How Long Can I Drive With an ABS or Traction Control Warning?
What ABS and Traction Control Do
ABS keeps the wheels from locking up when you hit the brakes. Traction control limits wheel spin when the road gets slick. Both systems depend on clean data from the wheel speed sensors at each corner.
In the Chicago suburbs these systems work overtime. St. Charles has constant stop and go near the river. Naperville commuters deal with packed roads and freeze thaw pavement all winter. Both towns see enough salt to age wiring faster than most people expect.
Why the ABS or Traction Control Light Comes On
The warning shows up when one of the systems sees bad data or loses communication with a sensor or module. Some causes are simple. Some need a deeper look. Here are the most common reasons we see here at River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.
Faulty or Dirty Wheel Speed Sensors
These sensors read each wheel’s speed. Dirt, debris, or a sensor that glitches when cold can trigger the light. This is the most common cause in the St. Charles and Naperville area because salt and grime collect fast on Randall Road, Ogden Avenue, and local side streets.
What River Front can do: This needs a full diagnostic. A broken wire is easy to spot. A weak sensor may work one minute and fail the next, so we check live data and sensor response under different loads.
Damaged Sensor Wiring or Connectors
Corrosion from Kane County road salt, worn insulation, or a stretched wire from a pothole hit can interrupt the signal. This is another winter favorite around St. Charles and Naperville where patched pavement and slush stay wet all week.
What River Front can do: We trace the wiring and verify each connection. Once we find the weak point the fix is usually quick. The diagnostic helps narrow it down.
ABS Control Module or Pump Problems
The module controls pressure to the brakes during an ABS event. If it loses communication or the hydraulic pump fails the system shuts itself off and triggers the warning. This shows up less often than sensor issues.
What River Front can do: We run a full diagnostic to check module communication, pump operation, and solenoid health. This rules out the smaller issues first so you avoid replacing a module that was never the problem.
Low Brake Fluid or a Hydraulic Issue
Brake fluid drops as pads wear or if a small leak develops. A low level can disable ABS. This can happen after long commutes in Naperville or repeated short trips across town in St. Charles.
What River Front can do: We check this for free in the drive. We show you how to check it yourself if you want. We also check brake fluid level and condition during every oil change inspection.
Wheel Bearing or Tone Ring Damage
A worn wheel bearing or cracked tone ring can confuse the sensor and trigger the light. Rough pavement west of St. Charles and throughout Naperville makes this more common than people think.
What River Front can do: This also needs a diagnostic. We inspect the hub, check live wheel speed data, and confirm the cause before any repair.
How Long You Can Drive With the Warning On
Your basic brakes still work. What you lose is the backup help. ABS may not stop the vehicle as quickly on ice. Traction control may not keep the wheels steady when you pull onto a slick St. Charles side street or roll out of a snowy Naperville driveway.
Many drivers can still get where they are going, but winter roads raise the stakes. The sooner we diagnose the issue, the better your chances that it is a simple sensor or wiring repair instead of a larger problem.
A Simple Fix Is More Common Than You Think
A lot of ABS and traction control warnings around St. Charles and Naperville trace back to a wheel speed sensor or a corroded wire. It feels like a major system failure. Most days it is not.
We see plenty of repairs that come in well under what people fear. A quick diagnostic is the key to knowing which direction the repair goes.
$50 Off ABS or Traction Control Diagnostics
Use our current coupon and let our certified technicians track down the cause before winter roads get worse in Kane County.
Our Locations
River Front CDJR
- 200 Hansen Blvd
- North Aurora, IL 60542
- Hours and Directions
Sales
630-538-7691
| Monday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Friday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Service
331-258-1802
| Monday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Friday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Parts
630-405-5687
| Monday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Friday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Ram Truck Center
- 1851 Orchard Gateway Blvd
- North Aurora, IL 60542
- Hours and Directions
Commercial Sales / Business Link
630-907-1700
Testimonials
Easy and fun.
Great people to work with!!
“ We recently purchased a Jeep from River Front CJDR and I can't believe how smoothly it went. I have never had a more positive and enjoyable experience purchasing a vehicle. We are VERY pleased with their service. From the minute I requested information online to the last minute after signing the papers we have not one complaint. Citlaly, Jim S and Vinnie are the BEST!!! They truly made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. Great people to work with!! We highly recommend them if you are in need of a vehicle! Thank you River Front!!! ”
It was quick and easy process!
