When you drive your car, it is constantly monitoring different sensors to ensure that everything is working as it should. One of the systems that are monitored is the ABS or anti-lock braking system. The ABS monitors your wheels to ensure that they are all turning at around the same speed and uses the brakes to control the vehicle in slippery and bad road conditions.
Why is My ABS Warning Light On?
The ABS system uses sensors located on the wheels to measure their speed. Signals from all four wheels are monitored along with the position of the brake pedal to make sure that the vehicle is controlled and stable. If there are any abnormal signals, or one of the sensors is not sending a signal at all, the ABS warning light will be switched on to inform the driver of the issue.
What is the ABS Warning Light?
The ABS light will usually come on to inform you that the ABS system is getting abnormal signals or is not getting a signal from a certain sensor. However, it can also be turned on for other reasons including a blown fuse or low brake fluid levels.
What Does it Mean When the ABS Warning Light is Flashing?
If you see the ABS light flash and then stay on constantly, this will refer to a trouble code. The number of flashes will help you identify what the issue is that has caused the light to come on. You should refer to your manufacturer’s handbook or information about your make and model of car online to determine what the ABS system is informing you with the flashes.
How Does the ABS Warning Light Work?
The ABS warning light signifies a problem with the sensors on the wheels, brakes, and other parts of the car. Sometimes it can be a simple fix while other times you will need to take your car to a professional. There are a few things you can check at home if you have the right tools. You can remove the wheels so that you can attempt to inspect the sensors and wires for any damage. Double-check to ensure that the fuse for the ABS system has not blown. Bear in mind that if you replace a blown fuse, this is usually a temporary fix and the fuse is likely to blow again in the future.
What are the Common Reasons the ABS Warning Light Will Come On?
When the ABS light shows up on your dashboard, it’s a sign that there is something wrong with your anti-lock braking system. But what exactly is the problem? There are some common reasons why your ABS light might come on. These include:
Low Brake Fluid
The brake fluid is important for controlling the braking pressure within the ABS. The brake fluid reservoir in your car contains the fluid for this system. In some cases, there might be a leak from the reservoir, which will cause the fluid levels to drop. Additionally, there might be a lot of air in the system, which can also lead to low brake fluid.&
Problems With Speed Sensors
Each wheel hub on your car has a built-in sensor to calculate the movement rate of the wheel. The information is then transmitted to the ABS. If one of the wheels is moving too quickly or slowly, the ABS will increase brake fluid pressure to allow the wheel to move normally. Any problems with the speed sensor will be detected by the ABS, which causes the warning light to appear.
ABS Module Problems
After some time, the ABS module might form corrosion. This is a common reason for an ABS light. If there is corrosion on the module it will no longer be able to gather information from the wheel sensors, which causes the light to show up on the dashboard.
Is it Dangerous to Drive with My ABS Warning Light On?
When the ABS light comes on, it might be dangerous to drive depending on the reason for the light. The first thing that you should do is find a safe place to park and stop the engine. Shut the engine off and start it up again. This causes the car’s computer to recheck all the sensors for any abnormalities. If the ABS warning light stays on, you should take your car to be checked by a professional to determine the issue. In most cases, an ABS light should be inspected as soon as possible since it could be a sign of a more serious problem that could put you at more risk when driving.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix the ABS Warning Light?
How much you will pay to fix the ABS warning light will depend on the specific problem that has caused it to turn on. In some cases, it might be a free and simple fix that involves turning your engine off and restarting it. Or, it might be as simple and as easy as replacing a blown fuse. However, more serious problems such as issues with the wheel sensor or corrosion of the ABS module will require you to pay for more expensive parts replacement. The best way to get a quote is to take your car for a diagnostics test to determine the exact problem and have it repaired.
Will My Car Fail its MOT if the ABS Warning Light is On?
An ABS light switched on is an automatic MOT failure. This is because most problems with the anti-locking brake systems make it dangerous for you to stop your car in an emergency. You run the risk of the wheels locking if you bring the car to an emergency stop, which can put you and other road users in danger. The car will usually fail the MOT no matter what the reason is for the ABS warning light is on, and you will need to pay to have the problem repaired before your car can pass the test and be roadworthy again.
About Fixter
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