Why Is My ABS Light On?

Why Is My ABS Light On

The anti-lock brake system, ABS, is designed to keep drivers from applying too much pressure on the brakes or locking the brakes up entirely. The ABS does not actually stop your vehicle faster than a traditional brake system, contrary to popular belief. However, it will enable drivers to have control over their vehicle, giving you the ability to steer out of the way of a potential accident. Let’s look at a few reasons why your ABS light may be illuminated on your dash.

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Reasons Why Your ABS Light Turned On

When the ABS light is illuminated on your dash, it’s a clear sign that something may have gone wrong in your system. A professional car care inspection is recommended at this time. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why the ABS light has turned on.

1. System Is Turned Off

You may be able to turn the traction control or ABS on or off. When the system is off, it will typically turn on the indicator light on your dash in order to warn you that this safety feature is not working.

If only the ABS light or traction control is on, there’s a good chance the system has been turned off by accident. Check if you accidentally bumped the switch and reference the owner’s manual if you are not sure where it is located.

2. Low Levels In The Fluid Reservoir

The brake system is hydraulic, meaning it uses the power of a cylinder pressing against a fluid to close the brake pads and bring the car to a complete stop.

All drivers need a consistent and constant level of fluid within their brake system. However, if there is a slow leak or the fluid evaporates off, the amount of fluid will ultimately drop. In this case, your brakes will not be able to work properly. Your computer can usually detect this with sensors, which ultimately illuminates the ABS light.

3. Malfunctioning ABS Module

The ABS shares some important components with another system inside your car. This is the traction control system that is designed to keep all four wheels on the ground, working as smoothly as possible. If your system detects that one wheel is spinning erratically, it will cut the power off from the engine until stable traction is established once again.

This is specifically designed to keep you from skidding out of control when too much pressure is applied accidentally. However, the ABS and traction control do share the same control module and self-diagnostic system and occasionally can interfere with one another.

4. Broken Wheel Speed Sensors

Wheel speed sensors are a component that communicates with your computer regarding how fast each wheel turns independently. If the computer detects an anomaly in these speeds, the traction control system makes adjustments to different wheels in order to compensate.

If a speed sensor stops working or is dirty, it will typically disable your ABS and/or traction control system until the car restarts or the problem gets resolved.

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