Almost all new cars have an anti-lock braking system. This system enhances safety by preventing the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied. It allows the driver to control the steering, preventing the vehicle from skidding if the wheels lock up. Cars with ABS have a light on the dashboard, known as the ABS light. The ABS light comes on when the antilock braking system malfunctions.
There can be several reasons behind such a malfunction. If your ABS light is on, it can be due to one of the causes we are about to discuss.
Why is my Vehicle’s ABS Light On?
When the ABS light on the dashboard activates, it means there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. And this problem is pretty serious because without a proper antilock braking system you won’t be able to immediately stop your vehicle as the brake pedal is pushed. Your car might not stop as fast as you want, and your car could end up in an accident.
The purpose of an anti-lock braking system is to keep the car tires on the road as you aggressively step on the brake pedal. Due to this system, the wheels are prevented from locking up or skidding uncontrollably on the road during the braking process. That is why an anti-lock braking system is very important on wet or slippery roads.
Common reasons why the ABS light comes on include:
- Low brake fluid in the reservoir
- Faulty wheel speed sensor
- Bad ABS module
- Bulb check glitch
- Worn hydrauilic pump
Low Brake Fluid in the Reservoir
Brake fluid plays an integral part in controlling the braking pressure in an anti-lock braking system. A brake fluid reservoir is responsible for holding the ABS fluid. Sometimes the fluid leaks out of the reservoir causing fluid levels to drop low.
When there is a low level of brake fluid in the car, the ABS brake light on the dashboard comes on. Another reason can be a massive amount of air in the ABS.
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
With the help of wheel speed sensors, the movement rate of each wheel is calculated. This information then goes into the ABS. Suppose the computer detects an irregularity in the calculated speeds. In that case, the anti-lock braking system will increase the brake fluid pressure with the help of the hydraulic pump, enabling the slow wheel to move at a normal speed or your traction control system shifts power to different wheels to compensate.
However, if the speed sensor is not working or gets dirty, the ABS detects the problem and illuminates the ABS light.
Bad ABS Module
There are different types of ABS systems, and each of them can corrode after a while. When this happens, the ABS may not function properly. To put it simply, if the module of the ABS system corrodes, it wouldn’t be able to obtain wheel sensor speed information. Consequently, the ABS light comes on.
It doesn’t even take a lot of corrosion to make this happen. Therefore, you need to keep a check for signs of corrosion. If your ABS module starts getting rusty, you will need to get it replaced.
Bulb Check Glitch
Some cars perform a bulb check on the dashboard. This check is performed for the driver’s convenience to ensure that the bulbs of their car’s warning lights are working perfectly.
Usually, these lights turn off themselves after a certain time duration. However, sometimes there is a glitch in the bulb check due to which the ABS light comes on after the bulb check completes.
Worn Hydraulic Pump
As mentioned above if the wheel speed sensor detects an anomaly in the speed level of one of the wheels it will detect this problem and notify the anti-lock braking system. Once notified, the ABS system will activate the hydraulic pump to increase brake fluid pressure, enabling the wheels to maintain traction as they touch the ground.
Unfortunately, hydraulic pumps usually wear out within a few years of using them. When hydraulic pump wears out, the ABS light comes on, giving a clear signal that the pump needs to be replaced at the earliest.
What to Do When the ABS Light Illuminates?
As soon as the ABS light comes on, you should stop your vehicle at a safe spot, turn it off and then turn it back on. This way, the computer rechecks all of the sensors for irregularities. Much like your laptop or personal computer at home, a simple reset may fix the problem, and the ABS light might turn off after you reset your vehicle.
However, if that doesn’t happen, there may be a problem. The best way to deal with the problem is to ask a certified technician to use a scan tool in your car and check for trouble codes.
Here is what you can do when the ABS light illuminates:
- Remove the wheels and check the wheel speed sensors and wires for any kind of damage
- Check for a blown anti-lock fuse
- Replace it if that is the case
- Keep in mind replacing is just a temporary fix and the fuse may blow again in the future
- Identify the reason behind the fuse blow-out
- Use a scan tool to identify the reason
FAQs
Why is my vehicle’s ABS light on?
Your vehicle’s ABS light comes on when your antilock braking system stops working because of a malfunction.
What to do when the ABS light comes on?
If the ABS light comes on after you start the vehicle and goes away in some time, it means your vehicle is doing a self-check, and there is nothing to worry about. However, if it stays on while you’re driving, you should make a stop at a safe spot and call a technician.
Is it safe to drive my car after the ABS illuminates?
It is not advisable to drive your car if the ABS light comes on while you’re driving. Your vehicle won’t handle heavy braking with a faulty ABS.
We explained why your car’s ABS light comes on. Please take your car to a professional auto shop if the ABS light is on. Besides, if you are looking to buy cars with reliable safety features, take a look at these used cars for sale in the UAE:
- Used Mercedes-Benz cars for sale in the UAE
- Used Toyota cars for sale in the UAE
- Second-hand Nissan cars for sale
- Used Hyundai cars for sale
Stay tuned to your favourite car blog for more on car mechanics and systems.
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