One of the common problems with anti-lock braking system (ABS) in vehicles is, the light stays on even after the vehicle’s ignition is turned off? So possibly what can be the problem? This WheelZine article will solve your query.
If you own a car, then you naturally own its entailing problems as well. And if it’s a car with an anti-lock braking system, since it is computer-operated, the chances of problems occurring are high and likely. ABS, well-known as anti-lock braking system, is a safety-featured device installed in a vehicle to prevent it from wheel lockup and skidding conditions at the time of emergency. It grants a thorough control on a vehicle’s braking system and doesn’t let it lose its directional control on heavy braking.
These things have been proven on the conduct of several ABS road tests and statistics. With all these goody-goodies about ABS and the performance it exhibits, there can be a possibility, after some point of time, that such systems can prove fatal. And of all the odds, brake light and ABS light staying on while driving, is the most familiar issue seen in a vehicle with ABS. So how can it be solved is one question? Before that, let’s see a brief introduction on ABS braking system and its operation.
Operation of the ABS System
Did you know that the ABS pumps up the brakes 20 times/second? This action really avails the driver to maintain a thorough control over the vehicle even at the time of emergency. It was observed in primitive times that, a driver driving a vehicle, which was earlier without an ABS brake system, had to pump the brakes manually in order to prevent spinning, wheel lock and skidding. But in modern times, every vehicle has an anti-lock brake system installed in it. The brake pedals are smooth and unique, making the system to function effectively when the foot is planted on them. So this happens to be some conventional and technical information on ABS braking system.
Reasons Why the ABS Light Stays On
When the light remains on, many people panic and wonder whether there is a problem with the car’s light indicator’s electric circuit or is it something else! Well, if the driver is a bit technically sound, particularly sound about the ABS system, he/she might spot this problem instantly that the wheel sensor is faulty and the ABS brake system is malfunctioning due to some reason. An ABS system has a computer, a pump (motor) and a few sensors fixed at all the four wheels of a vehicle.
If any of these sensors happen to fail, the ABS light remains on in the time of motion or when the car is parked. It’ll happen that the vehicle will come to halt normally, but the ABS system will fail to function if you plan to make an emergency stop. On the contrary, when the ABS light remains on when driving or when the car is at rest, there is a possibility that you may have forgotten to release the parking brake somehow. But if you have released the parking brake and the warning light still remains on, then that indicates a problem with the system.
The problem can be the hydraulic pressure, which happens to settle on one side of the brake system which in turn reduces the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. This happens due to a leak somewhere inside the whole unit. One should fix the leak in the cylinder, if any, and refill the brake fluid to an appropriate level. Another reason under the chapter of why an emergency brake light stays on in a vehicle, is the parking brake switch. As this device is associated with the brake pedal, there are chances of it to malfunction in the time of action. Get the brake pedal alignment factor checked properly by a professional mechanic and also check the electrical system that connects the brakes altogether.
All of these problems mentioned above are the true reasons that support this subject. Another likely problem is the worn-out brake calipers. The brake fluid leak mars the condition of the brake system, wherein, the brake pads and calipers are a part of the system too, and hence, the wear and tear for the same! So, whatsoever be the case, furbish up the ABS system and its problem at your earliest!