What are the effects of a faulty ABS sensor?
2 Answers
ABS sensor failure will cause the ABS system to malfunction. The ABS warning light on the car dashboard will illuminate, and during emergency braking, the wheels may lock up, leading to skidding and loss of control. The vehicle can still be driven with a faulty ABS sensor, but the ABS system won't function, causing the wheels to lock during hard braking. It is essential to drive carefully and avoid sudden braking. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is designed to automatically control the braking force during vehicle deceleration, preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining a rolling-sliding state (with a slip ratio around 20%) to ensure maximum traction between the wheels and the road surface.
I used to frequently encounter ABS sensor issues when repairing cars. Once the ABS light comes on, it's quite troublesome as the wheel speed detection fails, causing the entire anti-lock braking system to stop working. During emergency braking, the wheels are prone to locking up and skidding, which is particularly dangerous in rainy or snowy conditions, potentially leading to tailspin and loss of control. Additionally, it affects other electronic assistance systems like traction control. My advice is not to delay when you see the dashboard warning light. Simply check whether the sensor is clogged with mud or damaged. In most cases, you'll need to replace it - the cost isn't high but it's crucial for safety. Remember that the sensors are located on each wheel, so regular dust cleaning is necessary.