ABS light on car

Causes, solutions & costs

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The ABS light in the car's on-board computer is used to inform the driver of the current anti-lock braking system status. If the ABS symbol lights up briefly when the engine is started, this is completely normal. However, a flashing or permanently illuminated ABS light can indicate a fault in the anti-lock braking system. In this case, you should generally read out the fault memory and check the ABS system.

Contents
  1. 1) When was the ABS system introduced?
  2. 2) Why is the ABS light flashing?
  3. 3) Why is the ABS light on continuously?
  4. 4) How can the problem with the ABS light be solved?
  5. 5) ABS light: How much does it cost to solve the problem?
  6. More Articles:

1) When was the ABS system introduced?

Already in the 1970s the first ABS units used in cars. In the year 2004 ABS units are now mandatory in new vehicles. As a result, the number of ABS units installed in cars has risen sharply. In the meantime, more than 300 million ABS systems produced.

2) Why is the ABS light flashing?

The ABS light shows in a normally running car that the Wheels unlocked This ensures perfect functionality. If the ABS sensors have a Need to switch on the safety system have recognized, the ABS light lights up briefly and shows you that a Brake support was guaranteed.

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If the ABS light comes on briefly when braking, this means that you have started to skid. In this situation, it is advisable to release the brake pedal a little and regain control of the vehicle. In newer cars, however, the ESP system, which is integrated into the ABS system, will help you to do the work and get out of the dangerous situation.

Display and appearance of the ABS light in the car/board computer; indicator light (MIL)
Appearance of the ABS light in the on-board computer (speedometer)

3) Why is the ABS light on continuously?

If the indicator light from the ABS continuously illuminatedthe following points can Cause to this:

An error has occurred in the computer which has caused the ABS light to come on
The fuses in the block responsible for the ABS system are defective and pass on the signal
The wheel bearing has failed, causing the anti-lock braking system to be falsely activated by the sensors
There is a problem in the vehicle electrical system, which is indicated by random lights switching on when the engine is started.
Dirt or rust got onto the sensors, causing the anti-lock braking system to switch on accidentally.
Clogged sensors, whereby the car's on-board computer indicates that a diagnosis of the fault code should be carried out.

Sometimes there are also problems with the alternator and other electrical circuit elements of the machine that switch on warning lights or diagnostic system lights of any kind. For example, the ABS light on an older car comes on even if a Fault or defect is present in completely different nodes. Therefore the Diagnosis without a diagnostic device is almost impossible.

4) How can the problem with the ABS light be solved?

One The first measure would be to drive to the car wash and a high-quality rim wash. This allows ABS sensors near the brake disks to be thoroughly cleaned. On the way to the car wash, a small Self-test can be done with the car: Open the windows, turn off the music and accelerate to a speed of 80 to 90 km/h. If, when driving in this manner, the wheels (rear or front) disturbing or slight rumbling heard,
is the failure of the wheel bearing the probable cause of the ABS light coming on.

You can also check the following sources of error:

Check the relevant fuse for continuity.
If possible, read out the diagnostic fault code and research it on the Internet.
Check the ABS sensors for cleanliness or rust. We generally recommend that you check the ABS sensors for damage.
Check the electronic control unit under the hood to ensure that there is no fluid on or in it. If necessary, replace the module for operating the anti-lock braking system. (control unit)
Check the plug connection and the wiring of the ABS sensors. It often happens that the cables are cut, as in some vehicles the cables are not protected well enough.

The Reading out the fault memory is the most important step in error analysis. The desired information is determined within a few minutes and you can use the Better narrow down the causes of errors. First of all, however, it is certainly not wrong to use the sensors clean for the time beingto see if the error persists.

View product photo ABS sensor. When this sensor is triggered, the ABS light illuminates
New "ABS sensor"

Where is the ABS sensor located?

The ABS sensor is actually located always inside the steering knuckle. The reason for this is that the pulse generator wheel is attached to the drive shaft. In some car models it can also be in the wheel bearing be included. You will always find the ABS sensor in the area of the wheel hub.

Showing the installed ABS sensor on a car. Position is in the vicinity of the wheel hub
Position of the "ABS sensor"

5) ABS light: How much does it cost to solve the problem?

The final cost depends on the cause that led to the ABS light coming on. As the first step is always Fault diagnosis is recommended, this results in costs of 25€ to 60€ in the workshop. We therefore recommend that you Purchase of a private diagnostic device. A good and above all cheap diagnostic device for the Hobby mechanic is clearly the MUCAR CS4. We have also taken a closer look at this diagnostic device. Instructions for MUCAR CS4.

If an ABS sensor is defective Emergency braking and dangerous situations are avoided as long as you have not replaced the sensors. After all, a malfunction of the anti-lock braking system can also endanger other road users. The linked diagnostic device can also tell you exactly which sensor is defective (front/rear position).

If you use the ABS sensor must be replaced with a new part, the total costs vary depending on the car model. The cost of a single ABS sensor depends on the spare parts manufacturer and vehicle, between 20 and 70 €. Is the Sensor in wheel bearing integrated, material costs of 90 to 180 € on.

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