What to do when your abs light is on?
Depending on the year of the vehicle, most ABS codes can be read by OBDII-based diagnostic tools on ‘96+ vehicles. On older vehicles or in special cases, a make-specific tool must be used, often owned by dealerships or independent shops. No matter which light is on, don’t ignore it for too long.
How is the ABS light different from the brake light?
The ABS light differs from the BRAKE light as it is usually controlled by a computer module. When this light is on, there are often trouble codes stored to help the owner or a technician diagnose the source of the fault in the anti-lock braking system. The BRAKE light on most vehicles is activated by…
How can I check the ABS on my car?
Depending on the year of the vehicle, most ABS codes can be read by OBDII-based diagnostic tools on ‘96+ vehicles. On older vehicles or in special cases, a make-specific tool must be used, often owned by dealerships or independent shops.
Why do you need an ABS system in a car?
When one or more tires start to skid, they will lose traction allowing the vehicle to move in whatever direction it wants, even totally sideways. Research has proven that a vehicle with an ABS system can decrease the risk of a vehicle accident by 18 percent by controlling the rotational speed of each wheel.
What does the ABS light mean on my car?
ABS stands for Anti-Lock Brake system. When your ABS light is displaying on your dashboard, it indicates that there is a problem with your anti-lock brake system. It could be a faulty wheel sensor, faulty ABS-ring, a wiring issue or just a blown fuse.
What to do if your abs light comes on?
If both your ABS Light and brake system light come on, this is an emergency and you need to stop driving right away. Have your entire brake system inspected by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic. The most popular service booked by readers of this article is ABS Light is on Inspection.
Can a parking brake light be activated by ABS?
Usually, the brake fluid level sensor and the parking brake are the only two items that can activate the BRAKE light. But, not all vehicles are the same, and some of the earliest ABS systems would trigger both lights simultaneously for any ABS fault.
How does the ABS self test work on a car?
The ABS does a self-test every time you turn on the ignition. Once you start your vehicle, the warning light will briefly come on, and if the computer finds a problem, the light will stay on. If you notice the light flash immediately after starting the vehicle, then it’s just your vehicle doing a self-check.