If the ABS light on the instrument panel lights up, this indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's anti-lock brake system. In most cases, this icon lights up simultaneously with the icons of other related systems: ESP, ASR (exchange stability, traction control, etc.)
The ABS error indication shows the complete inoperability of the system, and not the error of its individual elements, as in the case of an error in the engine management system. The ABS system, as a rule, does not have emergency operating modes. A malfunction of one of the devices leads to a complete failure of the entire system.
This is especially dangerous when operating a vehicle on poor road surfaces. It is necessary to carry out computer diagnostics in order to find out why the ABS light comes on - to identify all possible causes of the malfunction, and take measures to eliminate them.
The main causes of ABS system malfunction
In general, a typical car ABS system looks like this:
Typically, the ABS electronic control unit and the modulator (pump with variable valves) are combined into a single unit. The principle of operation of the system is to temporarily block the supply of pressure to the wheel brake pipe if the corresponding sensor shows that the wheel does not rotate.
Experienced drivers know that on cars without an ABS system, it is necessary to brake on slippery roads by briefly pressing the brake pedal to prevent the wheel from locking. If the wheels lock, the car becomes uncontrollable, which can lead to an accident.
The main causes of ABS system malfunction are:
- malfunction of the electronic control unit;
- failure of solenoid valves in the modulator;
- malfunction of wheel rotation sensors;
- damage to the electrical wiring to the wheel rotation sensors;
- Damage or clogging of the rotation sensor area (in the figure shown there is a ring gear);
- failure of the fuses supplying the ABS unit, especially those serving the pump in the modulator;
- loss of communication via the CAN bus.
The ABS unit can receive and transmit information to other systems: engine control unit, display panel, body control unit. Information from the traction control and stability control systems is also processed by the ABS control unit.
Troubleshooting
The most reliable way to determine a faulty device, component or sensor is computer diagnostics.
Some cars produced before 2000 allow diagnosing the system using blink codes (closing certain contacts on the diagnostic connector, determining the error code by blinking the warning light). In Chrysler Group vehicles, error codes can be determined after turning the ignition on and off three times. They will be displayed on the digital odometer.
Video - what to do if the ABS light comes on on the dashboard of the Toyota Karina E:
After reading the error code, it is necessary to decrypt it, if this is not done automatically by the diagnostic scanner software. Next you need to start troubleshooting.
What to do in various situations if the ABS light is on on the instrument panel
1. The error code indicates a failure (open circuit or short circuit) of the speed sensor of a specific wheel (for example, rear right)
Such malfunctions are most likely to occur in the ABS system. You should not immediately buy a new sensor. In most cases, the malfunction is associated with damage to the wiring connecting the sensors to the ABS control unit. The best option for determining the location of the break is a “continuity test” (measuring the resistance in the circuit), starting from the connector of the ABS control unit. To do this, you need to know the electrical diagram for a specific unit.
For Mercedes Sprinter 2005 The ABS unit connection diagram looks like this.
It shows that the wheel sensors are connected to pins 12-13, 16-15, 14-29 and 31-30. In order to ring the sensors from the connector, you need to disconnect the ABS unit connector and find the corresponding contacts. Connector pinout for Mercedes Sprinter (2005 onwards)
If there is no pinout of the connector, you can find the numbers of the outer contacts on the connector itself; it is usually marked on it.
The sensor and wiring are considered to be working if the multimeter readings are less than 1000 Ohms in at least one direction, but not less than 10 Ohms (short circuit of the wiring). If the resistance value is infinite in both directions, there is an open in the circuit or sensor.
It is necessary to check the resistance at the sensor connector. They are located either near the rack for the front wheels, or in the area of the rear row of seats for the rear wheel rotation sensors. If the sensor does not ring, it should be changed.
Video - why the ABS lights up on the dashboard of Priora, Kalina, Grant (fault diagnosis):
If the sensor rings, but the wiring as a whole is not, you should look for a break in the wiring connecting the sensor to the ABS control unit. Sometimes there are up to 3 cases of breakage, especially if the car has been operated for a long time with a faulty ABS system.