“ Miles was extremely helpful. He answered all questions I had, showed different options and didn’t pressure me into making a decision. It was quick and easy process! ”
Seamless purchase process.
“ I’ve been going to Riverfront to purchase all my cars for a reason. Trust and no pressure. Seamless purchase process. Thanks to the group and thank you Danny Spooner! ”
Great customer service
“ Great customer service. Clean. Friendly and GREAT hot chocolate while you wait. The online sales person was there to greet us as we walked in, and then she handed it over to the sales rep, Tracey, to complete the sale. Vinnie from finance was really friendly and efficient! This process is dreaded by many, but everyone at River Front made it go as smooth as can be and we were out of there in less than 2 hours, which is impeccable timing for the car sales industry. ”
Felt no pressure to buy.
“ Rob was fantastic at explaining all the new features on the 2026 Ram, felt no pressure to buy. Terry and Vinny in finance were outstanding as well! I will bring all my future business here to River Front Dodge. ”
Excellent like always.
“ Excellent like always, personal always looking for ways to save you money. ”
Erza was exceptional!
“ Erza was exceptional! We had several dealings with him over the course of 2025. He did an amazing job to make sure I was completely satisfied with the service. He went above and beyond to get the warranty coverage. The warranty company was less than cooperative but Ezra made things work for us. He is truly an asset to your company. ”
They made it hassle-free.
“ Recently purchased a used Ram at this dealership. Miles and Trish went above and beyond in terms of communication, ensuring the vehicle was checked out and prepped properly, and even followed up continuously after the sale on a few paint touch-ups. First time I actually enjoyed purchasing a vehicle. They made it hassle-free. Would definitely consider coming back in the future. ”
Highly recommend!
“ Purchased a new 2025 Jeep Wrangler today. I found River Front online and I worked primarily with Jim S who was great to work with. Communication was great and the buying process was efficient. There was ZERO pressure to buy all those "extras" most dealers push. I felt like the pricing was fair, I was treated respectfully and I would definately go back for my next Jeep! Overall a great buying experience - highly recommend! ”
Outstanding professionalism and dedication
“ I want to extend gratitude to John Provenzano, Frank Koran, and Vinnie Mazany for their outstanding professionalism and dedication during my first experience working with River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. From the very beginning, they demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring that every step of the process was seamless, transparent, and customer-focused. Their collaborative approach, attention to detail, and genuine care created not only a smooth transaction but also an iconic experience from start to finish. ”
Highly recommended!
“ Bought a 2021 Jeep Cherokee from here. Was extremely happy with the customer service and professionalism from here. I was helped out by Steve who was very kind and treated me with the upmost respect. It was my first time buying a car and Steve made it a great experience for me. Love my new car and happy to give them my business. Highly recommended! ”
Definitely give this place a shot
“ Rob was my sales guy. He was super nice no pressure great man. He let me test drive several vehicles and even stayed until 9pm for me. The dealership is very clean and has tons of inventory. I would definitely give this place a shot if you are looking for a Ram. ”
No pressure, very helpful
“ I recently had the pleasure of working with Miles Misek at River Front Ram in North Aurora. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever worked with in the car/truck sales field! Miles is very personable, knowledgeable and sincere. No pressure, very helpful and provides an outstanding customer experience. If you’re interested in a new or used Ram, check him out. You’ll be glad you did! ”
All personnel knew their job well
“ My current visit was taken care of in a timely manner and all personnel, from check-in to payment were polite and knew their job well. ”
Smooth and efficient!
