ABS light is on - stays on:

In the meantime, there are quite a few classics and a lot of young timers that have an ABS, an Anti-Blocking System. That is sometimes a source of confusion: Burning ABS lights;

The ABS light shows continuously that the light is still good. That is disturbing!

When the ABS light comes on, this often happens in combination with the handbrake / brake fluid light. If you are surprised with the burning of the ABS light while driving, it is generally possible to continue driving.

For the sake of certainty, it is wise to check the level of the brake fluid. If you continue to drive, it is advisable to drive and brake slowly. The ABS lamp lights up in many cases due to a short malfunction. In many cases, however, the light will stay on for a longer period after the malfunction.

This is because the ECU (computer) has stored the error code. If the ABS system actually has a fatal failure, it is likely that it has completely failed and the anti-blocking system may no longer work properly.

It is therefore important to drive extra carefully in order to reduce the risk of an emergency stop. Just say: Just like before. By reading the ECU, the cause of the ABS fault will be visible if it is correct.

During reading per other equipment, difference in error codes and error messages:

It is possible that an unclear error message appears during reading. It is then extra difficult to find out the error. For example, during the reading you get the error message ABS "internal error" while other reading equipment can give the message ABS "sensor problem". Perhaps that is also the reason why garage owners sometimes replace several parts during the search for the cause.

Possible causes are the ABS light:

Lighting up the ABS light can have a simple or a more complicated cause. As indicated earlier, it is most convenient to first read the ECU (car computer). If you do not have read-out equipment at your disposal and you do your own tinkering with your car, you could be the first to check the fuse (s) and possibly existing ABS relays. Another option is to first check and clean the brakes and the ABS sensors. This often resolves the malfunction.

In the absence of a compressor, buy a pair of clean air cans. With the Action this costs almost nothing. If one or more wheels rotate heavily due to the application of the brakes, this can also result in the ABS system malfunctioning. If the brakes start, it is possible that the brake pads themselves or the piston (piston) are stuck in the caliper. One or more contaminated sensors can also be the cause of the lit ABS lamp.

To clean the sensors, they must first be removed from the wheel hub. When removing the sensors, do so with care. The sensors are often made of plastic and, especially if they are a bit older, can break quickly.

Because over the years the sensors can get very stuck, it is wise to inject them one day in advance with WD40. Check the ABS sensor connection for cable break and see if the connection / plug is sound. If the sensors are removed, it is useful to measure them through with a multimeter. You measure the resistance (ohm) of the sensor. If one of the sensors has a different value, there is a good chance that the sensor will no longer work properly.

ABS light comes on after cleaning and checking the brakes and ABS sensors:

If, after checking and cleaning the brakes and wheel sensors, the ABS light is still on, it is important that the ECU is read out. Depending on the reading result, further viewing is possible. If the cause is a malfunctioning ABS sensor during reading, it is possible that it will not go into error again after cleaning the sensors and applying the brakes.

It is then more convenient to first delete the error code and check again if the error returns. Other possible causes are a problem in the ECU or a problem in the wiring / plug connections of the ABS system. Another cause can be a defective ABS module. This module consists of a mechanical part and, depending on which model of engine or car, also an electronic part.

If the cause is a defective ECU or ABS module, it will have to be replaced completely. Because these parts are very expensive to purchase, people often choose to have them repaired / overhauled.