Resetting the ESP Bas Light on A Jeep Liberty

Whether you have encountered this warning light before or if it is completely new to you, it is important to know what to do when you see it.

The ESP Bas light tells you there is a problem with your vehicle. With the use of an OBD2 Code Scanner you may diagnose the root cause of the problem and take action. After the necessary repairs the lights will turn off.

There are several possible problems that may be causing the ESP Bas light to turn on in your Jeep Liberty. The most common problems are with the Electronic Instability Program or the Brake Assist System. Luckily, these problems may be diagnosed and treated fairly easily. In the rest of this guide I will share more information on what the ESP Bas light is and how to reset it.

Table of Contents

• What is an ESP Bas Light?
• Why is my ESP Bas Light Turned On?
• Troubleshooting Most Common Issues
  • Steering Angle Sensor Is Disengaged
    • Solution
  • Wheel Speed Sensor Needs Replacing
    • Solution
  • Brake Switch Has Worn Out
    • Solution
• Conclusion

What is an ESP Bas Light?

Firstly, let’s take a look at what the ESP Bas light actually is and find out what it represents. Every light on your dashboard is there to share with you important information about your vehicle. This information is there to keep you informed about the status of your vehicle so that you may continue to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency.

When a warning light goes on in your dashboard, this is to indicate that something requires your attention. Not every light represents a serious problem, these lights simply turn on to tell you what system in your vehicle is not functioning as normal and may need to be cleaned, refilled, repaired, or replaced.

Some lights represent regular routine maintenance. As cars operate, they wear down over time. Key components such as tires, breaks, oils, and engine fluids need to be replaced every so often in order to continue regular function. As a car owner, it is important to understand these dashboard lights.

The ESP Bas light most commonly is displayed to tell you that something is wrong with one of the following systems on your Jeep Liberty.

• Electronic Instability program
• Brake Assist Program

Why is my ESP Bas Light Turned On?

The ESP Bas Light can turn on for several reasons. Generally it is caused by one of these more specific issues.

• Steering Angle Sensor is disengaged
• Wheel Speed Sensor needs replacing
• Brake Switch has worn out

Once the exact problem causing your light to turn on is diagnosed, the necessary maintenance can be performed and the light will be turned off. 

Remember, while this light is turned on it may be best to limit or avoid driving your Jeep Liberty as much as possible. If your ESP Bas warning light is on it is best to make an appointment at a trusted mechanic shop as soon as possible so that they may diagnose and repair the problem quickly and effectively.

Troubleshooting Most Common Issues

To give you a better idea of what you may be dealing with, we will look at the most common problems below. If you have any prior knowledge of your vehicle and/or an OB2 code reader, you may be able to determine the root cause of the problem and take the necessary action.

Steering Angle Sensor Is Disengaged

Steering Angle sensors are installed in vehicles to do as the name implies; monitor the angle of the steering wheel. This is to ensure your vehicle is headed in the right direction.

These sensors can at times have issues however, as this is the most common cause of the ESP Bas sensor activating in your Jeep Liberty.

The steering angle sensor is located inside of the steering rack of your Jeep Liberty. If the sensor loses contact due to some problem such as a severe bump, pothole or collision, the ESP Bas light will start blinking on the dashboard. If the sensor becomes disengaged the light will turn fully on.

Solution

• Check the connections using an ohm-meter if you have access to one. This will indicate whether the status of the sensor is still good.
• To reset the sensor, turn the steering wheel of your Jeep Liberty to the left 2 times and then to the right 2 times, then finally return it to the center. This is to ensure the wheels are facing forward.
• If all is working as it should, the Steering Angle Sensor will reset and begin working normally, thus turning off the ESP Bas light. 
• If this did not work, continue to troubleshoot the next common issue.

Wheel Speed Sensor Needs Replacing

The Jeep Liberty’s ESP and Bas systems track the speed of each of its four wheels. It is the function of both systems to simultaneously maintain the same rotating rate. As a result, ESP and Bas intervene to assist the wheels if there is any misalignment. 

The sensor may malfunction due to age, wear, or some other unforeseen problem such as collision.

Solution

• Determine the exact year and model of your Jeep Liberty and consult your owner’s manual as to the location and type of the ABS Wheel Speed Sensor on your vehicle.
• Look into purchasing replacement Wheel Speed Sensors for your vehicle.
• Install the replacements and the light should turn off.
• If the light did not turn off, look into the next issue.

Brake Switch Has Worn Out

Brake switches are located on the brake pedal of your Jeep Liberty. It is possible for them to wear out over time. This is normal, but they should be replaced as soon as possible.

Solution

• Plug in an OB2 code reader into your vehicle if you have one.
• If the Brake Switch needs replacing, a code will indicate that.
• Take the necessary steps as indicated in your manual to replace the brake switch. It is located underneath the brake pedal where the pedal connects.
• Generally it only requires unscrewing to remove and insert a new one.
• If this was the problem, the ESP Bas light will turn off.

Conclusion

Again, take action as soon as you see the ESP Bas light appear on your vehicle. It is not advised to drive more than necessary. If you followed the above steps and your light is still on contact a professional mechanic to perform the necessary diagnosis and repair. After performing the necessary actions the ESP Bas light on your Jeep Liberty will reset.