2. The error code indicates that there is no signal from a specific wheel rotation sensor.
Certified service stations have special devices that record the shape of electrical signals - oscilloscopes. The electrical signals from the speed sensor should look something like this.
The frequency of the pulses depends on the speed of rotation of the wheel, the amplitude (span) depends on the sensitivity of the sensor. If the teeth on the wheel axle, from which the sensor reads information, are clogged, the amplitude is greatly reduced. The ABS unit may not see this information.
In some car models, information about wheel rotation is transmitted by a special rubber or plastic ring with magnetic segments. Very often, when repairing a hub, car mechanics do not even think about why it is needed, and simply do not install it or deliberately remove it as an extra element.
Sometimes a pebble gets into the gap between the teeth and the sensor, which moves the sensor away, reducing its sensitivity. In such situations, it is necessary to clean the gap and adjust it.
3. Failure of pressure regulator solenoid valves
The malfunction is considered critical and usually requires a unit repair (replacement with a working ABS unit or a new one). Repairing a modulator is extremely difficult.
4. Malfunction in power supply circuits
In such a situation, the ABS unit or pump may not be diagnosed at all. It is necessary to check all fuses responsible for servicing the ABS system.
5. Lack of communication via CAN bus
This is a kind of local network that connects all vehicle control units to automate control, monitoring and display. The malfunction is classified as complex and requires specialist intervention. The CAN bus represents a twisting of conductors.
If there is a break or short circuit somewhere in the circuit, the control units, including the ABS, lose communication with each other, information about the vehicle speed from the engine control unit may not be transmitted to the ABS, and it enters emergency mode.
The ABS system refers to the engine braking system; traffic safety depends on its proper operation. You should not skimp on its repair and maintenance.
When contacting a service station to repair ABS, ESP, ASR systems, ask whether the workshop is certified for this type of repair. Reputable service stations that carry out repairs and maintenance of brake systems must have a stand similar to that used for technical inspection. Simple services of an auto electrician to eliminate errors may not be enough for the correct operation of the ABS.
Do not pay for work immediately after eliminating (especially simply deleting) errors. Be sure to request bench and sea trials. In many cases, even after a high-quality repair, the error appears again after several braking and turns.
It's simple: if the ABS icon lights up on the instrument panel, it means the braking assistance system is faulty. This does not mean failure of the entire braking system, but we consider it necessary to understand the reasons for this and the consequences.
What is ABS
The anti-lock braking system does not allow the wheels to “stand up” during sudden braking, dosing the deceleration force. ABS usually increases braking distance, but leaves the driver with controllability. A modern ABS system may also include traction control, dynamic stabilization devices and a brake assist system (BAS). A complex of such systems works for the benefit of active vehicle safety.
The ABS device includes several main components, including:
- Wheel speed and acceleration sensors located directly on the hubs;
- Hydraulic unit, including solenoid valves, pump and hydraulic accumulators (actuators);
- An electronic control unit (ECU) that ensures the system operates in the most efficient mode. Based on the information collected from the sensors, the device sends commands to the ABS actuators.
Reasons for the anti-lock braking system light to come on
Normally, the ABS indicator on the instrument panel lights up for a few seconds and goes off every time the engine is started. If the icon is not displayed at this moment, the system is inactive and needs to be checked. There may be several reasons why the ABS light comes on:
- Broken wires;
- ABS sensors are dirty, disconnected or faulty;
- The ring gear on the wheel hub is damaged;
- The electronic system control unit does not function.
Regardless of the reason for which the ABS is on, the standard on-board computer collects information about the problems and analyzes it to generate an error code. The detection of a specific malfunction is indicated by the same warning light.
What is the danger of ABS failure?
If the indicator does not light up due to a burnt out bulb, solving the problem will not be difficult. Just replace it with a new one yourself or with the help of service staff. If the anti-lock braking system indicator comes on while the vehicle is moving, be extremely careful when braking sharply. Of course, a complete loss of control will not occur, but the car may skid. A failed system will prevent the vehicle from moving when the brake pedal is pressed, much less avoiding obstacles carefully.
