ABS light stays on
In the meantime, a considerable part of the classics also has ABS. These anti-lock braking systems are just as important a contribution to our safety as the safety belts. The ABS light shows uninterruptedly 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.
Do not panic
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 with 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
The ABS light coming on may have a simple or more complicated cause. As indicated earlier, it is most convenient to first read the ECU (car computer). If you are tinkering with your car yourself, there are a few options: Be the first to check the fuse (s) and possible 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 malfunction of the ABS system. 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.
Be careful!
When removing the sensors, do so carefully. The sensors are often made of plastic and can break quickly, especially if they are a bit older. Because the sensors can get stuck over the years, it is wise to spray them with WD40 one day in advance. Check the ABS sensor connection for a broken cable and see if the connection / plug is sound. When the sensors are removed, it is useful to measure them with a multimeter. You measure the resistance (Ohm) of the sensor. If one of the sensors has a different value, chances are 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, during reading, the cause is a malfunctioning sensor, 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 system.
That will be expensive
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.