First, disconnect your automobile battery’s positive cable. Then, maintain your foot firmly on the brake pedal to shut off the car’s electrical system. The core computer of the car will be reset as a result. Reconnect the cord to re-establish electricity. This should reset the light if the system doesn’t still have a problem.
Step two: You might need to replace the ABS sensor if the light returns after being reset. To do this, unhook the sensor’s wire and detach the housing from the sensor, which should be affixed to the wheel hub. Next, mount and attach a fresh sensor. It’s possible that using the aforementioned technique, you’ll still need to restart the computer.
Step Three: If the light continues to illuminate, you should utilize an ODB code reader to identify the issue because the car still thinks there is a problem that justifies the light. Take your car to a shop to have the issue identified and fixed if you don’t have an ODB code reader.
In This Article...
Why is the ABS light on in a Volkswagen?
If the ABS service light on your Volkswagen is on, a fault has caused the antilock system to be disengaged.
Regular brakes on your car should be functioning flawlessly, but the ABS system that stops the wheels on your car from locking up when you brake won’t. This feature will also be turned off if your car has a stability or traction control system.
To track a wheel’s speed, an ABS sensor is put on each one. When you stop, if one wheel spins more slowly than the other three, it is likely locking up, which could lead to skidding and a loss of steering control. Usually, ABS will step in and quickly pump the brakes to the wheel that is locking up, allowing it to spin and preserving steering and braking control for the driver.
What follows is what makes your ABS malfunction:
- between the sensors and the ABS controller, a broken wire
- a system fuse that has blown
- A malfunctioning ABS controller
- a road grime- or damage-covered wheel-speed sensor
Should the ABS light be reset?
Only after the ABS controller runs and passes all self-tests will the ABS light automatically reset. It is not necessary to reset it, and it generally cannot be done so.
Why Wont My ABS Light Go Off?
There was a problem with one or more ABS system parts. It may be an erratic issue, such as a voltage drop caused by a faulty battery or an ABS system failure. In either case, it must be reset because it won’t go away.
How Do You Bleed ABS Hydraulic Units?
You must press the air out of the system in order to bleed the hydraulic unit. You simply need to squeeze the air out of the brake line to each brake caliper if you didn’t repair or loosen any hoses at the booster or ABS unit.
The proper size spanner for the bleed nipple is what you require. A second person to depress and hold the brake pedal, as well as a clear Flexi hose that fits on the caliper’s nipple.
The assistance should begin by applying the back brakes, pressing the pedal 48 times until they encounter some resistance, at which point they must maintain pressure. Remove the dust cap, then carefully open the bleed nipple with a flexible hose placed over it. Bubbles and a tiny amount of liquid ought should emerge.
While your aide continues to apply pressure on the brake, close the nipple. Repeat this process until the caliper is clear of all bubbles. Repeat the process for each of the four calipers’ brake fluid levels.
Use a large syringe to suction the air out of the flexible tube end of a caliper if you are having trouble doing so and the braking fluid isn’t coming out. The brake line and caliper will be cleared of air after this procedure.
You will probably require a scan tool to cycle the pump if air got trapped in the ABS hydraulic unit; for details, click this page.
Can You Drive Without ABS?
When you apply too much braking pressure, the wheels will lock up since the ABS isn’t functioning. You might have to pump the brakes in an emergency to counteract the effects of the ABS and lessen wheel lock.
Can I drive with my ABS light on?
As regular braking is unaffected by the ABS light, you can continue to operate the vehicle while it is illuminated. However, since your ABS system aids in stopping control and driving without it can be risky, we wouldn’t advise you to do this. You want to know how your car will function if something goes wrong. Without a fully functioning ABS system, your car could not respond to hard braking as it should.
What does it cost to repair the ABS light?
The initial diagnosis will cost you roughly $100 from a qualified mechanic. Because so many ABS parts are easily accessible, labor costs for the majority of repairs are typically in the $100150 area. A standard ABS sensor will cost between $80 and $125, however on some makes and models (GM, Ford, and others), the sensor is included in a hub/bearing assembly, raising the cost to around $350. Parts costs rise into the $500 to $800 area for more serious problems like those with the ABS pump or computer.
Q: Is it safe to drive a car with an ABS light on?
Yes, it is secure. Even having the ABS light on, the car brakes will continue to function normally when braking. But in cases of hard braking, the brakes will lock up, causing the wheels to skid. When you apply hard braking on ice during the winter, your ABS system is crucial to prevent your wheels from locking up.
Driving with the ABS light on in the winter is risky since your car won’t be able to withstand emergency severe braking. The safety feature gives you steering control by reducing your stopping distance and safeguarding you from mishaps.
Q: How much does it cost to fix the ABS system?
Ans: If you include the price of an ABS diagnosis and labor fees, it will cost about $200. The estimate, which is location-specific and excludes taxes and fees, is available here.
However, depending on the ABS module component, there may be an additional cost of $200 to 950 if you need to replace the ABS system. Many mechanics will repair your ABS for a total of $340 to $1100.
Q: Can Low brake fluid cause ABS light to come on?
Yes, when there is insufficient brake fluid in the ABS fluid reservoir, an ABS light will illuminate. You have an abnormally low fluid level, according to the warning light. Check to see if the alert goes away by shutting off the engine and starting it again. If not, look to see if the light is flashing. If so, it indicates that the brake fluid level is only a little bit low.
Q: Can worn brake pads cause ABS light to come on?
Ans: No. The ABS light won’t turn on because your brake pads are worn out. A blown fuse, an irregular wheel sensor, and low brake fluid levels all cause the light to come on. As a safety measure, it’s wise to change old brake pads in order to boost stopping power. To increase your car’s braking effectiveness, replace worn brake lines.
Q: What can cause ABS to fail?
Unless the ABD controller is malfunctioning due to one or more sensors or defective sensor connections, ABS rarely goes wrong. The most frequent reason is that metal shavings, debris, or corrosion have contaminated the sensors. Only after you slam on the brakes and realize that the wheels are locking up as you drive will you become aware of a malfunction.
Can ABS be harmed by a low battery?
The ABS light can illuminate as a result of a poor battery. The ABS light could also come on if your brake light is broken or burned out.
How can my ABS be unlocked?
When utilizing the brakes on a car with ABS, you need to utilize a different method than you would on a car without ABS. Drivers must understand how to properly use their anti-lock brake systems in order to fully benefit from its safety features.
Parking lots that are empty or other wide open spaces make great practice areas for emergency stops. Driving the car at a speed above which the ABS engages is one method of becoming familiar with how it works (usually above 10 mph).
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake Systems
Four-wheel anti-lock brake application:
- Maintain firm pressure with your foot on the brake pedal.
- NOT applying the brakes
- The brake pedal may vibrate and make a clicking noise.
- That is typical.
- Put the brakes on hard. The wheels’ sliding should be prevented by the ABS.
- To ensure that four-wheel ABS operates effectively, keep steering.
Rear-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake Systems
Rear-wheel anti-lock brake application:
- If the front wheels freeze up, release just enough braking pressure to get the front wheels rolling again so you can steer.
- The front wheels of light trucks with rear-wheel anti-lock brakes can still lock up much like with traditional brakes.
The anti-lock brake system has a dash warning light that flashes to let the driver know when it detects a problem. The ABS system will be turned off and the vehicle will resume using its non-ABS brakes as usual if the lamp comes on while you are driving. Even though the car’s conventional brakes still work, it should be taken in as soon as possible for repairs. Driving without it is undesirable, much like driving without auto insurance.
Why are my traction control and ABS lights on?
When a malfunction, a bad wheel sensor, or other mechanical issues are discovered, the ABS and Traction Control lights will illuminate. When coupled with the primary brake light flashing, these warning lights, which by themselves do not indicate anything serious, may indicate a more serious issue.
Here are a total of 14 causes for the traction control and ABS lights to illuminate:
- ABS module malfunction
- computer problems
- broken fuse
- improper wheel-speed sensor
- reduced tire pressure
- the steering angle sensor is faulty
- brake fluid is low
- incorrect steering rack
- faulty pumps and valves
- erroneous wheel alignment
- sludge and detritus
- battery voltage is low
- Slouch mode
- OFF the traction control
Do not panic if these lights come on while you are driving because your car’s braking system will still function. Just be careful not to cause any wheel slippage by slowing down and applying gentle braking. Having an OBDII scanner on hand is one of the best strategies for handling this circumstance. You could use this to decode codes, locate triggers, and turn off the ABS and TCS lights. But if it is not possible to reset the warning lights, take your car to a professional for a complete diagnosis and repair.