Alright here is what I have going on. It just started tonight. At random intervals it makes a bad kinda poping noise from somewhere (sounds like the front differential area) and you hear an electronic "whirr" noise at the same time. this lasts for 2-4 sec. then the traction control light blinks maybe 5 or 6 times... and then it works normal. It only happens when I'm in motion so I cant track the noise better. any ideas? I'm taking it in to the dealership first thing tomorrow!

Does it do this with the ESP in the off position?

I'll have to test it out with the esp in the "off" postion. I'll try it tomorrow morning before i go to the dealership.

Sounds like a sensor is activating the ESP and sending power to the rear wheels through the electronic transfer case. Just a guess though...

UPDATE: took her to the delaership this morning and they have no clue what's wrong with it. They fell and hear the same thing that I explaned above, and they think it's the ABS. they have to contact The big mechanics from JEEP to quiz them about it. Now i'm driving an 05 seebring rental (I hate it...)

I did find out that when the light flashes that mean the ESP kicked in. but it flashes when the traction control is on or off so figure that one out... I'll keep you posted and let yall know what went wrong...

Turning the ESP partially off (just hitting the switch) doe NOT turn the traction control off, nor does it turn the ESP off. It only putsd into a mode where it doesn't try to diddle with your throttle.

To turn it all the off the car should be stationary, and you should hold the ESP button down until the ESPOFF in fairly large letters shows up on the dash below the speedometer.

The traction control uses the ABS system to limit wheel spin. I do not believe the ABS all by itself will give you that momentary light.

Some sensor or the cars electronics either thinks the car is skidding or about to skid and the ESP is hitting a brake to correct, or else the traction control system things a wheel is spinning and is appying brake to prevent it.

This is a potentially serious malfunction, even if it doesn't cause damage to the brakes or wheels or cause you to lose control in normal driving, it could mean the systems won't be working properly in adverse conditions where you need them.

Keep after it until you and the dealer are convinced it is fixed.

The dealer still has my car, and they still don't know what's wrong with it... (Ya ever seen 2 monkeys fu%*ing a football?) I'm sure that's what's going on. They have to wait till tomorrow to talk to the corporate mechanics because it was an "all day meeting." and maybe tomorrow I will know what is wrong with it. Then they will probably tell me the part takes 10 weeks to get in... I'm suppose to be going on a 4 day trip to see the family in Oregon. guess not...

It's a good thing you have the 5spd and not the CVT. The 5spd removes one big electronic variable (CVT) that could make solving the problem even harder. Best of luck sorry about the trip cancelation.

I'm suppose to be going on a 4 day trip to see the family in Oregon. guess not...

Hey Phantom:

If you had this planned the dealership should cover a rental for your trip and while the Pat/Riot is being repaired if it is long term. I'd get out my lead boots!!!

oh... I got a rental, a freaking' 2 door seabring! how am i gonna take my wife, 2 full size dogs and an 2 week old kid in a 2 door seabring! I already told them their dumb... well see what they say tomorrow morning.

A pin on the "clock spring" was not connecting making the wheel think it was turned 25 more degrees then it was. in turn making the whole system freak out because it thought I was slipping or spinning or someting.

they fixed the pin and re-set my ECU and re calibrated the steering. seems to be working fine now! My 4 day trip just turned into a 3 day.