Reasons for the ABS Light Illuminating in the Sylphy and How to Troubleshoot

[OKhloe]

There are various states in which the ABS light may illuminate, with different causes and solutions for each state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS warning light stays on (most common). Cause 1: The ABS speed sensor's sensing part is covered by dirt, mud, or other contaminants, affecting its ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS computer from determining the vehicle's speed and the wheel's slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to regulate braking. Solution: Clean the dirt from the speed sensor and adjust the gap between the sensor and the signal ring to restore normal function. Cause 2: Poor signal quality due to loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay, leading to system failure. Solution: Inspect wiring connections and reconnect any loose parts. State 2: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates but turns off when accelerating. Cause: When multiple vehicle electrical devices are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. The ABS light turns off as the engine speed increases and voltage rises. This may also occur if the ABS system's power supply voltage is too low 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 failure. Solution: Loosen and retighten the grounding screw on the hydraulic valve body, 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 illuminates during high-speed driving. Cause: During high-speed driving, the ABS computer detects a significant discrepancy 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 illuminates. Cause: Improper adjustment of the brake light switch; poor internal contact in the brake light. Solution: With the engine running, press the brake pedal and use a finger to push the brake switch linkage down fully, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position; replace the brake light switch if necessary. If the ABS warning light is on, it is advisable not to continue driving. An illuminated ABS light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's anti-lock braking system. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle may skid uncontrollably, preventing the driver from slowing down or adjusting the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks.

[Ashley]

I was quite nervous when the ABS light came on, as brake system issues are no small matter. Last time my Nissan Sylphy had the same problem, the mechanic at the shop said the most common cause is the wheel speed sensors getting clogged with mud. It's something you can fix yourself—just jack up the car and clean the sensors behind all four wheels. Continuing to drive with the light on can actually damage the entire ABS system. Also, check if the wheel speed sensor wires have been chewed by rodents and whether the battery voltage is stable. In these cases, you should immediately use professional equipment to read the fault codes. Anyway, don't cut corners—safety first, right?