
OBD II & CAN Scan Tool with ABS

Anyone know if this will work on my 2009 JK?

(Edit) Just found this guy (BlueDriver), which looks very promising and they have a website which tells you what features are supported for your vehicle.
http://www.lemurmonitors.com/

 

Get the scanner from Innova. It does abs codes for domestic vehicles. I have that scanner. I specifically bought it because I had an abs light on my mountaineer. The reader accurately told me it was a failed sensor on the master cylinder. Cost $12 to replace. The model I have is 3160. Cost around $200. they also have a model 3150 that is around $150.

 

My previous vehicle was a 2009 Dodge Ram. I had the same 3 lights come on when making slow (parking lot) turns. Definitely was the wheel speed sensor. It was covered under warranty back then, so the dealer replaced it. When talking to the service tech, he told me that only the dealer scanners will tell you exactly which sensor is bad. Could the dealer be telling me this to insure I come back if the issue comes up again, maybe, or it could have been just back then, no scanner you could buy could tell you. If you dread taking it to the dealership where they can tell you which one is bad, you may be stuck swapping out a new one on each side until you find the issue. Hope it is just one bad sensor...

 

The innova 3160 scanner was able to tell me which speed sensor was bad on my 2002 Mercury mountaineer. Not certain if it would for the JKU. If you don't have a scanner, and are willing to spend around $200 for one, there is a chance that the innova will tell you which one is bad. As for the dealer - don't believe a word they say. In my experience, they are lying scumbags. They willingly lie to you so you spend more money with them.

 

I got my Innova 3150 from Amazon for $140 and it works on both my Jeep, the wife's Civic, and numerous other vehicles I've helped with.

http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...rch_detailpage