What does it mean when the ABS warning light is on in an Accord?

[OHarmony]

When the ABS warning light is displayed in a car, it indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's Anti-lock Braking System. If the wheels lock up during emergency braking, the vehicle may lose control and skid, making it difficult for the driver to decelerate or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks. There are several scenarios where the ABS light may illuminate, each with different causes and solutions, as detailed below: Scenario 1: ABS warning light remains constantly on (most common). Cause 1: The ABS wheel speed sensor's sensing area is covered by dirt, mud, or other contaminants, affecting the sensor's ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS control unit from determining the vehicle speed and 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 signal ring to restore normal function. Cause 2: Poor signal transmission due to loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay, leading to system failure. Solution: Inspect the wiring connections and reconnect any loose parts. Scenario 2: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates but turns off during acceleration. Cause: When multiple electrical components are in use, the battery voltage may drop below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases and voltage rises, the ABS warning light turns off. This can also occur if the ABS system's power supply voltage is too low, such as due to poor terminal contact or grounding issues. Solution: Check the battery's specific gravity, inspect the charging system, and examine the power supply (e.g., voltage relay or poor power contact). Scenario 3: ABS warning light stays on after engine start and only turns off when the engine is turned off (IGFF). Cause: Poor grounding contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body, faulty wiring connections in the ABS hydraulic valve body, or a malfunctioning ABS control unit. Solution: Loosen and then retighten the grounding screw on the hydraulic valve body, cleaning the contact surface if necessary. Check for enlarged gaps in the connectors and replace the ABS or ABS/ASR control unit if needed. Scenario 4: ABS warning light illuminates during high-speed driving. Cause: The ABS control unit detects a significant discrepancy between the rear and front wheel speed signals during high-speed driving. This may also occur if the tire or wheel rim specifications are incorrect. Solution: Refer to the vehicle's tire and wheel rim specifications, typically found on the label near the fuel tank cap. Scenario 5: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates. Cause: Improper adjustment of the brake light switch or poor internal contact in the brake light. Solution: With the engine running, press the brake pedal and use a finger to push the brake switch linkage down fully, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting process. Replace the brake light switch if necessary.