# 2017 Charger ABS Light and Traction Control Light On

> ClearTheCode — Is your 2017 Charger ABS light and traction control light on? Discover common causes, how to diagnose, and effective fixes to restore your safety systems.

Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/abs-traction-control-light-on-dodge-charger-2017
Author: ClearTheCode

# 2017 Charger ABS light and traction control light

When the **2017 Charger ABS light and traction control light** illuminate on your dashboard, it's more than just a minor annoyance; it signals a potential issue with critical safety systems. These lights often appear together because the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) share many components, most notably the wheel speed sensors. Understanding the root cause is essential for maintaining your Charger's braking and stability performance.

## What drivers notice on this 2017 Dodge Charger

Drivers of a 2017 Dodge Charger will typically notice both the amber ABS warning light and the amber traction control (often depicted as a car skidding) light illuminated on the instrument cluster. While the primary function of the vehicle may seem unaffected at first, these warnings indicate that the systems designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking and maintain traction during acceleration or slippery conditions are currently disabled or operating with reduced effectiveness. This can lead to a less stable and potentially longer stopping distance in emergency situations, especially on wet or icy roads.

## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

- **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Moderate
- **Common Symptoms:** ABS light illuminated: This is the primary indicator that the Anti-lock Braking System is not functioning correctly.; Traction control light illuminated: Indicates that the Traction Control System is also disabled or experiencing an issue; Loss of ABS function: During hard braking, the wheels may lock up, and you won't feel the characteristic ABS pulsation t; Loss of traction control function: The vehicle may experience wheel spin more easily during acceleration, especially on 
- **Estimated Repair Cost:** $150–$1,100 (parts + typical shop labor)
- **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

**Diagnostic workflow:**
1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

## Symptoms and warning signs

Beyond the illuminated dashboard lights, a faulty ABS or traction control system on your 2017 Dodge Charger can present several other noticeable symptoms:

-   **ABS light illuminated:** This is the primary indicator that the Anti-lock Braking System is not functioning correctly.
-   **Traction control light illuminated:** Indicates that the Traction Control System is also disabled or experiencing an issue.
-   **Loss of ABS function:** During hard braking, the wheels may lock up, and you won't feel the characteristic ABS pulsation through the brake pedal.
-   **Loss of traction control function:** The vehicle may experience wheel spin more easily during acceleration, especially on loose or slippery surfaces.
-   **Cruise control may be inoperable:** Many modern vehicles disable cruise control when critical safety systems like ABS/TCS are malfunctioning.
-   **Erratic or inoperable speedometer:** If a front wheel speed sensor is faulty, it can sometimes affect the speedometer reading, as this data is often shared.
-   **Rough or inconsistent shifting:** The transmission control module (TCM) often uses wheel speed data, and a corrupted signal can lead to abnormal shift patterns.
-   **Brake pedal pulsation (without hard braking):** In some rare cases, an intermittent sensor signal can cause the ABS pump to engage erroneously.

## How to verify and confirm the issue

Verifying the specific cause of the **2017 Charger ABS light and traction control light** requires a combination of visual inspection and diagnostic tools. This is not just about reading an OBD-II code, but understanding the system's behavior.

-   **Visual inspection:** Carefully examine all four wheel speed sensors and their associated wiring harnesses. Look for:
    -   Damaged, frayed, or corroded wiring.
    -   Loose or disconnected connectors.
    -   Physical damage to the sensor itself (e.g., impact damage, cracks).
    -   Accumulation of dirt, debris, or rust on the sensor or the tone ring (the toothed ring the sensor reads).
-   **Scan tool diagnosis:** Use an advanced OBD-II scanner capable of communicating with the ABS module. This will allow you to:
    -   Read specific ABS/TCS diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Common codes for wheel speed sensor issues include C0031 (Left Front), C0034 (Right Front), C0037 (Left Rear), C0040 (Right Rear) for circuit performance or rationality issues. For more information on understanding specific codes, you can visit our general guide on [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes).
    -   Monitor live data from each wheel speed sensor while driving. Look for inconsistent readings, dropouts, or a complete lack of signal from one sensor compared to the others. This is often the most definitive way to pinpoint a faulty sensor.
-   **Brake fluid level check:** Ensure the brake fluid reservoir is at the proper level. Extremely low fluid can sometimes trigger ABS warnings, though this is less common for simultaneous ABS/TCS lights.
-   **Check fuses:** Consult your owner's manual for the location of the ABS system fuses and inspect them for continuity.

## Common causes (most likely first)

For your 2017 Dodge Charger, the most frequent culprits behind the ABS and traction control lights appearing together are:

-   **Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor:** This is by far the most common cause. Over time, these sensors can fail due to exposure to road debris, water, heat, or internal electrical issues. A single faulty sensor can disable both systems.
-   **Damaged Wheel Speed Sensor Wiring or Connector:** The wiring leading to the wheel speed sensor can get chafed, cut, or corroded, especially near the wheel wells where it's exposed to movement and elements. Loose or corroded connectors can also interrupt the signal.
-   **Corroded or Dirty ABS Tone Ring (Reluctor Ring):** The tone ring, often part of the axle or wheel hub assembly, provides the rotational speed signal to the sensor. Rust, dirt, or damage to these teeth can cause inaccurate readings or no signal at all.
-   **Faulty ABS Module/Pump:** While less common than sensor issues, the ABS control module or the hydraulic pump unit can fail. This is a more expensive repair and typically requires professional diagnosis.
-   **Low Brake Fluid Level:** Although less likely to cause both lights simultaneously, critically low brake fluid can sometimes trigger warnings related to the braking system.
-   **Blown ABS System Fuse:** A blown fuse can cut power to the ABS module, rendering the system inoperable and illuminating the warning lights.

