What are the symptoms of a faulty ABS sensor?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty ABS sensor are: the ABS warning light on the dashboard will remain illuminated, and during emergency braking, the wheels may lock up, leading to skidding and loss of control. When driving a car equipped with an ABS system, the correct action in an emergency is to press the brake pedal firmly to the floor. The ABS system allows the wheels to maintain a rolling and sliding state during emergency braking, preventing wheel lock-up, enabling the driver to decelerate while maintaining control of the vehicle's trajectory to avoid obstacles. If the ABS system malfunctions, it is recommended that the owner seek immediate repairs, as wheel lock-up during emergency braking can be extremely dangerous.
When the ABS sensor fails, the ABS warning light will definitely illuminate on the dashboard, flashing like a small alert light, indicating a system issue. While driving, when I step on the brake, I feel the wheels lock up suddenly, not the usual smooth pulsing effect, especially on slippery roads where the car tends to skid and lose control. Once during rain, I almost veered off the road. The ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing steering to remain flexible. When it fails, braking distance increases, and vehicle stability deteriorates. For repairs, I recommend promptly visiting a professional shop to diagnose the error codes with a diagnostic tool. Replacing a new sensor only costs a few hundred dollars—don’t delay to save money, as it significantly increases accident risks. Regularly maintaining and cleaning the sensor installation area to prevent mud and debris blockage can also reduce failure rates. After all, safety is more important than anything else, and developing good habits can make driving more reassuring.