Why is the ABS light on?
2 Answers
ABS light on indicates an alarm from the anti-lock braking system, and the ABS system may stop functioning. The malfunction manifests as reduced braking effectiveness, increased braking distance, and poorer braking control performance. Therefore, when the ABS light comes on, the issue should be promptly addressed. ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, is a technology developed by Robert Bosch GmbH for use in motorcycles and cars to prevent loss of vehicle control and increase braking distance, thereby enhancing vehicle safety. The working process of the ABS system involves performing pulsed braking at a frequency of 6 to 10 times per second, alternating between braking and releasing. It replaces manual control with electronic intelligent control to prevent wheel lock-up, ensuring the wheels always receive maximum braking force while maintaining flexible steering.
When the ABS light came on, I was so nervous that my palms were sweating when I first started driving. After asking a car-savvy friend, I learned that it's usually due to a faulty wheel speed sensor, which detects the speed of each wheel. It can easily malfunction if covered in mud or knocked out of alignment. Other possible causes include aging wiring with poor contact, a malfunctioning ABS computer module causing the system to mistakenly detect an issue, or even insufficient brake fluid or air in the hydraulic pump triggering the light. It's recommended to slow down and pull over immediately—don't ignore the safety risks. If the anti-lock braking system fails, emergency braking can become very dangerous. It's best to visit a 4S shop or a reputable repair shop as soon as possible to diagnose the trouble codes with a scanner and fix the issue promptly for peace of mind on the road.
