ABS stands for anti-lock brake system, and it is a system that prevents you from “locking” your brakes, or applying a lot of pressure to your brakes that makes the axle and wheels stop turning altogether.
You need to know what to do if your car’s anti lock braking system (ABS) light comes on. If you ignore your ABS light, stopping your automobile safely will become extremely difficult, if not impossible.
When the ABS light on your automobile comes on, it implies your vehicle’s braking system is malfunctioning. This is a problem that must be addressed; else, your car may become unsafe to drive.
You start to skid when your wheels stop turning but your automobile continues to go too fast, and skidding leads you to lose all control of your vehicle, which is a dangerous possibility while travelling at high speeds.
Reasons that cause ABS light illumination:
The ABS light might be caused by a variety of factors. It doesn’t necessarily imply that the anti-lock braking system is malfunctioning. There can be a problem with the other sensors or components with which it communicates, as well.
Low Brake Fluid
You should inspect your brake fluid. In an anti-lock braking system, the brake fluid plays a big role in adjusting the braking pressure. The anti-lock braking system’s fluid is stored in a brake fluid reservoir. There may be a leak from this reservoir from time to time, causing the fluid levels to decline.
Either that, or there could be too much air in the system. In any case, the ABS warning light on the dashboard would most likely illuminate.
Fault in Speed Sensor
Wheel speed sensors are devices that tell your computer how fast each wheel is turning independently. If the computer detects a deviation in these speeds, your traction control system adjusts or shifts power to different wheels to compensate.
The anti-lock braking system is then informed of this information. If the anti-lock braking system determines that at least one of the wheels is travelling too slowly, the brake fluid pressure will be increased to allow the wheel to move at a regular speed.
The ABS, on the other hand, will detect a problem with the speed sensor and illuminate the warning light on the dashboard. It’s time to check the speed sensor.
Fault in ABS Module
After a while, the anti-lock braking system module can corrode. This is one of the most usual reasons for an ABS problem, so it should be checked as well.
If the module is corroded, it will be unable to obtain data from the wheel speed sensor.
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As a result, the ABS light on the dashboard illuminates. It also doesn’t take a lot of corrosion to cause this to happen. However, if this occurs, you will need to replace the module.
Checking Bulb
On the dashboard of some vehicles, a bulb check is performed. This check is for the driver’s convenience, as it ensures that the bulbs in their vehicle’s warning lights are in good working order.
After a specific amount of time, these lights will usually turn off on their own. In some cases, a bug in the bulb check may cause the ABS warning light to remain illuminated after the bulb check has been completed.
Checking if Hydraulic pump is worn out
If a vehicle’s one wheel moves faster than the other wheels, the wheel speed sensor detects this and alerts the anti-lock braking system.
Hydraulic pumps tend to wear out after a few years of use. This would almost certainly cause the ABS light to illuminate, indicating that the pump needed to be replaced right away.
Checking if system is turned off or on
It may surprise you, but you may be able to switch your traction control or ABS on and off. When you switch off the system, the indicator light on your dash usually illuminates to alert you that this critical safety feature is no longer operational.
Check to see if you accidentally triggered the switch, and consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure where it is.
