Vehicles now come with a full debate of warning lights, which indicates to the driver of a car that there has been a car issue. If you’ve driven for any length of time, you will probably be aware of what the ABS warning light is for. Vehicle can come fitted with some dashboard warning light but the most important one is the ABS Warning light. It’s very important because the ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) helps the vehicle drivers to safely stop a car and prevent it from skidding particularly in cases of emergency. In this article we’ll highlight the meaning of ABS warning light, what causes them to appear, and what you should do when it does.
What is the ABS Warning Light?
The ABS warning light on your dashboard will come on if there is a problem with your anti-lock braking system. If activated, continues to work but the warning light comes on to make you aware that it’s active. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking up if you have to brake hard, so that the driver can steer the car and reduce stopping distances. The system is engaged if the light remains on.
Why the ABS Warning Light is Important
The anti lock braking system or ABS is one of the important safety features which help to improve the control of steering and avoid skidding if the car suddenly comes to a halt. This essay discusses why the warning light should never be ignored.
The ABS is a very essential safety feature as it plays a vital role in stopping a vehicle quickly. It helps to prevent the wheels from locking while braking thus allowing the driver to maintain the control of the car. Without it, the risk of accident will increase especially if the terrain is wet as unlocked wheels will lead to skidding.
The yellow warning light usually turns on when there are issues with power steering. This is because sometimes, it can be shared with the power steering via the same control circuit. The light will also come on if there is a need to service break pads in order to ensure the proper working of the ABS for safe driving. It will also turn on when the system has been disconnected since it will require recalibration of the wheel speed sensors in order to meet the service requirements.
In conclusion, the ABS warning light should never be ignored as it helps to prevent accidents and is an important safety feature for driving smoothly.
Security risks: The ABS helps you maintain traction and steering control in an emergency braking condition. If the system is not functioning, you are more likely to lose control of the vehicle which is going to increase the risks of accident.
Performance Impairment: While your vehicle can still brake properly, it won't have the added safety benefits of the ABS, and can decrease your vehicle's braking performance.
Legal Issues: In some areas, you will find not having working ABS can be a violation of the vehicle safety laws, subjecting you to a fine and/or failure of state inspection.
Common Causes of ABS Warning Light Activation
There can be a number of causes behind the ABS light being activated: if the malfunction is not serious, an ABS warning light may start flashing. To diagnose and fix the problem, it is helpful to know these reasons:
Failing Brake Wheel Speed Sensors: Each wheel has a wheel speed sensor that tells the computer how fast the wheel is rotating. Usually, each sensor has a magnet that spins around a wire that the computer detects as it passes by. If one of these sensors goes bad and stops converting the speed voltage into rotational movement it will tell the computer that the wheel is not turning and we will get that warning light. Another way that the sensors can go bad damaging the magnets and will start to tell the computer that the wheel is turning faster than it is actually turning.
Fraying Wires: The wiring that connects the ABS sensors to the control module can wear out over time from the normal wear of driving on the road, the particular elements present where you live and the movement of rodents. If the normal wear leads to frayed and damaged wiring, it can cause problems with communication inside of the ABS system.
Bad ABS Control Module: the control module processes the information from the wheel speed sensors. If this module is bad, it causes an ABS warning light.
Low level of brake fluid: The ABS relies on brake hydraulic pressure which is provided by the brake fluid. If there are less brake fluid, it will make an affect on ABS and the warning light will show on dash board.
If you have a blown fuse – for example, one in the ABS circuit: Blown Fuse You had a blown fuse – an occurrence we’ve already discussed; say, one in the ABS circuit. Your ABS is now disengaged and you’ve got your warning light lit.
Worn Brake Pads: While not as likely, severely worn brake pads can cause the ABS system to find an issue and illuminate the warning light.
What to Do When the ABS Warning Light Comes On
If the light for your ABS comes on, you should not ignore it or drive with it, for the moments to follow are crucial:
Make sure the Brake Fluid Level is OK: Check for Low Brake Fluid. If your brake fluid needs to be topped up, put in the brake fluid advised for your car. If it’s still On, there’s probably another problem.
Check ABS Fuse: Check the fuse that runs the ABS in the fuse box. Pinch the fuse to make sure it’s not melted. If it is, replace it. Look up where the fuse is for your exact vehicle in your vehicle’s manual.
Check the Wheel Speed Sensors: Are the wheel speed sensors dirty, damaged or unplugged? Cleaning the sensors or reconnecting any loose wires could be the fix. If not, the sensors might need to be replaced.
Check the Freeze Frame Replay: Utilising the OBD-II function, we’d like to discreetly ask your OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes stored in your ABS module to amaze us. In doing so, it will decipher the solution to this puzzle. The OBD-II scanner can be yours or to a mechanic.
Contact a Professional Mechanic: If you can’t solve it yourself, have that mechanic look at the vehicle. He can make a complete diagnosis and repair any underlying damage to your ABS system.
Preventive Maintenance for ABS
Remember, if your car ever goes into sleep mode you will only have around an hour before the ABS warning light switches on, but if you stay on top of your maintenance schedule that should never happen.
Regular Brake Inspections: Have your brakes inspected regularly by an expert; brake pads and rotors should be checked, as well as brake fluid levels.
Keep Wheel Speed Sensors Clean: Clean wheel-speed sensors on a regular basis to prevent dirt from causing signal problems.
Check Wiring: Ensure that all of the wiring going to and from the ABS sensors and module is free from damage and wear.
Check brake fluid levels on a regular basis and keep them at the correct level. Replace brake fluid as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
4) Update the ABS software: Your vehicle manufacturer might issue a software upgrade for the ABS system from time to time in the form of a downloadable file or on a CD. If you receive such an upgrade, be sure to install it on your vehicle as soon as possible.
Conclusion
If there’s a warning light in your dashboard, chances are it’s the ABS warning light. The ABS warning light tells you a lot about your vehicle’s braking system and, if you ignore it, you’re very likely to put your own life and property at risk. Also, you might risk damaging your vehicle. That’s why we’ve discussed the possible causes of an anti-lock brake system warning light illuminating. We hope this helps in putting you on the right path as far as your ABS system is concerned. Remember, part of owning and maintaining your vehicle is looking out and keeping an eye on warning light illuminations. It helps to prevent breakdowns and also save you from hefty tow bills. If the indications on your vehicle’s dashboard are properly interpreted, and repairs done in a timely manner, you’ll be happy to know that your car or truck is in its best shape for the road.