What are the symptoms of a faulty ABS module?
3 Answers
ABS module failure poses a very serious hidden danger - the ABS function will not work during emergency braking. The ABS system prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking to avoid accidents. Constant illumination of the ABS light indicates an anti-lock braking system alert. More details about ABS are as follows: 1. Short-term ABS light illumination during vehicle startup: The light turns on when the ignition is switched on or the engine is started, indicating system self-check. The light turns off after completion. 2. ABS activation when braking hard: During emergency braking situations, wheel lock-up may occur. The anti-lock braking system improves safety during emergency braking. 3. Constant ABS warning light: If the vehicle can still brake normally but the ABS warning light remains on, it indicates an ABS system malfunction. Professional diagnosis equipment should be used immediately to determine whether the issue lies with the tone ring, sensors, wiring, etc.
Having driven many cars, I have a deep understanding of ABS module failures. When the ABS module is damaged, the ABS warning light on the dashboard usually stays on continuously, which was the first obvious sign I encountered. In emergency braking scenarios, such as slamming the brakes on a wet and slippery road, the anti-lock function completely fails, causing the wheels to lock up and skid, significantly increasing the braking distance—almost leading to a rear-end collision. Moreover, the damaged module is often accompanied by abnormal buzzing or noise in the engine compartment, and the overall braking feels stiff and unresponsive. Even more frustrating, if the vehicle is equipped with a Traction Control System (TCS), it may also malfunction, reducing stability during turns. My advice is: once you see the ABS light come on, don’t delay—immediately visit a professional repair shop to read the fault codes with a diagnostic tool. After confirmation, replace or repair the module, as this is critical to driving safety and cannot be ignored. Regularly checking electrical connectors for corrosion can also help prevent such issues.
Last month, the ABS light in my car suddenly came on, and I didn’t pay much attention to it, thinking it was just a minor issue. However, during an emergency situation on the highway when I hit the brakes, the car slid uncontrollably without any pulsing sensation from the anti-lock system. Fortunately, I reacted quickly and avoided a collision. Later, at the repair shop, the mechanic told me the ABS module had burned out, causing the entire system to fail and even leading to false fault reports from the wheel sensors. The braking performance was not only poor but also accompanied by occasional clicking noises from under the car, making it quite unsafe. Looking back, such failures are common in aging vehicles, especially during the rainy season when moisture can easily cause short circuits. After promptly replacing the module, everything returned to normal. A reminder to everyone: never take such warnings lightly—always pay attention to warning light changes while driving.