### Related guides on this vehicle

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- [2017 Toyota Tundra Won't Start, Security Light Flashing](/articles/car-wont-start-security-light-8652-toyota-tundra-2017)
- [2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Shifting Hard: Fixes and Solutions](/articles/shifter-transmission-problems-jeep-grand-cherokee-2017)

## Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes

Addressing the **2017 Charger ABS light and traction control light** systematically is key:

1.  **Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** Use an ABS-capable scan tool to retrieve any stored codes. This will usually point you to a specific wheel or system component.
2.  **Visual Inspection:** Based on the codes, or if no codes are present, inspect the wheel speed sensors, wiring, and connectors at all four wheels. Pay close attention to the wheel indicated by the DTC.
3.  **Monitor Live Data:** Drive the vehicle (safely) while monitoring live wheel speed sensor data on your scan tool. Compare the readings from all four sensors. A sensor showing zero speed or an erratic reading while the others are consistent is likely faulty.
4.  **Test Sensor Resistance/Voltage:** If live data is inconclusive, you can test the resistance of a passive sensor or the voltage output of an active sensor using a multimeter. Consult your Charger's service manual for specific values.
5.  **Inspect Tone Ring:** If a sensor appears fine, remove it and visually inspect the tone ring for damage, excessive rust, or debris. Clean if necessary.
6.  **Replace Faulty Component:** Once the faulty component (sensor, wiring, or tone ring) is identified, replace it. For general repair guides, visit our All repair guides section.
7.  **Clear Codes and Test Drive:** After replacement, clear the DTCs from the ABS module and take the vehicle for a test drive to confirm the lights remain off and the systems function properly.

## Repair options and cost factors

The repair options for your 2017 Dodge Charger will depend on the diagnosed cause:

-   **Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement:** This is often a straightforward repair that many DIY mechanics can perform. The sensor itself can vary in cost depending on whether it's an OEM or aftermarket part. Labor involves removing the wheel, potentially a brake caliper, and then unbolting and replacing the sensor.
-   **Wiring Harness Repair:** If the issue is damaged wiring, a qualified technician may be able to repair the harness, or a section may need to be replaced. This can be more labor-intensive.
-   **ABS Tone Ring Cleaning/Replacement:** Cleaning a dirty tone ring is simple. If the ring is damaged, it often requires replacing the entire axle shaft or wheel hub assembly, which is a more significant repair.
-   **ABS Module/Pump Replacement:** This is the most complex and expensive repair. It typically involves bleeding the brake system and may require programming the new module to the vehicle, making it a job best left to professionals.

Cost factors include the price of parts (OEM vs. aftermarket), the specific location of the sensor (front sensors can sometimes be easier to access than rear ones), and local labor rates if you're taking it to a shop. Always prioritize quality parts for safety-critical systems.

## When to see a professional

While some aspects of diagnosing the **2017 Charger ABS light and traction control light** can be tackled by a DIY enthusiast, there are clear instances when professional help is advisable:

-   **Lack of Diagnostic Tools:** If you don't have an ABS-capable scan tool, pinpointing the exact issue can be difficult, leading to guesswork and potentially unnecessary part replacement.
-   **Uncertainty in Diagnosis:** If you've performed basic checks but are still unsure of the root cause, a professional can use specialized equipment and experience to accurately diagnose the problem.
-   **ABS Module Issues:** Any diagnosis pointing to the ABS module or pump itself should be handled by a certified technician, as this involves critical braking components and often requires specific programming.
-   **Brake System Work:** Any repair that involves opening the hydraulic brake system (e.g., replacing the ABS pump, certain hub assemblies) should ideally be performed by a professional to ensure proper bleeding and safety.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I drive my 2017 Dodge Charger with the ABS and traction control lights on?

While your 2017 Dodge Charger will still drive and brake, it's generally not recommended to drive for extended periods with the ABS and traction control lights on. These systems are crucial for emergency braking and maintaining stability, especially in adverse conditions, and their disablement increases the risk of an accident.

### How many wheel speed sensors does a 2017 Dodge Charger have?

A 2017 Dodge Charger, like most modern vehicles with ABS and traction control, has four wheel speed sensors – one located at each wheel. Each sensor independently monitors the rotational speed of its respective wheel, providing essential data to the ABS control module.

### Is a faulty wheel speed sensor difficult to replace on a 2017 Dodge Charger?

Replacing a wheel speed sensor on a 2017 Dodge Charger can range from moderately easy to slightly challenging, depending on the specific wheel and your mechanical experience. Front sensors are often more accessible than rear ones, which might require removing more components like brake calipers or rotors. You can find more model-specific information by exploring our [Charger model hub](/vehicles/dodge/charger).

## Sources and further reading

-   Your 2017 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual
-   Factory Service Manuals for 2017 Dodge Charger
-   Online automotive forums and technical service bulletins (TSBs) for Dodge Charger models
-   Explore more about [Dodge vehicles](/vehicles/dodge) and their common issues.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or repair. Always consult with a qualified technician for safety-critical work on your vehicle.

## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode

- [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes)
- [All repair guides](/articles)