What causes the anti-skid and ABS lights to illuminate simultaneously?
2 Answers
ABS light and anti-skid light illuminate due to sensor damage. The reasons for sensor damage are as follows: Reason 1: The sensing part of the ABS speed sensor is covered by mud, sludge, or other contaminants, affecting the sensor's ability to detect the corresponding vehicle speed signal. This prevents the ABS computer from determining the vehicle speed and the wheel slip rate, thus unable to issue appropriate commands to adjust braking. Solution: Clean the dirt on the speed sensor and adjust the gap between the speed sensor and the signal gear ring to restore normal function. Reason 2: Poor signal quality due to loose connections between system lines or poor contact of the ABS relay causes system failure. The most common issue is the speed sensor wire plug becoming loose, leading to failure. This condition will also display a poor speed sensor signal in the ABS computer's fault memory. Solution: Check the line connections and reconnect any loose parts.
My car had previously experienced the ABS and anti-skid lights coming on simultaneously. That time, I was driving to work when suddenly I noticed both warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, which made me a bit nervous. Generally, the cause could be a faulty wheel speed sensor, which is installed near the wheels and is prone to dust accumulation or damage from impacts. Loose wiring connections or blown fuses can also lead to signal transmission errors, as these two systems share sensors. Module failures, such as issues with the ABS control unit, are also common factors. If not addressed promptly, braking or turning on slippery roads can become unsafe and may lead to loss of control. I suggest that once you notice this, first try stopping and simply restarting the engine. If the lights remain on, promptly visit a professional repair shop to check with diagnostic tools. Avoid prolonged delays—safety should always come first. Regularly cleaning the wheel area during car washes can help prevent dust buildup.