What can you do before going to a car service center?
If abnormalities are detected in the operation of the ABS, it is necessary to conduct a visual inspection of the system elements.
- The electronic control unit is checked for water inside the device and damage to the housing after disconnecting the brake pipes and wires. The ECU is located next to the brake force distributor. If you find liquid, the device must be blown out and dried. For safety, it is important to disconnect the battery.
- You can also check the serviceability of the fuses yourself. Several electronic components related to the anti-lock braking system are located on a common panel under the hood.
- It is advisable to inspect the wires connected to the sensors on the wheels as well. To do this, lift the car body with a jack so that the wheel hub area is clearly visible. This check allows you to detect wires that have flown off the fastenings or ground in.
If after the described actions the ABS light continues to light, check the activity of the system while driving. Accelerate the car to 40 km/h and sharply press the brake pedal all the way to the floor. When the ABS is working properly, vibration is felt; when the anti-lock braking system is turned off, there are no twitches. To conduct a thorough examination of the ABS components, the car must be delivered to a trusted car service center. The technicians will use a car tester to conduct computer diagnostics and analyze the error code of the anti-lock braking system. Sometimes you can fix the problem by “resetting” the error by removing the battery terminal.
If any car malfunction occurs, contact the official service centers of FAVORIT MOTORS Group of Companies. Qualified specialists provide a full range of services for maintenance, diagnostics and repair of machines of foreign and domestic brands. Our technicians undergo regular training in authorized training centers, which guarantees high quality service at reasonable prices. In our work we use only original spare parts and reliable consumables. Take care of the safety of your car, trust the professionals!
Before the appearance of ABS systems in cars in the 70s of the 20th century, they were less safe when compared with today's modern cars. This was especially true when the driver had to move either on a wet or snowy icy road. In those years, old cars were usually equipped with not very high-quality wheels (tires), not entirely reliable rear-wheel drive, as well as a conventional and simple braking system without any electronics. But today, as you know friends, everything has changed for the better. Nowadays, most drivers don’t even think about the modern brake systems on their cars. Today, each of us (drivers) feels confident and reliable behind the wheel of a car, even when driving or when it is icy. It's all about the following. Most modern cars these days are equipped with front-wheel drive, which gives drivers confidence when driving a car. And what’s more, these cars are also equipped with the latest modern electronic safety systems that control the car’s grip on the road surface, and excellent modern tires that demonstrate some miracles of grip on a slippery road. One of the most important systems in any modern car today is the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which significantly reduces the stopping distance of the car and prevents wheel locking, which can lead to loss of traction and, accordingly, further skidding.
The ABS system has become standard equipment in the automotive industry; these days it is installed on virtually every modern car produced by automobile companies. As we have written more than once, this “ABS” system consists of several parts, namely, speed sensors that are installed specifically on the wheels of the car, an electronic control unit for the anti-lock braking system and also hydraulic valves, which, according to a certain signal from the electronic unit, are here - they regulate a certain braking force in each wheel without resorting to the help of the driver (without his participation).
Wheel ABS sensors monitor the speed of rotation of each wheel of the car and constantly transmit data to the car computer. As soon as the ABS system unit begins to notice (see) that the wheel stops rotating, it immediately activates the valves of the hydraulic brake system and it, in turn, immediately begins to reduce the brake pressure in this very wheel. As a result, the brake fluid pressure in the wheel immediately drops and the braking force is reduced, which further helps to unlock the wheel and regain traction. This process is repeated through the car’s computer several times per second until the car comes to a complete stop or the driver releases the brake pedal.
The ABS control unit and the car computer automatically perform a self-test of the anti-lock braking system every time the ignition is turned on. That is, every time you start the car, an automatic test of the ABS system immediately occurs. If, during self-testing, the car computer does not receive enough data from the sensors, from the ABS control unit and from the hydraulic valves of the brake system, then the warning light with the “ABS” icon lights up. For example, let’s say if the car’s computer or the same “ABS” control unit did not receive a return signal from the hydraulic pump of the brake system or from the same valve installed on each wheel, then the “ABS error” signal will immediately light up on the instrument panel (on the panel) - in the form of an icon (indicator).
