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2019 Dodge Journey - ABS & Traction Control Lights On, Erratic Speedometer

0

Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:38 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Dodge Journey Crossroad

Hi all,

My 2019 Dodge Journey Crossroad, with about 50,000 miles, just lit up both the ABS and Traction Control warning lights on the dash. At the same time, I've noticed the speedometer is acting really weird – it jumps around erratically, sometimes drops to zero while I'm driving, and then suddenly works again. This is making me nervous about driving it.

I haven't hit any major potholes or anything recently that would explain this. Could these issues be related? I'm guessing it's a sensor, but I'm not sure which one or how to even begin diagnosing it. Any thoughts or similar experiences with your Journeys?

Thanks for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:38 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The simultaneous illumination of your ABS and Traction Control lights, coupled with an erratic speedometer on your 2019 Dodge Journey Crossroad, points strongly to an issue with one of the wheel speed sensors or the ABS module itself. These systems are interconnected, and the speedometer often relies on data from the wheel speed sensors.

Here are the most likely causes:

  1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS): Each wheel has a sensor that monitors its rotational speed. If one of these sensors fails, becomes dirty, or its wiring is damaged, it can send incorrect or no data to the ABS module. This directly affects ABS and Traction Control, and if the speedometer uses data from a specific wheel (often a front wheel), it will become erratic.
  2. Damaged Wheel Bearing with Integrated Sensor: Some wheel bearings have the ABS sensor integrated into them. If the bearing starts to fail, it can damage the sensor or its magnetic ring, leading to similar symptoms.
  3. Wiring Harness Damage: The wiring connecting the wheel speed sensors to the ABS module can become frayed, corroded, or damaged, leading to intermittent signals.
  4. ABS Module Failure: While less common, a faulty ABS control module could cause these symptoms. However, this is usually a last resort diagnosis after ruling out sensors and wiring.

When to see a shop:

  • Professional Scan: Even without a Check Engine Light, a professional scan tool can access the ABS module and pull specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the ABS and wheel speed sensors. This will pinpoint which sensor (e.g., front left, rear right) is causing the issue.
  • Safety Concern: An erratic speedometer and non-functional ABS/Traction Control are significant safety concerns. It's best to have this addressed promptly.
  • Accurate Diagnosis: A technician can visually inspect the sensors and wiring, test sensor output, and check for proper resistance. They can also check the condition of the wheel bearings.
  • Component Replacement: Replacing a wheel speed sensor is generally straightforward, but ensuring the correct part is installed and the wiring is properly routed is important. If it's a wheel bearing, that's a more involved repair.
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