What to Do When the Anti-lock Braking System Light Comes On?
3 Answers
Car anti-lock braking system light comes on due to a malfunction in the ABS system. There are several situations when the ABS warning light illuminates: 1. There is air in the ABS system pipelines, interfering with brake pressure regulation and causing the ABS system to malfunction. 2. A computer fault occurs in the ABS system, causing the ABS warning light to come on. 3. The vehicle speed sensor fails, preventing the ABS from functioning properly. 4. ABS wiring harness aging, poor plug contact, wiring harness breakage, or external shield damage can cause the ABS to malfunction, requiring replacement of the entire wiring harness or plug.
Last time when the ABS light came on, I was really a bit panicked. It happened on my way to a countryside outing—the light suddenly illuminated, indicating a potential fault in the anti-lock braking system. I immediately slowed down and avoided sudden braking, knowing that ABS prevents wheel lock-up. If I had to brake hard, the car could lose control. I pulled over in a safe spot to check the tires, looking for any stones or debris that might be blocking the sensors—the sensors are near the wheels, and sometimes dirt can trigger false alarms. I wiped them with a cloth, and surprisingly, the light went off. Later, I drove to a repair shop for a check-up, and they confirmed everything was fine. If cleaning doesn’t work for you, the sensor might be damaged or there could be a wiring short circuit. In that case, get it fixed by a professional immediately—don’t risk driving further, as it directly affects driving safety, especially in rain or snow when braking performance worsens.
I think the ABS light coming on is quite common. My car used to have this issue frequently, and it was mostly due to the wheel speed sensor. That little device monitors rotation speed near the wheel and can malfunction if it gets damp or too dusty. My first suggestion is to park, turn off the engine for a few minutes, then restart to see if the light goes away—it might just be a temporary glitch. If the light stays off, you're good. If it stays on, check the fuse box next; a blown fuse is often the quickest fix. For safety, avoid high speeds and maintain steady driving, as wheels may lock up and skid during emergency braking without ABS. From my experience, it's best to visit a repair shop the same day to scan for trouble codes—better to nip small issues in the bud. Repairs usually cost around 100-200 yuan, so don't let minor problems escalate.
