What Causes the ABS Light to Illuminate?
2 Answers
The reasons for the ABS light illuminating are: 1. Faulty wheel speed sensor; 2. ABS circuit malfunction; 3. ABS pump or pressure regulating solenoid valve failure; 4. ABS computer malfunction. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, which automatically controls the braking force during vehicle braking to prevent wheel lock-up, maintaining a rolling-sliding state to ensure maximum wheel-to-road adhesion. The ABS not only performs the braking function of a conventional braking system but also prevents wheel lock-up, allowing the vehicle to steer while braking, ensuring directional stability, and preventing skidding or deviation.
Last time I had my car repaired, I encountered the issue of the ABS light being on, which is usually a signal of a fault in the anti-lock braking system. The most common cause is a dirty or faulty sensor, such as the wheel speed sensor being covered in mud and giving inaccurate readings. A blown fuse can also cause the light to come on, sometimes it's just a minor issue. Additionally, damaged wiring or loose connectors can affect signal transmission. More seriously, a damaged ABS control module may need to be replaced. If the light is on, the basic braking function still works, but the anti-lock feature will be disabled, and wheels may lock up during emergency braking in rainy conditions. I recommend first checking the fuses and ensuring the sensor areas are clean yourself. If that doesn't help, take it to a professional shop to scan for fault codes. Regularly cleaning the undercarriage during car washes can prevent many such issues.
