What is the fault when the ABS light comes on while driving?
3 Answers
When the ABS light comes on in a car, it indicates that the anti-lock braking system may have a malfunction. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Principle: The ABS anti-lock braking system uses sensors installed on the wheels to send signals when the wheels are about to lock up. The controller then instructs the regulator to reduce the hydraulic pressure in the wheel's brake cylinder, decreasing the braking torque. After a certain period, the original hydraulic pressure is restored. This cycle repeats continuously (up to 5~10 times per second), keeping the wheels in a rotating state while providing maximum braking torque. 2. ABS: In cars without ABS, if the brake pedal is pressed hard while driving, the wheel speed will rapidly decrease. When the braking force exceeds the friction between the wheels and the ground, the wheels will lock up. Fully locked wheels reduce the friction between the tires and the ground. If the front wheels lock up, the driver cannot control the vehicle's direction. If the rear wheels lock up, it is very easy for the vehicle to skid sideways.
I've encountered this situation before. Once while driving on the highway, the ABS light suddenly came on, which really startled me. After getting out to check, I found that the wheel speed sensor might have been dirty with mud, causing a false alarm from the system. When ABS fails, the wheels can lock up during emergency braking, especially on slippery roads where it's easy to skid and cause an accident. The mechanic said it could also be caused by a short circuit or a blown fuse. Never ignore this warning light—when you see it come on, slow down and pull over to a safe place. During regular maintenance, remember to clean the dust around the wheels to prevent problems. Finally, take it to a repair shop to check the fault codes with a diagnostic tool, spend some money to get it fixed—safety comes first.
There are quite a few reasons for the ABS light to illuminate: the most common issue is with the wheel speed sensor, such as aging damage or being covered in mud; short circuits or breaks in the wiring, especially after frequent hard braking; control module failures or blown fuses could also be the cause. If the light comes on while driving, it indicates the system's self-check has failed, and the ABS function is lost, making the brakes harder to control. You can start by simply checking the tires and brake fluid for any abnormalities. However, avoid attempting to repair the electrical circuits yourself—seek a professional shop to read the fault codes for accurate repairs. Regular driving habits like keeping the wheels clean and periodic checks on the wiring and sensors can help reduce the risk.
