What are the symptoms of a faulty ABS sensor?
2 Answers
ABS sensor failure affects vehicle driving, and it is recommended not to continue driving. When the ABS light is on, it indicates a fault in the vehicle's anti-lock braking system. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle may lose control and skid, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety hazards. ABS warning light stays on Reason 1: The sensing part of the ABS speed sensor is covered by mud, sludge, or other contaminants, affecting the sensor's ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS computer from determining the vehicle speed and the wheel slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to adjust braking. How to fix: Clean the dirt from the speed sensor and adjust the gap between the speed sensor and the signal ring to restore normal function. Reason 2: Loose connections between system lines or poor contact of the ABS relay can cause signal issues leading to system failure. The most common issue is a loose speed sensor connector, which will also show as a speed sensor signal fault in the ABS computer's error memory. How to fix: Check the line connections and reconnect any loose parts. ABS warning light intermittently turns on and off, extinguishing when accelerating Reason: When multiple vehicle electrical devices are in use, the battery voltage may drop below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases, the voltage rises, and the ABS warning light turns off. The ABS system power supply voltage is too low, possibly due to poor contact or grounding issues. How to fix: Check the battery's specific gravity; inspect the charging system; examine the power supply (e.g., voltage relay or poor power contact).
I've been driving for over a decade, and there are several obvious signs when an ABS sensor fails. The most direct indicator is the continuous illumination of the ABS warning light on the dashboard. During emergency braking, the wheels may lock up completely, without the usual vibration or smooth deceleration. On wet or snowy roads, the braking distance increases, and the car feels unstable and prone to skidding. Additionally, the vehicle may display fault codes during startup self-checks, which can be confirmed with a simple diagnostic tool. Neglecting repairs not only worsens braking performance but can also damage the ABS control module, increasing repair costs from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan. Addressing the issue promptly ensures daily driving safety—don't wait until an accident happens to regret it.
