ABS/ESP/BAS Warning Lights

Discussion in 'Challenger DIY/Tech Info' started by SRT-Tom, Jun 18, 2018.

Car Parts
  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I got two warning lights on my 2009 SRT- an ABS and an ESP/BAS. I did the "key trick" and also went to Autozone but no codes were showing.

    I later found out that you need a more sophisticated code reader to access ABS codes. As it turned out, it was a bad wheel sensor in my right rear wheel. The cost was only $16.

    While the cause of the lights was a bad sensor, this same type of problem can be caused by dirty wheel sensors. For those of you who would like to know how to clean them, here is a step-by-step guide:

    STEP 1
    Firmly apply parking brake, and raise the vehicle on a flat-and level surface Use factory jacking points- don't raise the car with the weight on the lower control arms, as you probably won't have enough clearance to look up, over, and behind the rotor.

    If you've chosen to raise the entire front end at once, you may be able to turn the steering wheel in the direction that you are on for added access, but this is not necessary, and definitely DO NOT turn the wheel if the the opposite front wheel is still touching the ground. The car may shift and fall off the jack!

    STEP 2
    Remove front wheel, or wheels. (Note- If you have access to a lift, you can reach the sensors without pulling the wheels).

    STEP 3
    Once wheel(s) is removed, look up and over the rotor- follow the sensor cable to the inboard side of the steering knuckle. You should see a sensor held in place by a 10 mm bolt. By looking at it alone, you will notice that the sensor body, travels through a cavity in the steering knuckle, and reads movement as it "sees" the inboard side of the wheel hub bearing. This is a place where dirt and debris can easily get to. (see photos of an SRT spindle, below).

    STEP 4
    Using a 10mm socket, remove the bolt and washer. Twist the base of the sensor gently back and forth to break it loose. Pull it straight out the back of the steering knuckle base. You will now see the sensor in all its glory (looks like a rectangular shaft). Use a damp cloth, and wipe the sensor clean ESPECIALLY the square tip, (eye) as this is how it gets its readings. Do not reinstall sensor yet.

    STEP 5
    Using a damp cloth (no chemicals), wipe the inboard side of the bearing- you can hold the cloth in place with your finger, and use your other hand to turn the rotor. Repeat this as necessary to ensure all dirt and debris, has been wiped away.

    STEP 6
    Reinstall sensor, and tighten snug, but don't crank on it, as it is plastic. Refit your wheels, and lug nuts. Once your car is lowered, torque the lug nuts in a crisscross star pattern to 110 ft/lbs.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the intermittent nature of this condition, when you first start you car, the ESP BAS ABS lights may still be illuminated. This is because the ECM still remembers the last state that the system was in prior to the sensor cleaning. Just drive your car for a few minutes and the lights should disappear.
    Attached Thumbnails

    ABS2.JPG

    ABS.JPG
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2018
  2. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    it can also be the steering angle sensor in the steering wheel. I had the same lights on mine light up and took it to the dealer and they looked for the code it threw and the steering angle sensor was it, got it replaced and no problems since then.
     
  3. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    How much did the stealership charge you?
     
  4. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    well for one thing , I didn't get the part at my local dealer,(parts manager is a pain in the ass so I don't get a lot of my parts from her) I actually got it from another dealer parts department as I know the parts manager really well and he cut me a good deal on the part, now as for the dealership that did the work , I am particular who works on my car and they have a tech who is the only one allowed to touch my car. but they charged me $100 to put it on. and it solved my problem.
     
  5. Diehard

    Diehard Full Access Member

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    FYI...I had my stealership do my left rear about 2 years ago. Tried to charge me about $400. I said WHAT? WHy so much? They said 2 hours labor and $50 for the part. I had already looked it up and knew they were ripping me off. So I said forget it. I'll do it myself. They came back and asked, how about if we only charged 1 hour labor. So I said okay. They ended up charging me $200 total. If I had taken the car back to do it myself, they probably would have charged me $130 for the diagnostic.
    2 weeks ago I went in with the same lights on ABS FCW ESC and AWD requires servicing(AWD Charger).
    I couldn't tell which wheel it was so I brought it in again. This time it was the right rear. I let them do it for $260. :eek: