What are the reasons that cause the ABS warning light to illuminate?
1 Answers
ABS light can illuminate in various states, with different causes and solutions for each state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS warning light stays on continuously (most common). Cause 1: The ABS wheel speed sensor's sensing area is covered by dirt, mud, or other contaminants, affecting the sensor's ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS control unit from determining the vehicle speed and the wheel slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to regulate braking. Solution: Clean the dirt from the wheel speed sensor and adjust the gap between the sensor and the signal ring to restore normal function. Cause 2: Poor signal transmission due to loose connections between system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay, leading to system malfunction. Solution: Check the wiring connections and reconnect any loose parts. State 2: ABS warning light illuminates intermittently but turns off during acceleration. Cause: When multiple vehicle electrical devices are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases, the voltage rises, causing the ABS indicator light to turn off. This can also happen if the ABS system's power supply voltage is too low, such as due to poor terminal contact or grounding issues. Solution: Check the battery's specific gravity, inspect the charging system, and 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 electrical connection in the ABS hydraulic valve body wiring; ABS control unit malfunction. Solution: Loosen and then retighten the grounding screw on the hydraulic valve body, cleaning the contact surface if necessary. Check for enlarged gaps in the connectors. Replace the ABS or ABS/ASR control unit if needed. State 4: ABS warning light illuminates during high-speed driving. Cause: During high-speed driving, the ABS control unit detects a significant discrepancy between the rear and front wheel speed signals. This can also occur if the tire or wheel rim specifications are incorrect. 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 illuminates intermittently. 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 all the way down. 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 recommended 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, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks.