What are the symptoms of a faulty ABS sensor?
3 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.
As an ordinary car owner, I always pay close attention to the condition of the ABS sensor. When it fails, the symptoms are obvious: the constant illumination of the ABS light on the dashboard is the first signal. In actual operation, the wheels lock up directly when braking, without the automatic anti-skid adjustment effect. Driving becomes unstable on slippery roads, as the ABS, which is supposed to control wheel speed to maintain balance during emergency braking, fails, leading to longer braking distances and increased risk of accidents. This directly relates to daily driving safety. I once almost rear-ended another car on the highway due to a sensor malfunction. Paying attention to vehicle abnormalities and getting timely inspections can reduce risks. When repairing, it's best to have a professional technician replace the sensor. The cost isn't high, but it shouldn't be ignored. If the light comes on while driving, pull over and check immediately.
