Jeep Cherokee:  ESP BAS Light → Meaning & Diagnosis

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The ESP BAS light is a trouble indicator light that indicates that there is an issue with your Jeep Cherokee’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and/or your Brake Assist Program (BAS).  These systems are important to the safety of your Cherokee.  Fixing them should be a top priority.  We cover how to diagnose the ESP BAS light and the common causes below.

ESP BAS Light Jeep Cherokee

 

Jeep Cherokee ESP BAS Symptoms

You really won’t feel any of the symptoms of the ESP BAS system not functioning as you drive normally.  You will notice they aren’t there in an emergency situation though.

Here are the most common symptoms of the ESP BAS system not functioning properly in the Cherokee.

  • ESP BAS Light
  • NO ABS
  • Traction Control Deactivated

 

ESP BAS Light Causes:  Jeep Cherokee

Just like with any other major vehicle problem, you’re going to want to get a reading of your Cherokee’s diagnostic trouble codes.  You can use a good code scanner, or you can take it to the local parts store and see if they will scan it for you.  Most of them are happy to do so.

You’ll want a scanner that can read the codes from your wheel speed sensors, ABS, and chassis.  If you do opt to purchase a code scanner, just be aware that the cheaper ones only read the engine codes.  That’s fine most of the time, but the problem causing the ESP BAS light is not going to be engine related.

Once you get the codes, it’ll narrow down what you need to repair.  Here are the most common causes of the ESP BAS light coming on:

 

Steering Angle Sensor

The steering angle sensor is one of, if not the most, common causes of the ESP BAS light to come on.  As mentioned above, make sure to turn the steering wheel twice to the right, twice to the left, and finally back to the center.  This resets the steering angle sensor in your Cherokee.


 

Wheel Speed Sensor

The ESP and BAS systems measure the speed of all four of your Cherokee’s wheels.  When the wheel speeds are no longer equal, they will apply corrective measures to make sure that you stay in control of the vehicle.  These are easy to replace, and have their own diagnostic codes, that’s why a scanner is so important.

 

Brake Switch

Something as simple as the brake switch is known to cause the ESP BAS light to come on.  Replacing it is simple and cheap.

Jeep Cherokee

Is it Safe to Drive with Your Cherokee’s ESP BAS Light on?

Is driving with the ESP BAS light on going to leave you stranded on the side of the road?  No it is not.  Is it safe?  It’s not as safe.  It’s like driving a vehicle from the 70’s that doesn’t have traction control or ABS.  You don’t always need these systems, but when you do they can save your life and keep you from crashing.

 

Conclusion

  • The ESP BAS light is letting you know that vital safety equipment in your Cherokee is not working.
  • Before doing anything else, make sure to cut the wheel all the way right twice, left twice, and then to the center.  This can recalibrate the steering system (see video above).
  • An OBDII scanner will tell you which component is causing the light to come on.
  • It’s usually a sensor that ends up needing replaced
  • Repair it as soon as you can.

Thank you for reading.  If there’s something you would like to add, please leave a comment below.  Good luck.