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2017 Renegade Random ABS/Traction Control Lights & Erratic Speedometer

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4x4

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating electrical issue with my 2017 Jeep Renegade Latitude 4x4. Out of nowhere, my ABS light and Traction Control light (the little car with squiggly lines) started coming on intermittently. Sometimes they stay on for a whole drive, sometimes they flash on and off, and sometimes they don't come on at all.

What's even stranger is that when these lights are on, my speedometer sometimes goes completely dead or starts jumping erratically. It doesn't always happen together, but it's pretty common. I've heard this could be related to wheel speed sensors, but why would both ABS and Traction Control be affected at the same time, along with the speedometer?

I'm hoping it's not a super expensive fix. Has anyone else with a Renegade experienced this combo of problems?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:23 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Your 2017 Jeep Renegade Latitude's symptoms—simultaneous illumination of ABS and Traction Control lights, combined with an erratic or dead speedometer—very strongly point to a fault with a wheel speed sensor or the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module itself. The speedometer often relies on input from one of the wheel speed sensors, typically the front left, to calculate vehicle speed.

Here's a breakdown of the most likely causes:

  1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor: This is the most common culprit. If one or more wheel speed sensors are failing, sending intermittent or incorrect data, the ABS and Traction Control systems will get confused and fault out. Since the speedometer often pulls its reading from a wheel speed sensor, a faulty sensor can directly impact its accuracy. The sensor could be:
    • Dirty/Corroded: Road grime, rust, or debris can interfere with the sensor's reading.
    • Damaged Wiring: The wiring harness leading to the sensor can get chafed, cut, or corroded, especially given its location near the wheels.
    • Internal Sensor Failure: The sensor itself can simply fail internally.
  2. ABS Tone Ring Damage: The wheel speed sensor reads rotational speed from a 'tone ring' (a toothed wheel) on the wheel hub or axle. If this ring is cracked, bent, or corroded, it can cause erratic readings.
  3. ABS Control Module Failure: While less common than a sensor issue, a failing ABS control module (which processes all wheel speed sensor data) could cause these widespread symptoms. This is usually a more expensive repair.
  4. Loose Connections: Check the electrical connectors at each wheel speed sensor and at the ABS module for corrosion or looseness.

Common OBD Codes to look for:

  • C0031 - C0035: Left Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit (and similar for other wheels)
  • C0040 - C0045: Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
  • C0050 - C0055: Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
  • C0060 - C0065: Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
  • U0121: Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module

When to See a Shop:

  • It's highly recommended to have this diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible. Driving with a compromised ABS/Traction Control system can be unsafe, especially in adverse weather conditions.
  • A mechanic can use a diagnostic scan tool to read specific 'C' (Chassis) codes that pinpoint which wheel speed sensor is acting up. They can also monitor live data from each sensor while driving to identify which one is providing erratic readings. This diagnosis is crucial before replacing parts.
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