What causes the ABS light to come on in a Volkswagen Polo?

2 Answers
RuthMarie
08/31/25 8:08am
ABS light illumination can occur in various states, with different causes and solutions for each state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS warning light stays on (most common). Cause 1: The ABS wheel speed sensor's sensing area is covered by dirt, mud, or other contaminants, affecting its ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS control unit from determining the vehicle speed and 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 tone ring to restore normal operation. Cause 2: Loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay lead to signal issues and system malfunction. Solution: Check the wiring connections and reconnect any loose parts. State 2: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates but turns off during acceleration. Cause: When multiple electrical devices are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As engine speed increases and voltage rises, the ABS light turns off. This may also occur due to insufficient power supply voltage to the ABS system, such as poor terminal contact or grounding issues. Solution: Check the battery's specific gravity; inspect the charging system; 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; loose wiring connections in the ABS hydraulic valve body; ABS control unit failure. Solution: Loosen and retighten the grounding screw on the hydraulic valve body, cleaning the contact surface if necessary; check for enlarged connector gaps; replace the ABS or ABS/ASR control unit. State 4: ABS warning light illuminates during high-speed driving. Cause: During high-speed driving, the ABS control unit detects a significant discrepancy between rear and front wheel speeds; incorrect tire or wheel rim specifications. 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 intermittently illuminates. 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 push the brake switch linkage down fully with your finger, then release the pedal to complete self-positioning; replace the brake light switch if necessary. When 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.
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Cali
09/13/25 4:17am
I've been driving a Volkswagen Polo for several years and have encountered the ABS light coming on multiple times. The most common issue is a faulty wheel speed sensor. That little component near the wheels tends to accumulate dust or get water inside, causing incorrect signal transmission and triggering the light. Sometimes it's due to insufficient brake fluid or leaks, which makes the system detect inadequate pressure and sound the alarm. Loose wiring connections or blown fuses are also frequent causes - you'll need an OBD diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes. Once I ignored it and almost skidded during emergency braking - still gives me chills thinking about it. When washing your car, avoid spraying directly under the chassis, and regularly check brake fluid levels. If you spot any issues, take it to a professional repair shop immediately - don't compromise safety to save a few bucks. The ABS anti-lock system is crucial; when that light comes on it means emergency braking might fail, so prompt attention is essential.
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