A great vehicle is a fantastic asset, and knowing what each dash light means (like a Dodge Journeys “ESP/BAS” alert), can help you keep it running at 100%.
The “ESP/BAS” light stands for electronic stability program and brake assist system.
What does the “ESP/BAS” warning light on a 2009 Dodge Journey mean?
- “ESP/BAS” stands for electronic stability program and brake assist system
- This alert can mean that there is a problem with the system that needs to be addressed
This warning light might be a bit scary to see, but that does not mean that you need to worry. Taking your vehicle in when you do see this type of warning can make a big difference. We are going to discuss further what this warning means and some possible solutions.
What is the Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist System?
Electronic stability control is a system that works to help stabilize the vehicle while it is in motion. This is an electronic system that is housed in the computer of the vehicle and helps to ensure that your vehicle is going to be as safe as possible while you are on the road.
This system works to help detect when the vehicle is losing traction or when the steering is not as stable as it could be.
When this happens and the vehicle notices that traction and steering control is lost, the car will automatically apply the brakes, hence the brake assist system, and then the car would start to automatically stabilize itself.
This is not a system that is put in place to help make the car drive better but rather to help make it safer on the road and to help minimize accidents and loss of control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did a study in 2004 that found that this type of system had the potential to stop up to one-third of all accidents that had to do with loss of control of the vehicle.
Since 2011, this type of system has been a mandatory safety feature for all cars that come off the production line.
What Does It Mean If the “ESP/BAS” Light Comes On?
There are a few different reasons that this light might come on. The first is that the system has been engaged. This is not a system that is going to be engaged all the time when you drive. This system only engages when the vehicle senses that traction or stability has been lost.
You may notice that the light comes on when you are traveling at a high rate of speed, when you are rounding a curve, when you are driving on rain or snow, etc. This is a light that may very well come on from time to time, but that does not generally stay illuminated all the time.
If this light is illuminated all the time you may have trouble with your battery, with the bulb or the light itself, or you may have other issues. One common cause of this light being illuminated is that the sensors in the wheel are going bad.
If the steering angle sensor is not working properly, you can reset this sensor by turning your steering wheel twice to the right, twice to the left, then back to the center. If this does not work, you may need to have the sensor replaced.
Still another issue might be the wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensors are responsible for reporting back to the computer that the ESP needs to be engaged.
If the wheel speed sensors are off or are not working correctly, it can send improper information to the computer and can then throw off your ESP system. Your brake switch might also be broken and this can be replaced quite easily.
Is it Safe to Drive with your BAS/ESP Light on?
This is not a problem with your vehicle that requires you to take your car to the mechanic immediately. If you do notice that the light is on or that the system is not working properly, it is always important to have it fixed. You can drive with this light illuminated and you can do so until you get a chance to get your vehicle to the mechanic.
For the most part, you are going to have a slight change in the overall safety of your vehicle. This is an easy fix that helps make your car safer overall if you do have it worked on and corrected.
For those that have a Dodge Journey, it is always best to find a resource that is going to help you find out more about your vehicle. Vehicle History is a wonderful tool and can help you make certain that your vehicle is safe when you set out to drive.