Friends, draw your attention specifically to this, namely, despite the malfunction of the “ABS” system and the appearance of its burning “ABS signal-icon” on the dashboard in the car itself, as a rule, the mechanical braking system still continues to work and you can safely without fear of continuing to drive the car, but without this electronic system to help lock the wheels during braking. That is, in other words, we can say that if the ABS system breaks down, you can safely use your car. True, in this case you need to be extremely careful when braking on a wet, snowy or slippery road, since without this “ABS” system, your car’s wheels may periodically lock. Therefore, friends, we do not recommend that if the ABS system malfunctions, you operate your car without appropriate repairs for a long time. Thus, all drivers should understand that if the car computer issues an “ABS system error,” it is necessary to establish the cause of this malfunction as soon as possible and eliminate it as soon as possible.
ABS system malfunction.
And so let's say. In your car, there is a warning light or icon on the dashboard warning you that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. What should be done in this case?
Firstly, first you need to make sure that the icon indicator that lights up indicates a problem with the “ABS system”, and not a malfunction of the entire braking system of the car.
To do this, you need to carefully listen to your car when braking and pay attention to the brake pedal. If, when braking, you begin to hear extraneous noises (whistles, knocks, squeaks, etc. sounds) or the brake pedal in the car has become too soft (softer than usual), then your task is to go straight to the technical auto center, where specialists must conduct a thorough diagnosis of the entire brake system of the car. Please remember that all these signs indicate a serious malfunction of the entire braking system of the car, which can lead you to an accident while driving. Therefore, friends, remember, if the brakes of your car have become very bad, soft and not quite normal, we do not recommend that you drive onto a public road with such brakes, as this can be very dangerous. In this case, you need to call a tow truck.
Also, in order to specifically find out that the faulty “ABS” icon that lit up was caused by the car’s anti-lock braking system, you also need to make sure that no air has entered the car’s braking system, that the brake pedal on the car is still hard and has not become too soft, and also make sure that there is no . To do this, you must first check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir, and then only all the brake pipes and hoses for depressurization or breakage.
Among other things, we must remember that when the ignition is turned on, when you see such an illuminated “ABS symbol” on the dashboard, you should never panic. Maybe this is just a common error in the car's electronics itself. Therefore, in such a situation, you need to turn off the ignition and remove the key from the lock, and then turn on the ignition again and check again whether the “ABS symbol icon” appears on the dashboard (panel). You need to repeat this process several times. It is quite possible that this is really a car computer error and after several such turns on and off of the ignition, this ABS system error will simply disappear.
If, however, after several attempts to turn the ignition on and off, this “ABS” system error on the dashboard does not disappear, that is, does not disappear, then you have two options:
First; - go to a car service center and conduct a thorough computer diagnostic of the entire car. The main feature of diagnosing the ABS system is the following, that is, in electronic polling of the ABS unit using special equipment for all kinds of errors in its system.
With the help of such diagnostics, a specialist will be able to quickly determine the error code in the ABS system, which specifically led to the appearance of the ABS signal symbol on the dashboard.
Also, this very “error code” will give a specific hint where exactly you need to look for the cause of the malfunction of the entire ABS system.
The second option is needed only by those drivers who want to get to the bottom of this very truth independently and on their own. In order not to use (not use) expensive diagnostic equipment for testing the ABS system, you need a service manual for your car (a book on the repair and operation of your car model), also a simple car tool that is sold in any car store and, of course, a multimeter with high resistance (high impedance). If you cannot find the necessary book for repairing your car model on sale, then please look for it on the Internet or download it to your computer or smartphone.
