Why does the ABS and traction control light sometimes come on?

Asked by Shawna Aug 24, 2022 at 09:09 PM about the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

OK so I recently bought a 2013 Jeep Wrangler unlimited
sport and yesterday randomly the ABS and traction control
light came on when I had it in reverse and shifted to drive.
Thing is it only stays on for a few seconds but then goes
away and it doesn't happen every time either. The brakes
seem to be fine and everything else seems to be working
fine. So I have no idea what could be causing this.

2 Answers

308,475

Check the codes, could be a wheel speed sensor, a connection problem or wiring issues. Welcome to the crazy world of Jeep.

3 people found this helpful.
156,235

Definitely sounds like a wheel speed sensor or wiring problem as mentioned above. The ABS computer will run a diagnosis on the ABS system with the exception of the ABS pump and modulator assembly. When you shift into gear and the vehicle starts moving the ABS computer tests the pump and modulator assembly. So if the ABS light and traction control light come on at start up and remain on it's a wheel sensor or wiring problem. But if the lights come on for a few seconds at start up then go out and stay out until the vehicle starts moving, it's the pump and modulator assembly. The ABS and traction control systems work together. So if the computer finds a problem in the ABS the traction control system is also disabled. Both lights come on to let you know both systems are disabled. Another thing to remember is the ABS computer doesn't store trouble codes. In order to get a trouble code out of the ABS computer the ABS light on the dash must be on when the computer is scanned. Shutting off the ignition will clear the ABS computer until the next time you start the engine and the ABS light comes on and stays on. Hope that helps! Jim

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2013 Jeep Wrangler

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mathew Wooldridge
    Reputation
    1,500
  • #2
    djtm0500
    Reputation
    1,320
  • #3
    Nickjeep
    Reputation
    1,270
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,636 Great Deals out of 56,490 listings starting at $800
Used Ford F-150
6,273 Great Deals out of 143,662 listings starting at $1,000
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,111 Great Deals out of 15,328 listings starting at $1,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,203 Great Deals out of 44,124 listings starting at $3,999
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,148 Great Deals out of 115,887 listings starting at $1,880
Used Ford Mustang
1,060 Great Deals out of 19,973 listings starting at $2,495
Used RAM 1500
3,693 Great Deals out of 90,992 listings starting at $2,552
Used Dodge Charger
844 Great Deals out of 18,731 listings starting at $985
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,920 Great Deals out of 65,089 listings starting at $2,199
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,255 Great Deals out of 26,078 listings starting at $1,550
Used Dodge Challenger
760 Great Deals out of 15,937 listings starting at $5,995
Used Toyota Tundra
1,272 Great Deals out of 32,426 listings starting at $2,399

Used Cars For Sale

2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 65 listings starting at $28,917
2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD For Sale
14 Great Deals out of 174 listings starting at $22,990
2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4WD For Sale
22 Great Deals out of 244 listings starting at $21,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.