What causes the ABS light to illuminate in a car?
2 Answers
The reasons for the ABS light illuminating in a car are: 1. The brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir is too low; 2. There is air in the brake system pipelines; 3. The wheel speed sensor is damaged or there is a fault in the circuit; 4. The wheel speed sensor ring is damaged or there is debris between the sensor and the ring; 5. The electric return pump relay is damaged; 6. The electric return pump motor is damaged; 7. The solenoid valve relay is damaged or there is a fault in the circuit; 8. The two-position two-way solenoid valve is damaged, or the solenoid valve in the pressure regulator is incorrectly positioned; 9. There is a fault in the ABS ECU power circuit.
Once while driving, my ABS light came on, and it turned out to be mud stuck on the wheel sensor. After cleaning it, everything returned to normal. Common causes for the ABS light to illuminate include sensor malfunctions, such as dirt, damage, or poor contact, which are easily triggered on rainy or dusty roads. Another issue could be wiring problems, like aging wires causing short circuits or blown fuses, leading to signal interruption. Module failures are also common, where errors in the electronic control unit can cause the light to stay on. Abnormal tire conditions, such as uneven tire pressure, can sometimes indirectly trigger the light. The ABS system is crucial for braking safety; when the light is on, braking force may decrease, especially making the car prone to skidding on snowy roads. It's advisable to visit a repair shop as soon as possible to read the fault codes and check the system, avoiding delays that could lead to accidents. During every vehicle inspection, I make sure to have the sensor areas checked for cleanliness to minimize such issues.