Friends, we draw your attention to the following: in some cars you can get direct access to the diagnosis of the same “fault codes” that are stored in the car’s computer, and all this without using a special diagnostic scanner. To do this, you need to check each electronic unit of your car (including the ABS control unit) using the old proven method, namely, using two simple wires that you must connect to the corresponding connectors of the car’s electronic systems. For example, you can connect these two wires to check the circuit in the same ABS control unit, for which you need to connect these two wires directly to the ABS control unit connector and short the wires with a pin or a regular paper clip. If after this procedure the “ABS symbol icon” error disappears from the dashboard, then the cause of such an error is located in the anti-lock braking system control unit itself. In exactly the same way, and in the same way, other specific and necessary contacts can be connected using a paper clip or pin and without the use of wires.
If, dear motorists, your car is equipped with a more modern computer, where error detection diagnostics are carried out only by connecting a scanner to the “OBD II” (On-Board Diagnostic) diagnostic port, then to establish the reason for the “appearance of the ABS symbol icon” on the dashboard you You will only need electronic diagnostics, which you can do either at a technical center or yourself, but with the help of an inexpensive error scanner you purchased for the “OBD II” port.
Let’s assume the following: you do not yet have any information about errors in the car’s computer, which led to the appearance of the “ABS symbol” on the dashboard. Don't rush into computer diagnostics. First, check the ABS control unit fuse yourself. After all, a common cause of malfunction of the ABS system is the usual fuse of the anti-lock braking system control unit.
And so we proceed further, you checked the fuse of the ABS control unit, which turned out to be in working condition. What to do now? Now you should use a multimeter to check the voltage and resistance in all electronic parts of the ABS system. To do this, read the operating and repair manual for your car, namely, all the corresponding control values for voltage and the corresponding resistance in the ABS sensors and in the ABS electronic unit itself.
True, you must not forget to check the main wiring harness that is connected to the ABS control unit before doing this. Carefully inspect the entire wiring harness responsible for the operation of the entire ABS system for damage. Also, remove the connector of this wiring harness from the ABS control unit and carefully inspect all contacts in the connector for contamination or oxidation. All wire contacts in the harness must be clean. If the contacts need cleaning, then using a special aerosol spray for cleaning electrical contacts and connectors, take and clean the connector from this contamination.
Also, when inspecting the contacts of the ABS wiring harness connector, pay attention to the corrosion of the contacts. Please remember that even microscopic chemicals of oxidation and corrosion can seriously affect the resistance in the ABS system electrical circuit. As many people know, a small voltage of electricity (millivolts) is transmitted through the wires, and even the slightest increase in resistance due to contamination of the connector contacts can lead to incorrect operation of the entire electronic part of the ABS system, as well as cause an error in this system, which leads to the "ABS" indicator lights up on the dashboard.
If the ABS controller looks intact and is in working order, and disconnecting the ABS wiring harness connector from the anti-lock brake system unit did not help you solve the problem of the burning “ABS symbol icon” on the dashboard, then it is time to check the serviceability of the rotation speed sensors wheels, which transmit information to the ABS control unit. To do this, you must initially measure the resistance of these sensors, checking them with the control values specified in the repair manual for your car.
If this resistance is within acceptable limits, then proceed to visually inspect the wheel speed sensors themselves, the wires themselves that are suitable for them, and inspect (inspect) the condition of each gear axis (or on each wheel hub), which are installed in the car on each wheel . As a rule, similar sensors related to mechanical sensors were installed on old cars.
Also, many modern cars today currently use sensors that need to be powered by electricity. As a rule, “ABS sensors” are used based on the “Hall effect” (a semiconductor plate is installed inside the sensor), which, when interacting with a magnetic ring on the wheel hub, record the change in the magnetic field itself and the rate of electron formation on the plate inside the “ABS sensors”.
Unfortunately, not in all cars these “ABS sensors” and the wires through which the signal from the sensors is sent to the ABS system control unit are reliably protected from an aggressive external environment. They may eventually fail due to damage and dirt getting on them.
In order to check the condition of the wheel speed sensors and the wires of the ABS system, you must first remove the wheels from the car, namely, jack up the car one by one from the desired side and remove each wheel.
