What are the reasons for the ABS light in a Skoda being on?
2 Answers
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 the sensor's 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 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 quality due to loose connections between system wires or poor contact in the ABS relay, leading to system failure. Solution: Check the wire 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. 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 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 wire 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 illuminates during high-speed driving. Cause: During high-speed driving, the ABS computer calculates 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 sticker 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: Start the engine, press the brake pedal, push the brake switch linkage down fully with a finger, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position; replace the brake light switch. If the ABS warning light is on, it is advisable not to continue driving. The 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, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks.
Skoda ABS light is on? I've been driving for decades and seen this issue quite often. Usually it's because the wheel speed sensor is dirty or faulty. The sensor is installed near the wheels, and when there's too much dirt or dust, the signal can't be transmitted properly, causing the ABS light to illuminate. It could also be due to a control unit malfunction or loose wiring connections. The ABS system controls anti-lock braking, so when the light is on, it means the system might not function properly. If you're driving on wet or slippery roads, there's a higher risk of skidding and accidents, so this issue shouldn't be ignored. I recommend going to a repair shop as soon as possible for inspection—they can use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes and pinpoint the problem. You can do a simple check yourself to see if the wheel speed sensor is clean; if it's dirty, try wiping it with a cloth, but don't disassemble any parts randomly. Safety comes first—regular maintenance of wheel components is important. If problems arise, don't panic; just address them promptly.
