Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: Why is My ABS Light On?

When the ABS light goes on, it means that there is something irregular with your Jeep Cherokee's brake system. Learn how to diagnose it here.

By Mark Garrett - October 27, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

Anti-lock brakes are one of the best inventions car makers have come up with. When you feel your brake pedal pulsing in sudden stops, the brakes are being applied and un-applied at a rate humans can not duplicate. If you remember when there were no ABS systems on cars, you know we had to put on and let off the brakes quickly to stop a skidding car. Anti-lock systems are just much better at it. When your ABS light comes on, this simply means something has gone wrong in that complicated system. So if your Jeep Cherokee has an ABS, read on to learn how to diagnose it.

Materials Needed

  • Flashlight
  • Scraper
  • Brake cleaner spray

Step 1 – Check fuses

A blown fuse would be a simple fix.

Check all of the fuses in your Cherokee to see if any are blown. Pay special attention to the ABS fuse. The fuse box diagram should be on the inside of the fuse box cover, and will indicate where the ABS fuse is located. If any are blown, replace them.

Step 2 – Check for ABS codes

A stored code can tell you what is wrong.

The ABS data link connector to pull the codes from is under the dash, behind the carpet. The local auto supply probably will not be able to pull these codes. An independent shop may have the setup to do it, though. Any code that has been set will offer a lot of help in tracking down the problem.

An example would be code 32, which means left-rear speed sensor circuit failure. With that, you can check the wiring from the left-rear speed sensor at the wheel all the way to the ABS module. Be sure to look for loose wires and connections.

Pro Tip

If you can't find someone to pull the codes, you can run down all of the ABS wiring yourself. However, the codes do help a lot.

Step 3 – Check wheel speed sensors

The sensors provide feedback to the ABS computer.

Each wheel senses how fast it is turning with a speed sensor and tone ring. The sensor is an electronic part that can go bad. The tone ring is a metal ring attached to the axle or hub. If the speed sensor is faulty, replace it. The tone ring usually gets dirty rather than damaged. Clean any debris out of the teeth and it should be good.

Figure 1. Speed sensor (1), and tone ring (2).

Pro Tip

Metallic brake dust from the pads can build up in the toner ring and reek havoc.

Step 4 – Check ABS controller

A faulty controller will set the ABS light.

If the ABS controller is indeed faulty, the light will go on. A rebuilt one from the auto supply is around $100. Checking the ABS codes will tell you if it is bad. It is not uncommon for the module to be faulty on Cherokees.

Figure 2. Typical ABS control module.

Pro Tip

There are people that repair this module themselves. It is considered an advanced level procedure.

Step 5 – Check ABS pump

The ABS pump makes your ABS brakes operate.

It is unusual for this part to go bad; although, there has been a recall for some years. Check to see if yours is included. They are expensive; a used one is around $100, while a new one is at least several hundred.

Figure 3. Used ABS pump.

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