Error Message on Jeep Dashboard: Traction Control, Dynamic Steering Torque, Hill Descent Control (Complete List 2025)

The Jeep Renegade is one of the most popular compact SUVs, combining technology, safety, and performance. However, one of the most confusing aspects for owners is the messages that appear on the vehicle’s dashboard. These alerts can indicate either the activation of safety systems or issues that require immediate attention.

In this article, we explore the meaning of the most common messages on the Jeep Renegade’s dashboard and provide a detailed guide to the vehicle’s safety systems. Additionally, we share real reports from owners who have faced difficulties related to these alerts and how they handled the situations.

Owner Reports on Jeep Renegade Issues

Case 1 – Raysa

Raysa purchased a Jeep Renegade, fulfilling her dream of owning the vehicle, but her experience has been frustrating. Currently, even though the vehicle is out of warranty, several messages appear on the dashboard as soon as the car is started, such as:

• “Dynamic Steering Torque not available”
• “ABS not available”
• “Hill Start Assist not available”
• “ESC system not available”
• “Check electronic parking brake not available”

Upon researching the issue, she realized that the problem is common among many Jeep Renegade owners.

Case 2 – Hayla

Hayla bought a Jeep Renegade Longitude T270 in 2022 with a three-year warranty. By the end of that same year, she started receiving the message “Check engine” on the dashboard. Additionally, she noticed that the oil and coolant levels were dropping quickly, requiring refills every three days. After taking the car to the dealership, she was informed that the issue would only be resolved with a system update.

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Jeep Renegade Dashboard Messages

System	Description	What Happens When Activated
TC (Traction Control)	Traction control that automatically intervenes in case of slippage or loss of grip.	Reduces engine power or applies brakes to control wheel spin.
PBA (Panic Brake Assist)	Emergency braking assistant that applies optimal brake pressure.	Increases brake pressure during sudden braking to reduce stopping distance.
HSA (Hill Start Assist)	Hill start assist that temporarily holds the brakes.	Holds braking for up to 2 seconds to facilitate the transition from brake to accelerator.
DST (Dynamic Steering Torque)	System that adjusts steering torque to suggest the correct maneuver.	Applies additional torque to the steering wheel to help the driver correct direction.
ERM (Electronic Rollover Mitigation)	System that monitors and reduces the risk of rollover.	Intervenes in braking and engine power to minimize wheel lift-off.
TSC (Trailer Sway Control)	Trailer sway control that adjusts power and braking.	Reduces engine power and selectively applies braking to stabilize the trailer.
HDC (Hill Descent Control)	Descent control that maintains a constant speed on slopes.	Automatically controls the brakes to keep a safe speed downhill.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)	Braking system that prevents wheel lock-up and improves stability.	Prevents wheel lock-up and adjusts brake force distribution to optimize safety.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)	Electronic stability control that corrects understeer and oversteer.	Adjusts braking and engine torque as needed to correct the vehicle’s trajectory.

Common Dashboard Messages and Alerts

Warning Lights

Dashboard warning lights in the Jeep Renegade play a crucial role in vehicle safety, providing information about the operation of key systems. When one of these lights turns on, the driver must act quickly to prevent potential mechanical issues or unexpected failures. Below are some of the main warning lights and their meanings:

• Engine Light: Indicates failures in the electronic injection system or mechanical problems in the engine. If it remains on, the vehicle may need a full inspection by a mechanic.
• Tire Pressure: Warns when tire pressure is below the recommended level, which can affect handling and increase tire wear.
• Engine Temperature: Alerts about engine overheating, a situation that can cause severe damage if not resolved immediately.
• Oil Light: Indicates that the engine oil level is low or that an oil change is needed to maintain proper lubrication.
• Battery Light: Signals electrical system issues, such as failures in the alternator or the battery itself, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle power.

When any of these lights turn on, it is essential to check the problem and, if necessary, seek technical assistance to avoid further damage to the vehicle.

Click here to see all the dashboard lights and their meanings.

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Safety System Alerts

The Jeep Renegade has various safety systems that operate automatically to ensure greater stability and vehicle control, as shown in our table above. When activated, the dashboard may display messages such as:

• “Traction control activated” – Indicates that the TC (Traction Control) system is adjusting engine power to prevent skidding on slippery surfaces.
• “ABS activated” – Shows that the ABS braking system is preventing the wheels from locking, ensuring better braking control.
• “ESC in operation” – Means that the electronic stability control system is correcting the vehicle’s trajectory in case of grip loss.
• “Active brake assistance” – Alerts that the PBA (Panic Brake Assist) is optimizing braking force during an emergency.

If these messages appear frequently or without apparent cause, there may be an issue with the sensors or system functionality, requiring a technical inspection.

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Driver Assistance Messages

In addition to safety alerts, the Jeep Renegade’s dashboard also displays messages related to maintenance and vehicle condition. Some of the most common include:

• “Oil change required” – Indicates that the engine oil has reached the recommended mileage limit and needs to be replaced to ensure proper engine operation.
• “Check coolant fluid” – Warns of a low coolant level, essential for preventing engine overheating.
• “Tire pressure monitoring system activated” – Informs that one or more tires are underinflated and need adjustment to maintain vehicle safety and efficiency.

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Oil Light on Jeep Renegade Dashboard Won’t Turn Off

If the oil light on the Jeep Renegade remains on, even with the correct oil level, follow these steps to try resetting the oil change message without a scanner:

1. Turn the key to the first stage position (without starting the engine).
2. Press the accelerator pedal three times to the floor within 10 seconds.
3. Release the brake pedal.
4. Turn off the key.

This procedure usually resets the message without needing a scanner. We have included a video below showing how to perform this process.

If the light remains on, check the vehicle manual for possible causes. If the message indicates “Sensor Failure” or “Check Oil Pressure”, it may indicate a real issue in the lubrication system, such as:

• Faulty oil pressure sensor
• Low engine oil pressure

In these cases, do not ignore the warning! The best course of action is to take the vehicle to a workshop for a detailed inspection and prevent severe engine damage.