Why do the ABS and skid control lights illuminate on the Mazda3 Axela?
3 Answers
There may be several reasons: the vehicle's skid control function is turned off; a fault in the wheel speed sensor circuit; or a malfunction in the ABS pump. The specific causes are as follows: 1. The vehicle's skid control function is turned off: If the driver accidentally disables the skid control function in the vehicle settings, it will cause the onboard computer to report an error and trigger the skid control light on the dashboard. Check whether the skid control function is turned off in the vehicle settings. 2. Fault in the wheel speed sensor circuit: When the vehicle encounters an obstacle while driving and needs to make an emergency turn to avoid it, the vehicle stability system uses the wheel speed information collected by the wheel speed sensor to adjust the vehicle's movement posture and prevent skidding and loss of control. A faulty wheel speed sensor will trigger the skid control light on the dashboard. The technician will lift the vehicle with a lift and use a multimeter to check for faults in the wheel speed sensor circuit. 3. ABS pump malfunction: A faulty ABS pump will prevent the vehicle stability system from controlling wheel rotation via the ABS during emergency turns, making it unable to adjust the vehicle's movement posture and prevent loss of control. The technician will use a specialized automotive diagnostic tool to read the ABS pump data and determine whether the ABS pump is faulty.
My Axela has been driven for a long time, and the ABS and skid lights occasionally come on. The most common issue is a faulty wheel speed sensor. Dust accumulation near the wheels or water ingress during rain can cause dirt or short circuits, leading to signal loss and system misjudgment. Other causes include aging wiring or loose connectors, where plugs may have poor contact on bumpy roads. If the ABS pump module itself is damaged, causing control circuit failure, the light may stay on constantly. Low battery charge or unstable voltage may also trigger the safety protection mechanism. Once the lights come on, the brake assist function may partially fail, potentially causing skidding or loss of control when cornering or on slippery roads. It is recommended to use an OBD scanner to read the fault codes and identify the problem after parking, then replace parts or clean components promptly. For regular maintenance, pay attention to periodically cleaning the sensor slots in the wheel hub area to avoid mud buildup and extend their lifespan.
I drive my Mazda 3 to work every day. Once, the ABS and skid control lights suddenly came on, which gave me a scare. The issue might stem from the braking system, such as low brake fluid level causing insufficient hydraulic pressure, or uneven brake pad wear leading to wheel speed discrepancies. Large deviations in tire pressure can also easily trigger false sensor readings and illuminate the warning lights. If wiring connections become aged and loose, or contact points rust, signal interruptions may occur. When the system malfunctions while driving, the brake pedal feels harder and steering becomes unstable. For safety, I immediately slowed down and pulled over to inspect the vehicle. At the repair shop, it turned out to be mostly simple faults like corroded connectors, which aren't costly but need prompt attention to prevent loss of control in emergencies. It's good practice to check fluid levels and tire pressure before long drives to avoid unexpected issues.
