ABS / Traction Control

The Traction Control Light can come on for numerous reasons and might be on with additional lights. Steering angle sensor faults can cause this or faulty abs speed sensors which will also turn on Brake and ABS light.

What is an Anti-Lock Brake System?

An anti-lock brake system, also known as ABS, is a system designed to prevent your brakes from “locking” up. This means it prevents you from applying excessive pressure to your brakes, causing the wheels and axle to completely stop rotating. When the wheels stop turning while the car is still moving at a high speed, it can lead to skidding, resulting in a loss of control over your vehicle. This is particularly dangerous when traveling at high speeds.

Contrary to popular belief, an anti-lock brake system does not actually stop your car faster than a traditional brake system. In fact, it may add a small amount of distance to the stopping distance. However, ABS provides you with control over your car, allowing you to potentially steer away from accidents and avoid serious injuries. Additionally, it helps increase the lifespan of various components such as tires, brake pads, brake calipers, wheels, and other parts influenced by braking.

Four Reasons Your Anti-Lock Brake System Light Can Come On

When the ABS indicator light illuminates on your dashboard, it indicates that there may be an issue with your system and it requires attention. There are four common reasons for the ABS light to turn on:

Malfunctioning ABS Module:

The ABS system shares components with the traction control system in your vehicle. Traction control ensures that all four wheels maintain smooth rolling contact with the ground. If irregular wheel spinning is detected, the traction control system cuts off power from the engine to restore stable traction. Sometimes, issues with the traction control system can trigger the ABS light. However, it could also indicate a problem specifically with the ABS system. Professional diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact cause.

Low Fluid Levels in the Reservoir:

The brake system relies on hydraulic power, which involves a cylinder pressing against fluid to engage the brake pads and bring the car to a stop. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a consistent and sufficient level of fluid in the brake system. If there is a slow leak or fluid evaporates, the fluid level drops, and the brakes may not function properly. The computer system can detect this through sensors and illuminate the ABS light.

Broken Wheel Speed Sensors:

Wheel speed sensors provide information to the computer system about the speed of each wheel independently. If the computer detects any abnormalities in these speeds, the traction control system adjusts or redistributes power to compensate. However, if a speed sensor is dirty or malfunctions, it cannot accurately relay this information. As a result, the ABS and/or traction control systems may be disabled until the issue is resolved or the vehicle is restarted.

System Turned Off:

Surprisingly, some vehicles allow you to manually turn off the traction control or ABS system. When these systems are turned off, the indicator light on the dashboard usually illuminates to notify you that this important safety feature is deactivated. If only the traction control or ABS light is on, there is a possibility that the system has been accidentally switched off. Checking if the switch was inadvertently bumped and referring to the owner’s manual can help determine the status of the system.