What does the ESP BAS light mean and how do you fix it?
Your car’s dashboard is filled with warning lights that let you know something’s wrong. So what does it mean when the ESP BAS light comes on? It may not be as easy to spot as the check engine light or ABS light, but you shouldn’t ignore this warning.
In my guide, I’ll explain how the ESP BAS light works and reveal the most common causes. We’ll also show you how to fix the problem so you can keep driving without a warning light coming on your dashboard.
What does the ESP BAS light mean? The ESP BAS light indicates that there’s a problem with your vehicle’s Electronic Stability Program or Brake Assist. The most common causes of this light include a faulty wheel speed sensor, a faulty steering angle sensor, a faulty brake switch, or other malfunction in the braking system.
The light will come on for a variety of issues, from minor to severe. However, it is possible to read the code using a portable code scanner that is compatible with these systems.
Causes of the ESP BAS Light
1. Faulty Steering Angle Sensor
Modern cars have advanced sensors, including one that measures the steering angle. Unfortunately, this sensor is also the main cause of the ESP BAS light coming on.
The steering wheel sensor keeps the steering wheel aligned with the road wheels. With the sensor, your car knows which way the steering wheel is turned based on input from the steering angle sensor.
A poor connection can cause the sensor to lose contact, causing the ESP BAS light on the dashboard to come on. It could also be that the sensor is faulty.
2. Wheel Speed ​​Sensor Failure
Each wheel has a built-in speed sensor that measures how fast the wheel is moving. These sensors are also part of your vehicle’s ESP BAS system. These sensors allow the ESP BAS system to detect when traction has been lost and address the problem.
Under normal circumstances, the ESP BAS light may come on due to a temporary loss of traction. However, once the situation is resolved, the light should go out on its own. If it doesn’t, one of your wheel speed sensors may be faulty.
3. Faulty brake switch
The brake switch can also cause the light to come on. The switch turns on the rear brake lights when you press the pedal. If that doesn’t work, people behind you may not realize you’re stopping or slowing down. Therefore, you should replace the defective switch as soon as you notice the defect.
4. Wiring problems
There are many cables running between the various sensors and the ABS control module. The wiring for the ABS wheel speed sensor is attached to the wheel and can be damaged.
This is less likely to happen in newer car models, as the wiring is often well protected, but it can happen if you’re unlucky. The annoying thing about wiring problems is that they can be very hard to find if you don’t have experience.
How do I fix my ESP BAS light?
The easiest way to find out what’s causing your ESP BAS light is to use an OBD2 scanner to read trouble codes from your car’s ABS control module. This will allow you to pinpoint the problem or start troubleshooting instead of guessing and replacing parts.
Other common things that can fix an ESP BAS warning light include:
1) Recalibrating the Steering Angle Sensor
In some cases, you may only need to recalibrate your steering angle sensor. You can do this in your driveway at home without any special tools.
Sit behind the wheel of your car and slowly turn the steering wheel left and right until you hear a click. You may also need to turn the key to activate the calibration. In some cases, you can use an OBDII scanner to recalibrate your steering angle sensor. Read the codes and recalibrate if necessary.
2) Replace the Steering Angle Sensor
If calibration doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to replace the sensor. Luckily, this is usually easy and only requires the use of a socket and ratchet.
Be sure to disconnect the battery first. Next you need to remove the airbag from the steering wheel by pressing the clip on the back of the steering wheel. Lock the steering wheel in the center and use a socket wrench and ratchet to remove the main nut.
Mark the location on your steering wheel so you know where the center is. Once you remove the clock spring you will see the sensor. Take it out and put the new one back. Reconnect everything and power up the vehicle. You may also need to recalibrate the system to turn off the light.
3) Replace the Wheel Speed ​​Sensors
The wheel speed sensors are located behind each set of brake discs. Because they are easy to access, replacing a faulty sensor is relatively easy, but they may also become stuck due to rust. Lift the vehicle and remove the problem wheel. With the sensor removed, you can easily install the new wheel back in its place.
4) Install a new brake switch sensor
You can use an OBDII code scanner to track down the brake switch sensor problem. Unlike other sensors, this sensor is inexpensive. It’s located above the brake pedal. Simply remove the faulty sensor and insert a new one.
5) Repair Brakes
If it’s time for a brake job, get it done and see if it turns the light off. Put the car up on jack stands and take the wheels off. When you unbolt the brake caliper, make sure you rest it somewhere, so none of the lines break.
From here, you can remove the rotor and replace it if needed. You might prefer to have it resurfaced if there is still plenty of material available. Additionally, it’s not hard to replace the brake pads. Unless you have advanced brake system expertise, you might need to have a professional help out.
