How to Clear the ABS Warning Light on the Vehicle Dashboard?
2 Answers
The method to clear the ABS warning light on the vehicle dashboard is to clean or replace the ABS sensor. The working principle of ABS is: during emergency braking, the highly sensitive wheel speed sensors installed on each wheel detect wheel lock-up, and the computer controls the pressure regulator to release pressure from the wheel's brake cylinder, preventing wheel lock-up. The functions of the ABS system are: 1. To prevent loss of vehicle control, increase braking distance, and improve vehicle safety; 2. To enhance the overall braking performance of the vehicle; 3. To prevent wheel lock-up during braking; 4. To ensure the driver can control the direction during braking and prevent rear axle skidding.
The ABS light in my previous car came on once, which gave me quite a scare. Actually, when the light comes on, it's best not to rush to clear it—you should find the cause first. Start by stopping the car and turning off the engine, then wait a few minutes and restart to see if the light is still on. Sometimes it's just a temporary false alarm and will turn off. If it stays on, it might be because the wheel speed sensor is dirty or blocked by mud. I've tried wiping the sensors near the wheels with a damp cloth, and it worked a few times. If left unresolved, the ABS system could fail, making braking on wet or slippery roads extremely dangerous. The next step is to check the ABS-related fuses in the fuse box to see if they're blown and replace them if necessary. If that doesn’t help, you’ll need to use an OBD diagnostic tool to read the fault codes and identify the exact issue before fixing it. Once repaired, the light will turn off automatically—don’t force-clear it yourself. Regular car washes and sensor checks can help prevent this.
