What Causes the ABS Light to Illuminate in a Skoda?

[Addyson]

ABS light illumination can occur in various states, with different causes and solutions for each state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS warning light remains constantly illuminated (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 calculating the 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 function. Cause 2: Poor signal transmission due to loose connections between system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay, leading to system malfunction. Solution: Inspect wiring connections and reconnect any loose parts. State 2: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates but turns off during acceleration. Cause: When multiple electrical components are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As engine speed increases and voltage rises, the ABS indicator 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 battery specific gravity; inspect the charging system; examine the power supply (e.g., voltage relay or poor power contact). State 3: ABS warning light remains illuminated after engine start and only turns off when the engine is turned off (IGFF). Cause: Poor grounding contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body; poor electrical connector contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body; ABS control unit malfunction. Solution: Loosen and then retighten the hydraulic valve body grounding screw, 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 speed signals; incorrect tire or wheel rim specifications. Solution: Refer to the vehicle's specified tire and wheel rim dimensions, 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, depress the brake pedal and manually push the brake switch linkage fully downward, then release the brake pedal to complete self-positioning; replace the brake light switch if necessary. If the ABS warning light is illuminated, it is advised 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, preventing the driver from slowing down or adjusting the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks.