Question: ESP BAS Light Dodge Charger: (Meaning, Causes and Fixes)

Imagine driving your Dodge Charger on the highway, and an ESP BAS alert suddenly appears on the dashboard. If it’s your first time seeing this warning light, you may be scared and unsure if it’s safe to continue driving. Besides, dashboard lights popping out of nowhere can be distracting and put you at risk of a crash.

So, what does the ESP BAS light mean? And more importantly, what causes this light, and how can you address it?

I discuss the ESP BAS light Dodge Charger, what causes it, and possible fixes.

Question: What Does the Dodge Charger ESP BAS Light Mean?

The ESP BAS light means there’s a problem with your Dodge Charger’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or its Brake Assist System (BAS). This light indicates a problem that needs immediate attention.  

The ESP and BAS systems are essential for safety, particularly in slippery or emergency braking. For instance, the ESP will prevent your car from skidding or losing traction on slippery or icy roads.  

The BAS is a handy system for emergency braking. It boosts the effectiveness of your braking system by applying more pressure when you fully depress the brake pedal. The goal is to enhance the braking to avoid crashing into objects.

The ESP and BAS work in conjunction with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control system, and several sensors. All these components must be in good working condition to ensure driving safety.

Question: What Causes Dodge Charger ESP BAS Light to Appear?

If any component of the ESP or BAS is faulty, you’ll see a warning light appear on your car’s dashboard. In most cases, the steering angle sensor, brake switch, wheel speed sensor, and brake components are to blame. Let’s see how these components trigger the warning light.

Faulty Steering Angle Sensor

A bad angle sensor is the leading cause of the ESP BAS light Dodge Charger coming on. This sensor ensures that the car’s wheels match the steering wheel’s angle position. When you turn the steering wheel, this sensor will detect this movement, helping the wheels move in the intended direction.

Issues with this sensor can trigger the ESP BAS warning light. Sometimes, the light will appear when you push the left turn signal and turn left. This light may cause your Dodge Charger to stall.

Over time, this sensor might lose contact and fail to send signals. It may also get corroded or broken and malfunction. Such issues will cause the ESP BAS light to illuminate your dash.

Failed Brake Switch

Have you ever wondered what turns the rear brake lights on when pushing the brake pedal down? That’s the role of the brake switch. It turns on the rear brake lights to inform drivers behind you that you’re slowing down or stopping the car.

The brake switch should last a lifetime but is not immune to failure. A defective brake light can’t turn the rear brake lights on. Since you can’t tell if your brake lights are on while driving, the system will detect this issue and trigger the ESP BAS alert on your dash.

Bad Wheel Speed Sensor

Your Dodge Charger has a speed sensor on each wheel. These sensors work with the ESP/BAS systems to determine wheel speed, ensuring all wheels run at a similar speed. With the help of the wheel speed sensors, your ESP/BAS systems can detect and counteract loss of traction.

However, these sensors can malfunction and fail to calculate wheel speed. Usually, when your car loses traction, the system will detect this issue and trigger the ESP BAS light. This light should disappear once the ESP/BAS systems resolve the problem.

The wheel speed sensors must be defective if this light doesn’t go off.

Damaged Brake Components

Worn brake pads, damaged rotors, or frozen calipers can trigger the ESP BAS light Dodge Charger. If these components are defective, they may affect wheel rotation or braking efficiency.

When this happens, your wheels may rotate at different rates. Moreover, your braking system can become ineffective, particularly in emergencies. When the system detects a braking problem, it might turn on the ESP BAS light on your Dodge’s dash.

Wiring Issues

The ESP and BAS systems have multiple wire connections for transmitting signals. These wires connect the sensors to the system to allow proper communication. They also connect the systems to your car’s electrical components.

If your ESP/BAS systems have broken or frayed wires, loose connections, and corroded connectors, there will be a problem transmitting signals. As a result, you’ll see the ESP BAS alert popping up on your dash.

Answer: How to Fix Dodge Charger ESP BAS Light

Before checking for defective components, follow these steps to reset the car’s ESP BAS light.

  • Put the car into the P (Park) position.
  • Start the engine.
  • Rotate the steering wheel to the right. You must rotate it as far as you can.
  • Rotate the steering wheel to the left. Again, rotate the steering as far as you can.
  • Repeat this process at least twice.
  • Return the steering wheel to the center.

When you start driving, the ESP BAS light should come off. Alternatively, you can turn off this light by holding down the “ESP OFF” button. Doing so will turn on the “ESP System Deactivated” on the dash.

If the light won’t go off, find an OBD-II scanner to read the DTCs from your car. If the above issues are to blame, fix them as follows:

  • Replace the steering angle sensor: Locate it within the steering column and remove it. Install a new sensor and secure all the connections. Then, recalibrate the sensor to turn off the light.
  • Replace wheel speed sensor: Use your multimeter to identify a faulty wheel speed sensor. You must remove the wheels to access these sensors. Install new sensors if the old ones are defective.
  • Replace the brake switch: Locate this switch above the car’s brake pedal. Unplug this switch and install a new one.
  • Fix the wiring: Finding faulty wiring within the systems can be overwhelming. If you can’t locate them, leave this task to a professional.
  • Replace damaged brake components. Examine your Dodge’s braking system and replace worn or damaged brake pads, calipers, or rotors.

Wrapping Up

As you’ve seen, the ESP BAS light Dodge Charger can turn on due to several issues. If you see this alert on the dash, stop the car to diagnose the root problem. Driving with this light on can cause traction, control, and braking efficiency loss.

Try to reset this warning light to see if it will come off. If the light remains on the dash, use your OBD-II scanner to identify its cause. If you can’t diagnose or fix this issue, call a professional for help.

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