There are numerous warning lights on your car’s dashboard that illuminate when something goes wrong. One of these warning lights is the ESP BAS light. The ESP BAS light on a car means the Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist System.
These two systems enable you to stop the car without locking the brakes or skidding while maintaining control of it in slick conditions. They are essential for one’s safety. However, when this light comes on, it is critical to know what it means and what causes it. Well, in this article, you’ll be provided with the answers to the following questions:
- What does the ESP BAS light mean?
- How do the Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist System work?
- What causes the ESP BAS light to come on?
- How can you reset the ESP BAS light?
- Is it safe to drive with the ESP BAS light on?
- How can you fix the ESP BAS light?
Read more: What does the ESP light mean? (Causes and how to fix it.)
Ok, let’s get to it.
Contents
What does the ESP BAS light mean?
The ESP BAS light alerts you to a problem with either your brake assist system or electronic stability system. When the ESP BAS light comes on, it indicates that there’s an issue with the vehicle’s electronic stability program or brake assist system. A number of issues cause the light to come on.
You’ll be able to quickly spot faulty components by giving your car routine maintenance. You could be dealing with a significant issue in some cases, while in other cases, you could be able to turn off the ESP BAS light with little to no effort. ESP BAS light on your dashboard should not be overlooked for too long, regardless of your decision.
Your car’s electronic stability program and brake assist system are both essential features. You shouldn’t ignore the light on your dashboard because these systems are intended to keep you safe. However, a portable code scanner compatible with these systems can be used to read the codes.
Read more: Understanding Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system
Electronic Stability Program
The electronic stability program (ESP) provides the driver additional support in practically all risky driving conditions. Beyond just carrying out the functions of the traction control system and antilock braking system (ABS), it is capable of much more. It actively prevents vehicle skidding by detecting certain movements.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system is designed to enhance regular braking, especially in emergency situations. This system is not meant to replace the driver’s normal braking method; rather, it is meant to increase the effectiveness of the braking method by applying additional pressure as required.
Read more: Check Engine Light Is on But No Codes (How to Fix it)
How do the Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist System work?
Working of an electronic stability program
When you’re driving, ESP works as an invisible safety net that constantly monitors your movements. To ensure that your steering inputs match the actual direction the vehicle is traveling in, a microcomputer continuously records signals from numerous sensors, including those measuring wheel speed and yaw angle, 25 times a second.
If the two don’t line up, ESP responds automatically and independently by pulsing the respective brakes to vigorously counteract the slippage and restore control of the vehicle. In order to prevent a power-induced slide, it may also reduce engine power. You won’t be able to see it working because everything happens so rapidly and subtly.
Working of brake assist system
When the vehicle detects that the brake is being applied to bring the vehicle to an abrupt stop, the emergency brake assist fully depresses the brake pedal. Additional braking force is released when the sensor detects an unexpected application of the brake pedal.
The technology is intended to protect the driver from the risks of emergency braking when an appropriate response is not given. This feature works in conjunction with the anti-lock braking system to efficiently apply the brakes in an emergency.
Watch the video below to learn about how the electronic stability program works
Read more: Understanding TRAC OFF light
What causes the ESP BAS light to come on?
Here are the most common things that cause the ESP BAS light to come on:
- Steering angle sensor defect
- Defective brake switch
- Damaged wheel speed sensor
- Issues with the wiring
Steering angle sensor defect
The steering angle is one of the advanced sensors found in modern vehicles. Unfortunately, this sensor is also the main cause of most ESP BAS Light activations. The steering wheel sensor keeps your steering wheel aligned with the wheels of the vehicle.
Based on the information provided by the steering angle sensor, the car uses the sensor to determine which way you turn the steering wheel. A poor connection can cause the sensor to lose contact, which will cause the LED to illuminate. The sensor might have malfunctioned, too.
Defective brake switch
The light may also turn on due to a defective brake switch. Despite the fact that a brake switch is meant to go on forever, anything can happen. When you press down on the pedal, the switch activates the rear brake lights.
People following you may not be aware that you are slowing down or stopping if it isn’t working. Therefore, you must replace the defective switch as soon as you become aware of it.
Damaged wheel speed sensor
Each wheel has a speed sensor, which measures the wheel’s motion. These sensors are also a part of the ESP BAS system for the car. The ESP BAS system can detect when traction has been lost using these sensors, allowing it to take appropriate action.
However, the ESP BAS Light may turn on normally if traction is temporarily lost. The light should turn off automatically once the issue is resolved, though. If not, there is a possibility that one of the wheel speed sensors is damaged.
Issues with the wiring
Between the ABS control module and each of the various sensors, there are numerous wires. The wiring that connects the ABS wheel speed sensors to the wheels might occasionally sustain damage.
Since the wiring in current vehicle models is often well-protected, this is not particularly common, but it can still happen if you’re unlucky. Wiring problems can be incredibly challenging to locate if you are inexperienced, which is a drawback.
Read more: Understanding the working of anti-lock braking system (ABS)
How can you reset the ESP BAS light?
Here’s how to reset the ESP BAS light in quick and easy steps:
- Start the engine and then turn the steering wheel as far to the right as you can.
- Turn the steering wheel as far to the left as it will go once it has been turned far enough to the right.
- Repeat the process two to three times.
- When completed, position the car’s tires in the center and stop the car. This ought to have reset the ESP BAS light, so it should be turned off. If not, there may be a problem with the electronic stability program in your automobile or perhaps a problem with the ESP sensor itself.
Read more: How to reset airbag light in six simple steps
Is it safe to drive with the ESP BAS light on?