This way you will have free access to the sensors and wires.
If, when inspecting the ABS wiring harness and wheel speed sensors, you find any damage (or the wheel speed sensor is not securely fastened or it is loose), then you can assume that you have found the cause of the error on the dashboard, which informed you about a malfunction of the ABS system.
But if, when inspecting these wires and “ABS sensors”, you do not find any external damage on them, then remove all the speed sensors of the “ABS” system from the hub (or from the axle) and check their resistance, as we have already said, using a multimeter ( if you haven't done so before). The control values of resistance in wheel speed sensors can be found in special books on the repair and operation of your car model.
We also advise all car owners to periodically inspect the wires of the wheel rotation sensors of the ABS system; do this even if the anti-lock braking system of the car is working properly and the “ABS symbol” does not light up on the dashboard. The point here is this: all the wires and wheel rotation sensors are located at the bottom of the car and they are constantly exposed to the aggressive influence of the external environment. Remember, friends, that the most important enemy for wires and sensors is salt, which is contained in road reagent, in water and in snow.
For what reasons does the “ABS” indicator light up on the dashboard if the sensors and control unit with the “ABS system” wires are working?
If after testing you find that all electronic parts of the ABS system are in good condition, and the ABS symbol icon on the dashboard is still lit, then most likely the problem itself is related to the hydraulic valve system of the ABS system, which Unfortunately, it cannot be partially repaired.
It will be useful for many drivers of modern cars to know what to do if the ABS light comes on. Some drivers are even afraid to continue driving when this signal is triggered. In this case, there is no need to be afraid, the brakes will work, but the anti-lock system will not turn on.
This device was specially designed to make it easier to drive a car in extreme situations, which occur quite often. Those motorists who only drive cars with such a device are at a loss when driving cars without it.
What to do if the ABS light comes on will also be useful for those who are faced with choosing a car before purchasing. Everyone who has been using cars with such a device for a long time emphasizes the effectiveness of its use in winter. This helps make the vehicle braking safely when driving on slippery roads. To use this tool correctly, you need to study its features, structure and application.
What is ABS?
This abbreviation stands for anti-lock braking system. Its main task is to prevent the wheels from blocking when braking the car. It is based on sensors that are required to monitor the speed of the car, as well as the speed of rotation of the wheels. For most modern cars, an additional unit is installed, this is a brake force distribution system.
The figure shows that the ABS consists of the following components:
- Sensor that reads wheel rotation speed (installed on all wheels);
- Hydraulic block;
- Hydraulic unit performance monitoring unit;
- ABS unit warning light.
Performance indication. The operating principle of the performance indicator is the same for all vehicles with ABS. The first signal from it appears immediately after turning on the ignition. The warning light indicates the operation of this device and should go out a few seconds after the engine is started.
If the light does not go out for some reason, it means that there are problems in this unit. If the signal of this lamp flashes while driving, then you need to check the functionality of the anti-lock braking system.
Reasons for turning on the warning light
The inclusion of a warning light on the instrument panel indicates to the driver that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. The brakes are in working order, but in extreme situations you will need to rely only on your driving experience. So why does the ABS light come on:
- One of the most common reasons for this situation is the failure of one or more sensors of this system. They are installed near each wheel on its caliper. A failure of any of them is sufficient to alert the driver to a malfunction. This can be caused by changes in the gap between the sensor housing and the rim of the gear rotor;
- The same can happen if the control unit loses communication with the sensors, caused by a break in the connecting cable or after oxidation of the contacts. Sometimes during maintenance or repair they are disconnected and then forgotten to be connected;
- A severe discharge of the battery can also trigger the light to turn on;
- Problems occurring in the hydraulic pump. They can be caused by a failure of the system's hydraulic valve or due to faults in the control unit itself. It can also result from inept intervention in the operation of the ABS.
How to solve such a problem?
