Dodge Challenger Abs And Traction Control Light On?

All warning lights in automobiles usually turn on automatically to alert the driver to a fault in any vehicle’s components.

Two of such warning lights are the ABS and traction control lights. They are usually red, orange, or yellow on the Dodge Challenger’s dash.

The Dodge Challenger ABS and traction control lights are usually triggered by a faulty wheel, speed sensor, or even an ABS module failure. But, of course, other reasons can cause the ABS light to illuminate, some of which I will discuss below.

Why Is Dodge Challenger ABS And Traction Control Light On?

The Anti-lock Braking feature, or ABS as it is more commonly called, is a protective feature installed on automobiles that flashes a deep orange, red, or amber glow.

The ABS feature gives the driver steering control, especially in cases where the vehicle is entering an uncomfortable skid.

What the ABS does is that it monitors the speed of the wheels as they turn, and if one wheel is slower, the ABS interprets that to mean that there is a lack of steering control.

Traction control monitors your vehicle’s steering performance and balance. It keeps data on your vehicle’s performance and proactively fixes anything out of the ordinary.

These features perform key functions to ensure the vehicle’s and its occupants’ safety and alert them to any malfunction.

The latter occurs using the control light on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Several things could prompt the warning lights to go off; knowing what causes the warning lights are key to addressing the fault.

Here are some things that might cause the lights to go come on.

#1. Failure of Anti-Braking System Module

ABS module failure is one of the commonest causes of ABS, and when the traction control light comes on, it usually indicates that the controller has stopped working.

In addition to ABS malfunction, a frigid brake pedal or a malfunction in the braking system can also be responsible for the warning lights.

To fix this, locate the ABS/Traction control module. It is usually placed under the hood next to the brake fluid reservoir.

You can easily identify the control; several hard brake lines leading to it, which are large and square-shaped.

You may have to replace the control, but remember that it is a somewhat expensive repair.

So instead, get a module that matches the old one, removes all the connections from the old one, and puts the new one in place.

Once you’ve done that, perform a brake-bleed operation before you resume using the vehicle.

#2. Blown Fuse

Another thing that can cause ABS light to turn on could be a blown circuit, or it could be that the wires linking the controller to the system sensors are broken.

The ABS light comes on once your system’s computer detects any of these faults.

In the event of a blown fuse, the PCM sends a signal which activates both the check engine light and the ABS light. The purpose of these is to alert you that something is amiss. 

#3. Damaged Wheel Speed Sensors

Your Dodge Challenger has wheel speed sensors that measure the speed at which each wheel turns.

If, at any time, the movement in the wheels is inconsistent or if there is some other irregularity, the traction control might initiate a power shift to even out the unevenness.

In some cases, the sensors may be damaged or have accumulated some debris which could cause the reading to be inaccurate. 

Additionally, the steering wheel sensor may need replacing; sometimes, it just needs recalibration.

The speed sensors are located on the Challengers brake assembly and are very easy to replace.

First, remove the wheel. When you remove the wheel, you will find it, and afterward, disconnect the wires and replace the sensor with a new one.

#4. Vehicle’s Traction Control Is Off

Car manufacturers recommend that drivers not turn off their traction control system for safety reasons; however, if you choose to turn yours off for whatever reasons or you’ve turned it off by mistake, that could be why the ABS light is on. 

Check your vehicle’s manual if you turned yours on by mistake and don’t know how to turn it back on. You’ll find directions to that effect.

#5. Defective Steering Wheel Angle Sensor

The steering sensor measures the angle of the steering wheel. It also tracks the speed at which the wheel turns.

A defective Steering wheel sensor affects the traction control because the control can only work effectively if it knows which direction the vehicle is going. 

If the sensor does not work, the car does not have functional traction control, which will prompt the warning lights to turn on.

#6. System Malfunction

Often, the ABS and Traction Control system is overwhelmed by so much information that it can’t process it, making the system freeze or shut down.

Once the system is no longer fully functional, the warning lights come on.

Sometimes, the weather also affects the system because the sensors are under the wheels, where the sensors, wires, and connectors are exposed to dirt, debris, potholes, snow, and water.

All these elements can cause the system to malfunction. You should try restarting your vehicle if you’re driving and the system malfunctions.

That should fix the issue. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to take the vehicle to the mechanic or electrician.

Is It OK To Drive With Traction Control Light On?

Typically, you can drive with a traction control light on.

When you turn on your car and rotate your key to start, off, or run, the vehicle initiates a systems bulb check, during which the traction control light illuminates for a second or two.

Once the vehicle begins to run, the light goes off.

If the light remains on after the engine has started and is running, you either have deactivated traction control or there is an issue with the system.

When the light remains on, what that means is that the traction control is not helping your vehicle to control traction, and the system needs a diagnosis.

The Dodge Challenger can function even with a faulty traction system. So, you can drive your car even when the traction system warning light is on.

Unless you’re driving your vehicle on a slippery road, there is no use for the traction system.

So, even if the system is damaged, repairing it is not crucial to driving your vehicle. ABS is a more important safety feature than traction control.

Traction control prevents occurrences like wheel slippage, and you can prevent this by going easy on the gas pedal during acceleration.

Traction control is an important safety feature with several advantages, but you can easily do without it.

Moreover,  it can sometimes impede your driving, especially in overly sensitive systems.

Such systems can reduce power and apply brakes at the first sign of a wheel slip, bringing you to a complete halt.

Fortunately, you can turn down the feature in your Dodge Challenger quite easily.

Especially if you’re in an area with rutted snow and the system is slowing you down. Also read, Reasons Dodge Ram Won’t Start In Cold (With Solutions)

DODGE CHALLENGER WHY ABS LIGHT TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS ON

Conclusion

Dodge Challengers come equipped with ABS and traction control to improve vehicle safety; once there is an issue with the system, the ABS and traction control lights come on.

So, if traction control lights are on in your vehicle, have it checked.