The ABS is an abbreviation for the Antilock Brake System. The ABS is one of the devices in your car that are responsible for the safe driving and your control over the car in case of any emergencies. The first symptom If the ABS system have problem is: The ABS light comes on. For more information about basic functions ABS system and the common causes ABS light comes on, please read the full article below:
Basic Functions of ABS System
The main role of the ABS is to keep you safe from the any accidents and to make your that you do not lose control of your car like skidding, in case of any emergency braking. The ABS is a safety system which has the ability to recognize the stop in the rotation of the wheels during the brake while the car is still in motion, and release the brake fluid pressure which allows the wheels to start rotating again. The ABS is capable of this because it is fully automated. This operation may sound simple at first but its importance lies in the controlled stoppage or slowdown of the vehicle while greatly reducing the chances of losing control of the car. This will allow the car wheels to avoid getting locked up and skidding uncontrollably. But the ABS is a system which is also prone to wear and tear and can falter. When the time comes, the best course of action is to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Common Causes of ABS Light Comes
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
One of the various reasons for the ABS light to stay on is the faulty wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensors are located inside the center of the wheel and in some cases, inside the transmission. The Antilock Brake System depends on the data from the wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensors decide the rate at which the wheels of your vehicle are moving. They transmit that data to the Antilock Brake System which, upon receiving it from one or more wheels, determines that one or more wheels are moving slower as compared to the others and it releases the pressure of the brake fluid. This allows the wheels to resume their movement. If there is problem with the wheel speed sensor, the ABS will not get any data from it to control the movement of the wheels.
The wheel speed sensor is mounted really close to the braking system which makes it vulnerable to damage due to high heat caused by the brakes. This damage to wheel speed sensor could cause the ABS light to come on.
Unresponsive Hydraulic Pump or Valve
The ABS releases a hydraulic valve to increase the brake fluid pressure to hinder the wheels from losing friction with the ground when it receives the data from the wheel speed sensors. This valve or pump is more susceptible to damage probably due to internal wear and tear. One of the causes of this internal wear could be the dirt brake fluid. This could make ABS light to come on.
Faulty ABS Module
Another reason for the ABS light to come on is ABS module itself being faulty. This could happen due to the corrosion on the wires which could increase their resistance causing delays or no communication between the wheel speed sensor and the ABS. Even a small amount of corrosion is enough to keep the system from working. The worst case scenario includes the replacement of the computer in the module.
Read also: The Average airbag replacement cost
Low Fluid Levels
Like most of the braking systems, the ABS too relies on the fluids in order to control the pressure. A low fluid reservoir could prevent ABS from doing its job which can make the ABS light to come on. Too much air in the system is another probable cause of it.
The post Common Causes of the ABS Light Coming On appeared first on CarTreatments.com.