Some may sigh and say that they have finally reached the goal of this article. If so, then I would like to offer some tips for solving such problems:
- Check that all device contacts are securely connected. There are only five of them in the system, one near each wheel and the fifth is located in the engine compartment of the car. The check is easy to do; you need to disconnect all contacts, clean off any dirt and oxidation. When all this is done, they are installed in their place;
- If the reason for the warning light to turn on is the ABS control unit, it is almost impossible to solve this problem on your own. In cars with an on-board computer, you can see the error code for this system. If you know how to decipher these errors, you can learn about the problem more specifically, but this does not mean that you can solve it yourself.
Some motorists shudder nervously when the ABS light comes on. They believe that in this case something bad happened to the brake system as a whole. The entire Internet begins to be scoured in search of explanations for the current unpleasant situation. Why did the ABS light come on and what should be done in this case? But panic is inappropriate in this case and hardly justified. The car's braking system must be in good condition; only the anti-lock braking system will be inoperative, which is not at all so critical. Of course, it helps out in some critical situations, but this is all fixable and we will talk about it in more detail in our article.
Reasons for the ABS light to come on
We list the main reasons for a constantly burning ABS light on the dashboard:
- the contact in the plug-in connector has disappeared;
Lost connection with one of the sensors, possibly due to a broken wire;
The anti-lock braking system sensor has failed; it should be checked and then replaced;
The crown on the hub has become unusable;
Faulty ABS control unit.
After you have completed the inspection and the cause has, at first glance, been eliminated, check the operation of the anti-lock braking system. This is very easy to do, just accelerate the car to 40 km/h and brake sharply. will vibrate and the flashing light will go out.
If a visual inspection of damage in the sensor circuit to the block does not produce any results, then computer diagnostics will be needed to determine the specific error code for the anti-lock brake system. On cars with an installed on-board computer, this task is greatly simplified. You will only need to correctly decipher the displayed code and determine the location of the problem.
How to independently check for malfunctions of the ABS light coming on?
We note the fact that the anti-lock braking system functions normally only if the ABS light comes on when the ignition is turned on and goes out after seconds. First of all, if the ABS light remains on, check the anti-lock brake system fuse and inspect the wheel sensors. It often happens that the sensor connector on the hub is oxidized or the wires are frayed, and if the icon remains on after replacing the hub or pads, then the first logical thought that comes to mind is that the sensor connector is not connected. If the sensor is covered with dirt, this can also cause the light bulb to light up.
Quite often, the appearance of an orange ABS indicator after a good slip can cause panic among motorists. But there is no need to worry at all in this case. Brake sharply a few times and everything will return to normal. This is a completely normal reaction of the control unit to this state of affairs. If the ABS light flashes periodically, then you should carefully examine all the contacts, and, most likely, you will find the reason for this behavior of the indicator and easily eliminate it.
Fixing the ABS light coming on
As mentioned earlier, there is no need to panic. Let's figure out what can be done to fix the problem without going to a car service center.
1. Open the hood and disconnect the battery.
2. The ABS electronic control unit is not difficult to find, it is located under the hood, often in the same housing with a hydraulic modulator - an element that distributes braking forces. You will recognize it by the multiple brake pipes that are connected to the block, as well as a bundle of wires with a connector.
3. Disconnect this connector and carefully inspect it for damage or moisture. If necessary, blow out the connector and dry it.
4. Check the fuses, which most likely should have been done first. But it's not scary.
5. If you have a car lift available, then look at it. If not, then use a jack and lift the car. Your task is to inspect the wires leading to the wheel sensors for damage. These wires often fly off the mounts and rub against the wheel.
6.
Wheel sensors are built in such a way that a wire comes out of them with a connector at the end. It can reach one meter. Your task is to find these connectors and check the presence of contact and its quality. Make sure there is no moisture or rust.
7. If everything is normal, but the ABS light continues to light, then definitely go to a car service center. An error in the anti-lock brake system is not always resolved by a “reboot” by removing the battery terminal.
Everything described here refers to troubleshooting and troubleshooting on your own. A specialized car service center will connect a scanner to your car, which will determine the breakdown.
