"Service ESC System" in Jeep Compass - Why Do I See This?

The ESC system in your Jeep stands for Electronic Stability Control. This system enhances the stability and the driver's control over the vehicle under different driving conditions. The system corrects oversteering and understeering through the application of the brake and by reducing engine power.

Service ESC system message highlights

• Common reasons:bad 12V battery, broken sensors or control units
• How to fix:check the battery, use the scanner to locate the problem
• Possible consequences:you may get stranded easily
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$200-$700

What Does the ESC System Do

The ESC system helps the driver maintain control of the car in all sorts of driving conditions. It detects whether any of the tires are slipping and selectively applies the brakes to improve that wheel's grip.  It can also reduce the engine's power as needed.

Why Does My Jeep Say "Service ESC System"?

The ESC system in your Compass is very useful and can keep you safe in uncertain driving conditions. However, like any other system in your car, it can fail and leave without its assistance. When the ESC system fails, it will display the "service ESC system" message, and disable its function.

The ESC system works based on a combination of multiple sensors and systems. If any of these components should fail, the ESC system will not be able to work as it should. Here are some of the reasons why the ESC system might malfunction.

1) Bad Wheel Speed Sensor

This is a common cause of ESC system problems in Jeep vehicles. The wheel speed sensor is a sensor that measures the rotational speed of each wheel. By comparing the speed of each wheel, the car's engine control unit (ECU) can detect whether any of the wheels are slipping. The ESC will then use this data to apply the brakes selectively and correct the slippage.

When one of the wheel speed sensors fails, the ESC won't be able to determine whether that wheel is slipping. As a result, the ESC system will be disabled, causing the "service ESC system" message to appear.

Wheel speed sensors can fail either as a result of being damaged or dirty.

2) Low Battery

A common cause of this problem in Jeep vehicles is a low battery. Your car's ESC system relies on multiple sensors, as well as the traction control and ABS. If the battery is too weak to provide a sufficient voltage to any of these systems or sensors, it could cause them to malfunction. A malfunction in any of the components required for the ESC to work will result in the system not being able to function.

If you're seeing the "service ESC system" message, and your car is showing symptoms of a low battery, then the issue is most likely being caused by the battery. Some low battery symptoms to look out for are:

• The electronic systems in the car malfunction or won't turn on.
• Trouble starting the car. In some cases, the starter motor won't engage, and the engine won't crank at all.
• Low engine power once the car starts.

3) Faulty Steering Angle Sensor

The ESC needs to compare the data on the wheel position to the input the driver is providing to the car. This lets the ESC know whether the vehicle is behaving normally, or if it is understeering or oversteering. The system will then know how to correct the problem. The steering angles sensor provides the necessary data regarding the position and movement of the steering components.

With a faulty steering angle sensor, the ESC will not be able to ensure that the steering matches the position of the wheels. This will cause the system to be disabled.

4) Wiring Problem

The ESC is composed of different components that need to communicate with each other electrically. If the wiring connecting these components is damaged, then the system will not be able to function properly. This will disable the ESC and cause the warning message to appear.

5) Blown ESC Fuse

The ESC fuse controls the electricity flowing through the ESC and protects it from high voltages. If the fuse burns out, the system won't receive any electricity and won't be able to function.

How to Fix "Service ESC System" in Jeep Compass

When the ESC system fails, it will leave you without the stability-booting capability it offers. To get the system working again, you will need to identify the cause of the problem and repair it.

Identifying the source of the malfunction can be done using an OBD2 scanner. This will allow you to scan your car's diagnostic system for a code that indicates any problems that the ECU has detected. After scanning the car, check for the meaning of any codes you may have received. This will let you know which system needs to be fixed.

Let's look at how to fix the possible causes of this problem.

1) Charge or Replace the Battery

If the battery is providing a low or insufficient voltage, you can simply charge it by running the car's engine for 25-30 minutes.

An old or dead battery won't hold a charge even after being charged. This means it will need to be replaced with a fresh battery.

2) Replace the Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

If one of the wheel speed sensors is malfunctioning, the ABS light will likely be on as well. If this is the case, you will need to have the faulty wheel speed sensor removed.

Based on the location of the wheel speed sensors, they can get dirty very easily. If one or more wheel speed sensors are dirty, they will need to be cleaned for them to function fully again.

Replacing a wheel speed sensor is a complex process that involves jacking the car and might require the removal of the brake pads. If you don't have extensive experience in this sort of repair, then it is recommended that you have your wheel speed sensor replaced by a professional mechanic.

3) Replace the Faulty Steering Angle Sensor

A faulty steering sensor will also trigger the ABS warning light in some cases. The sensor might be damaged and need to be replaced.

In some situations, the sensor might be misaligned, and require realignment. This is especially common after an accident or even a minor collision.

The steering angle sensor is located in the steering column, which makes it difficult to access. Depending on the year of your vehicle, you might also have more than one steering angle sensor. A mechanic will be able to diagnose whether the sensor needs to be replaced, realigned, or cleaned.

4) Fix the Damaged Wiring

Finding the faulty wiring could be difficult because there are so many different systems involved in the operation of the ESC system. It is recommended to have an automotive electrician look for the wiring problem, but if you have sufficient experience, you can examine it yourself. Make sure to look for the following signs of wiring damage:

• Burnt wiring
• Frayed wiring
• Damaged wiring harness
• Loose or corroded connectors

Any damaged wiring that is found will need to be replaced.

5) Replace the Blown ESC Fuse

If the ESC fuse is damaged, it will need to be replaced. The ESC fuse is located in the fuse box in the engine compartment. The exact location of the ESC fuse will differ depending on the year of your Compass, so make sure to check the fuse box diagram for your car.

You can remove the blown fuse by simply pulling it out. Installing the replacement is as simple as pushing it into the socket. Make sure to get a replacement fuse that is an exact match for the old one.

Is it Safe to Drive with the ESC Disabled?

When you see the "service ESC system" message in your car, you might wonder how serious this problem is, and whether it is still safe to drive. While the system provides stability control and is a useful safety feature, it's only a driver-assist tool. This means that your car will operate perfectly fine without it.

As long as you drive carefully, and make certain to avoid unsafe driving conditions, it is still safe to drive your car.

Conclusion

The Electronic Stability Control system in a Jeep Compass provides added stability under different driving conditions and helps to maintain control of the car in the event of understeering or oversteering. The "service ESC system" message indicates that the system has failed and needs to be repaired before it works again.

There are many different causes of this problem. For the Jeep Compass, the most common causes are a weak battery and a faulty wheel speed sensor. The issue can also be caused by bad wiring, a blown fuse, or a faulty steering angle sensor.