“ I bought a jeep from them a couple weeks ago and everything when smoothly and efficiently! I am so pleased with the way everything went and how fast I got out without feeling pressured to do something that I didn't want to do. Raul was the best and found me the perfect car for our household with what I was looking for. 10/10 recommend him! Thanks Raul and thank you river front Chrysler ! ”
Great experience
“ Bought my 2024 Ram 2500 from riverfront this past weekend had a great experience and an amazing salesman Miles that assisted me and answered all my questions. Thank you!!!! I will definitely be back for my next truck!!!! ”
Best place
“ Best place to buy and service a car. ”
My experience was great
“ My experience was great very detailed on everything about my Jeep. Answered all my question .and Thanks again. ”
Amazing Experience
“ I’ve been meaning to leave this review for a few months now but always kept forgetting, wanted to tell a story of my amazing experience at River Front. My check engine light came on and was flashing while driving my Pacifica and I was close to River Front just before 5pm on my way home from work. I called the dealership and Renee told me if I was comfortable being the vehicle to them they probably would not be able to get it looked at that night but would get it looked at the next morning. I needed my van the next day but I had no other choice. I pulled into the service drive and was greeted within seconds by a man named Ezra who said he was one of the service advisors there. After taking my keys he met me as his desk where he asked me if I was the woman that had called and talked to Renee, after explaining what had happened Ezra started to get me written up. He told me I had a misfire on a cylinder in my engine which unfortunately was going to mean my vehicle was going to be spending the night. Turns out the gentleman that was sitting at the desk next to him was one of their mechanics who before Ezra had even finished writing me up had run back to his toolbox grabbed something and had already tested a few things and was certain he knew what was wrong. After finishing writing me up I had a seat in the waiting room and about 5 minutes later Ezra came out to tell me that one of my ignition coils was bad and needed to be replaced. To my surprise he said that they had one in stock but it was down at their truck center down the street and if I wanted to hang out Ezra said he would send his other mechanic Carlos down the street to get my part and we could get it done in the next 45 minutes! Of course I approved the repair and called my husband to tell him I wouldn’t need to be picked up. After waiting 45 minutes Ezra came out to tell me that everything was all done and that I would be getting to take my van home that night and it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg. Never before have I experienced this kind of service anywhere, let alone a auto repair place, they were honest, unbelievably helpful and fast. There really aren’t enough things I can say about the service I received from Ezra, his mechanic Ryan who did my repairs and even Carlos and Renee who helped make my crap day into a much much better one. Thank all 4 of you again for everything you do and I’ll be back to River Front for everything going forwards and I’ll make sure I send all my friends to Ezra at River Front! ”
Dealership Information
ABS & Traction Control FAQ for St. Charles & Naperville Drivers
How long can I drive with an ABS or traction control warning near St. Charles IL?
Your regular brakes still work, but ABS and traction control support may be out. A short drive home or to our service center in North Aurora is usually fine if the vehicle still stops and steers normally. For winter roads around St. Charles and the Fox River area it makes sense to schedule a diagnostic as soon as you can so a simple sensor or wiring issue does not turn into a bigger problem.
Is it safe to drive in Naperville with my ABS or traction control light on when roads are snowy?
On dry pavement many drivers do not feel much difference. On snowy or icy Naperville streets you rely on ABS and traction control to keep the vehicle stable when you brake or accelerate. If the light is on we recommend slow, careful driving only and a prompt diagnostic so you know whether it is a minor sensor fault or a bigger brake system concern.
What usually causes ABS or traction control lights to come on in Kane County winters?
Around North Aurora, St. Charles, and Naperville the most common causes are dirty or faulty wheel speed sensors, corroded wiring or connectors, low brake fluid, or a failing wheel bearing or tone ring. Road salt, potholes, and constant freeze thaw cycles are hard on the sensors and wiring. Our technicians use factory level diagnostics to find the exact cause instead of guessing at parts.
Can River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram check my brake fluid and ABS system without an appointment?
Our team can check brake fluid level and basic condition in the service drive at no charge, and we are happy to show you how to monitor it yourself. For full ABS or traction control diagnostics we recommend an appointment so we can hook up dealer level equipment, road test if needed, and apply our current $50 off ABS or traction control diagnostic coupon.
Are you part of the Gerald Auto Group or "Gerald Jeep" at the North Aurora Auto Mall?
River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram shares the North Aurora Auto Mall area with the Gerald stores, but we are independently owned and operated. Many people search for "Gerald Jeep" when they mean the Jeep dealer by the river in North Aurora, and that is us. Our service department supports drivers from St. Charles, Naperville, Aurora, and across Kane County.
“ Overall great and smooth experience. Dan Spooner and the rest of the team made buying a vehicle easy and fun. ”