The anti-lock braking system is installed in almost every modern car, and it helps drivers a lot to avoid blocking the wheels. Vehicles equipped with ABS provide maximum braking performance, resulting in shorter stopping distances. To diagnose the operation of the anti-lock braking system, the driver has a special indicator on the instrument panel. When it comes on, the car's computer systems warn the driver that the ABS is not working at the moment, and the wheels are likely to lock up if the brake pedal is pressed hard. The anti-lock braking system, if the car is equipped with it, must be maintained in working condition, in addition, there are not so many reasons why the ABS light is on.
How the ABS indicator should work
The ABS system can be divided into several functional blocks to make it easier to understand the problem, due to which the corresponding indicator lights up on the instrument panel. Note that the anti-lock braking system consists of:
- Rotation sensors. Usually there are 4 of them - one on each wheel;
- ABS module;
- Control devices for the correct operation of the ABS module;
- ABS indicator on the instrument panel.
If the anti-lock braking system light on the instrument panel lights up after starting the engine or while driving, the ABS system is disabled. Many drivers mistakenly believe that when the ABS light is on, they have problems with the brake system, but this is not at all the case. Responsible for diagnosing brakes on a car.
In the first seconds after starting the engine, all indicators on the instrument panel should light up. If at this moment the ABS light is not on, then it is faulty.
Based on the ABS device, it can be concluded that The system malfunction indicator light may be on for the following reasons:
- Problems with sensors mounted on wheels;
- Faults in the ABS system control unit;
- The cables between the elements transmitting information about their condition are faulty;
- There are problems with the crown on the hub.
All the described malfunctions can occur directly while driving. For example, vibrations on a rough road often lead to broken wires. When driving off-road, dirt or sand can clog the sensors, which will prevent them from transmitting correct information to the system control unit, and it will indicate a malfunction with the ABS light on the instrument panel.
The ABS light came on: what to do
The surest way in such a situation is to use diagnostic equipment, which will allow you to determine from which sensor the signal is not transmitted to the control unit and what errors exist in the operation of the ABS. If it is not possible to check the car on a diagnostic stand, you can take the following actions:
The ABS system is extremely simple in terms of the principle of operation and self-diagnosis. There are not many reasons why it can fail, and most of them the car owner is able to detect and fix on his own.
