What is the reason for the ABS light coming on after a vehicle inspection?
2 Answers
The reason for the ABS light coming on after a vehicle inspection: During the inspection, tailpipe emissions need to be tested. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, only the front wheels rotate during the tailpipe emissions test. For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, only the rear wheels rotate during the tailpipe emissions test. As a result, the ABS warning light may come on after the inspection, which is normal and will resolve after driving for a while. ABS is the anti-lock braking system in a vehicle, which uses wheel speed sensors to detect the rotation speed of the wheels. During the tailpipe emissions test, not all four wheels rotate together, causing the ABS system to perceive a fault in certain components, thus triggering the ABS warning light after the inspection. After driving a certain distance post-inspection, the ABS warning light will turn off.
Last time after my car inspection, the ABS light came on, which was really annoying. I've learned a lot from experienced drivers - during inspections, equipment often interferes with wheel speed sensors. For example, test rollers may get dust on or displace the sensors, causing false fault reports. Loose wiring could also be the culprit if inspectors carelessly tugged on wire harnesses. An ABS light isn't just a minor issue - it affects braking performance. I suggest first driving a short loop to see if the light turns off by itself. If it stays on, don't delay - immediately use an OBD scanner to read the trouble codes. If it's a sensor issue, clean off any dust or check if fuses are blown. Safety comes first - with ABS failure, braking distance increases and skidding becomes more likely in rain. I've tried several times myself - most cases can be solved with DIY fixes, saving money and giving peace of mind. If all else fails, take it to a professional shop - spending a little money can eliminate risks.
