What happens if the ABS sensor is broken?
3 Answers
If the ABS sensor fails, it will affect the vehicle's driving, and it is recommended not to continue driving. When the ABS warning light is on, it indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's anti-lock braking system. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle may skid uncontrollably, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks. Common causes of the ABS warning light staying on: Cause 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 speed signal. This prevents the ABS computer from determining the vehicle speed and the wheel slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to adjust braking. Solution: Clean the dirt from the speed sensor and adjust the gap between the speed sensor and the signal ring to restore normal operation. Cause 2: Poor signal quality due to loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay can cause system failure. The most common issue is a loose speed sensor connector, which will also show up as a speed sensor signal malfunction in the ABS computer's fault memory. Solution: Check the wiring connections and reconnect any loose parts.
The most direct consequence of a faulty ABS sensor is that the ABS warning light on the dashboard will stay on, alerting you to a system malfunction. This means the anti-lock braking function may completely fail, causing the wheels to lock up during hard braking, making the car slide farther on slippery roads and losing steering control. I remember one time when I encountered this issue—after braking in the rain, I almost skidded through an intersection, which was really scary. Besides affecting ABS, a bad sensor can also cause traction control or stability control to fail, as these systems share wheel speed data. What’s worse, prolonged neglect may lead to brake disc wear and worsen the problem. Safety comes first, so I recommend that owners visit a professional repair shop for diagnosis as soon as the warning light appears. Reading the fault codes can determine which sensor is faulty, and replacing it will solve the issue. Simple maintenance, like cleaning around the sensors during regular car washes to prevent dust buildup, can also reduce this risk. Never delay—preventing minor issues saves you from major trouble!
When the ABS sensor fails, the ABS light on the dashboard will definitely illuminate, indicating a system malfunction. The sensor monitors wheel speed and sends data to the computer to control anti-lock braking. If it fails, the tires may lock up during emergency braking, especially on icy or wet roads, causing the car to skid further and potentially lose control. I personally experienced wheel lock-up once—the steering wheel couldn't be corrected, but luckily, I didn't hit anything. Additionally, functions like traction control and auto-hold may also stop working since they rely on ABS sensor signals. It's recommended to visit a repair shop immediately for diagnosis using specialized tools—replacing the sensor is usually the fix. When driving normally, avoid excessive speed on bumpy roads to protect the sensor. Safety is no trivial matter; address issues promptly when detected to ensure a secure drive.
