What Causes the Anti-Slip Light to Stay On?
2 Answers
When the anti-slip system light is on, it indicates that the ESP is turned off or has malfunctioned. Generally, there are several possible reasons: 1. The car may frequently drive on slippery roads, causing the ABS to activate, which is why the light often comes on. 2. Accidentally pressing the ESP off button. In this case, simply restart the engine or briefly press the ESP OFF button on the vehicle to check if the ESP was turned off by mistake. 3. Malfunction of the car's ABS pump. This requires inspection and repair at a 4S shop. 4. Signal transmission error in the car (such as loose or faulty sensor connectors, short circuits in the wiring, or related fuse blowouts). In this case, the fuse needs to be replaced.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered the situation where the anti-skid light stays on a few times, usually indicating an issue with the vehicle's traction control system. The most common cause is a dirty or faulty wheel speed sensor, which is prone to dust accumulation or water ingress near the wheels. For example, last time I drove in the rain, the light stayed on, and after inspection, it turned out the sensor wire for the right front wheel was loose—fixing it solved the problem. If the sensor itself is faulty, it needs to be replaced; it's not expensive but requires a visit to the repair shop. Other possibilities include a malfunctioning ABS control module or issues with the steering angle sensor, which are more complex. It could also be due to low battery voltage causing a false alarm—I once experienced this in winter with an aging battery. A constantly lit anti-skid light affects driving safety, especially on slippery roads, increasing braking distance and the risk of skidding. It's recommended to drive to a professional shop for diagnosis immediately when the light comes on, avoiding DIY fixes that might worsen wear. Regular cleaning of the undercarriage and sensor areas during car washes can help prevent such issues.
