Can a Volvo still be driven with an ABS/DSTC malfunction?
2 Answers
ABS malfunction light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving, because the ABS light on means that the vehicle's anti-lock braking system has malfunctioned. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle will lose control and skid, making it impossible for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety hazards. There are various states of the ABS light being on, with different causes and solutions for each state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS malfunction light stays on (most common). Cause 1: The ABS wheel speed sensor's sensing part is covered by mud, sludge, or other contaminants, affecting the sensor's ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS computer from determining the vehicle speed and the wheel's slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to adjust braking. Solution: Clean the dirt from the wheel speed sensor and adjust the gap between the sensor and the signal ring to restore normal function. Cause 2: Loose connections between system wires or poor contact of the ABS relay leads to signal issues and system malfunction. Solution: Check the wire connections and reconnect any loose parts. State 2: ABS warning light intermittently turns on, but turns off during acceleration. Cause: When multiple vehicle electrical devices are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases, the voltage rises, and the ABS indicator light turns off; the ABS system's power supply voltage is too low, possibly due to poor contact at the terminals or grounding issues. Solution: Check the battery's specific gravity; inspect the charging system; examine the power supply (e.g., voltage relay or poor power contact). State 3: The ABS warning light stays on after the engine starts and only turns off when the engine is turned off (IGFF). Cause: Poor contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body's grounding circuit; poor contact at the ABS hydraulic valve body's wire connector; ABS computer malfunction. Solution: Loosen the grounding screw of the hydraulic valve body, then tighten it again, cleaning the contact surface if necessary; check if the connector gap has widened; replace the ABS or ABS/ASR computer. State 4: ABS warning light turns on during high-speed driving. Cause: During high-speed driving, the ABS computer detects a significant difference between the rear wheel speed and front wheel speed signals; incorrect tire specifications or incorrect wheel rim specifications. Solution: Refer to the vehicle's tire specifications and wheel rim specifications, as indicated on the sticker near the fuel tank cap. State 5: ABS warning light intermittently turns on. Cause: Improper adjustment of the brake light switch; poor internal contact in the brake light. Solution: Start the engine, press the brake pedal, push the brake switch linkage down with a finger until it bottoms out, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position; replace the brake light switch.
I had a similar issue with my previous car where the ABS and dynamic stability control warning lights came on. Theoretically, the car could still move, but you had to be extra careful. The braking system might not function properly, and the wheels could lock up or skid on slippery roads, which could be dangerous at high speeds or during sharp turns. A friend of mine once drove in the rain with a faulty ABS system, which increased the braking distance and almost caused a rear-end collision. It's advisable to pull over to a safe spot immediately, avoid long-distance driving, and head to a repair shop for inspection—it could be a dirty sensor or a blown fuse. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, like cleaning the wheel sensors. Safety first—don't risk your life. After all, systems like those in Volvos are designed to protect you; if they fail, you're left relying solely on your own reactions.
