Can I drive with the ABS light on?
1 Answers
ABS fault light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving, because the ABS light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's anti-lock braking system. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle may lose control and skid, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks. There are various states when the ABS light is on, with different causes and solutions depending on the state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS fault light stays on (most common). Cause 1: The ABS speed sensor's sensing part is covered by dirt, mud, or other contaminants, affecting the sensor's ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS computer from determining the speed and the wheel's slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to adjust braking. Solution: Clean the dirt from the speed sensor and adjust the gap between the speed sensor and the signal ring to restore normal function. Cause 2: Poor signal due to loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay, leading to system failure. Solution: Check the wiring 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 used, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases and voltage rises, the ABS indicator light turns off. The ABS system's power supply voltage is too low, possibly due to poor terminal contact 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: ABS warning light stays on after engine start and only turns off when the engine is turned off (IGFF). Cause: Poor grounding contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body; poor contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body's wiring connector; ABS computer malfunction. Solution: Loosen the grounding screw of the hydraulic valve body, then retighten it, 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 and front wheel speed signals; incorrect tire or wheel rim specifications. Solution: Refer to the vehicle's tire and wheel rim specifications, as indicated on the label 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 your finger, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position; replace the brake light switch if necessary.