It is not safe to drive with the ESP BAS light on, especially in slick conditions. This is because the ESP BAS light indicates that there’s an issue with the vehicle’s electronic stability program or brake assist system. If your car has any of the typical issues that cause the ESP BAS light to come on, you shouldn’t keep driving it. To determine the true cause of the warning light, you must take your car to a mechanic.
Read more: Is it safe to drive a car with the SRS airbag light on?
How can you fix the ESP BAS light?
If you’ve tried the resetting method discussed above and the ESP BAS light remains on, here are things you should consider doing to fix it:
Recalibrate or replace the steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor may sometimes just need to be recalibrated. Without any special tools, you may complete this task in your driveway. Your car’s wheel would lock if you were to move it from one side to the other while seated behind the wheel.
For the calibration to take effect, you might also need to cycle the key. In some cases, the steering angle sensor can be recalibrated using an OBDII scanner. Read the codes and adjust as necessary.
You might also just need to replace the sensor if the calibration doesn’t resolve the issue. Fortunately, this task typically only needs a socket and racthet and is straightforward. Make sure to first unplug the battery. Then, you need to push on the clip that is located on the back of the steering wheel to remove the airbag from it.
Lock the steering wheel in place, then remove the main nut with your socket and racthet. So that you can pinpoint the center, mark the location of the wheel. The sensor can be seen once the clock spring has been removed. Remove it and replace it with the new one. Reconnect everything, then start the car. Additionally, the system needs to be recalibrated for the light to turn off.
Install New Brake Switch Sensor
You can identify the brake switch sensor issues with an OBDII code scanner. This sensor is less expensive than some of the others. It can be found above the brake pedal. Put the replacement sensor in after unplugging the broken one. Any codes that were set to turn the light off may also need to be reset.
Replace Wheel Speed Sensor
The wheel speed sensor is located behind each set of brake discs. The speed sensor is typically straightforward to replace because it is easily accessible, but occasionally, rust can cause it to get stuck. Lift the car up and take the broken wheel off. You can easily install the new sensor after removing the old one.
Repair Brakes
If the brakes need to be serviced, do so and check to see if the light turns off. Set the vehicle up on jack stands, and then take the wheels off. Make sure to rest the brake caliper when you unbolt it to prevent any lines from breaking.
If necessary, the rotor can be taken off and replaced. If there is still a lot of material available, you might want to have it redone. The brake pads can also be easily changed. The issue arises when the caliper becomes stuck. You might need professional assistance if you don’t have extensive knowledge about advanced brake systems.
FAQs
What causes the ESP BAS light to come on?
If the ESP BAS light on your Mercedes-Benz is on, one or more related systems are malfunctioning. When this happens, resetting it is easy. It can occasionally turn on after a battery replacement. Start the engine, then turn the steering wheel as far to the right as it will go while parked, and then to the left.
Can I drive with the ESP light on?
While it is safe to drive with the ESP light on, we don’t recommend it. If your ESP light is on, either the system has been turned off by you or there is a problem prohibiting it from functioning properly. It won’t be able to stop you from spinning like it would if it were in good condition.
How do I get rid of the ESP BAS light?
The steering angle sensor must therefore be reset in order to turn off the ESP BAS light. Simply make two turns to the right, two to the left, and back to the center while turning the wheel. The ESP BAS light ought to go out after your steering angle system has been recalibrated.
What does ESP BAS mean in a car?
The ESP BAS light alerts you to a problem with either your brake assist system or electronic stability system. You can easily identify faulty parts if you give your car routine maintenance.
How do I reset my ESP light?
Locate the ESP button.
For five seconds, press and hold it down.
The light will be reset as a result.
Can I drive with the ABS and ESP lights on?
When the warning light illuminates while you are driving, the ABS is not functioning properly. If you have to stop suddenly, your brakes will still function, but the ABS may not. You must as soon as possible have a professional diagnose the ABS light issue if the light does not go out.
Can worn brake pads cause the ABS light to come on?
Low braking fluid can, however, cause your car’s ABS light to come on. Your brake fluid is drained by worn brake pads. They can make your car’s ABS light come on by doing this.
What is the main difference between ABS and ESP?
In simple terms, ABS prevents the wheels from spinning while braking, and TCS prevents the wheels from spinning while accelerating. The majority of ESP’s functionality is provided by the ABS, but it also depends on TCS to identify subtle differences between the driver’s inputs and the vehicle’s actual response.
Does ESP reduce power?
When you suddenly lose control, an ESP system will detect it and reduce power to assist you in regaining control.
Where is the stability control sensor located?
It is almost always positioned as close to the exact center of the vehicle as is feasible. The yaw control sensor would be situated between you and the passenger if you were in the driver’s seat, under your right elbow.
Conclusion
Finally, it should be noted that the ESP BAS (Electronic Stability Program/BAS) warning light is a vital indicator that warns drivers of potential problems with their vehicle’s stability and braking systems. Ignoring this warning signal can put your safety at risk and affect how well you drive. To ensure safe and stable driving, it is crucial to address any potential problems, whether they are caused by sensors, brake systems, or electronic components. To resolve ESP BAS light issues and maintain maximum vehicle safety, regular car maintenance and expert diagnostics are essential.
That is all for this article, where the answers to the following questions have been discussed:
- What does the ESP BAS light mean?
- How do the Electronic Stability Program and Brake Assist System work?
- What causes the ESP BAS light to come on?
- How can you reset the ESP BAS light?
- Is it safe to drive with the ESP BAS light on?
- How can you fix the ESP BAS light?
I hope you learn a lot from the reading. If you do, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you around!
