How to fix an car that has a warning light?
Do you have an anti lock warning light?We are a team of ASE certified mechanics who have created this guide to help you fix a problem with your ABS brake system and save a considerable amount of money in the process, or at least see what you are paying for when having it repaired.
"Anti-lock brake skid" is what it is called.The warning light will turn on if there is a problem with the brakes.This is to let the driver know that the safety system is no longer active.Let's get going.
In case of extreme braking circumstances, the anti-lock brake system helps to maintain control and stability of the automobile.The vehicle can go in whatever direction it wants, even completely sideways, if one or more tires start to skid.An anti-lock system can decrease the chance of a vehicle accident by 18%.The control of the wheel's speed is achieved by metering the brake line pressure.
There are wheel speed sensors near the wheel.The data from the four wheel sensors is sent to the computer module.If the computer sees one or more of the wheels turning slower than the others, it signals the valve to dump brake line pressure and then have the pump maintain this pressure to allow the wheel or wheels to start rolling again.It is normal for the brake pedal to vibrate when the system is activated.
The warning light is turned on when a fault code is generated and stored in the system memory.When a code is triggered and then repaired, the system should clear itself within a few minutes.
Today's systems are much more basic and include a computer module, valve and pump assembly, and four wheel speed sensors.The cost of the parts is more reasonable because of this.
Here is a video that will show you everything you need to know about the repair.Continue down the guide for more detailed information once you have watched the video.The easiest things to check first are presented.
If you have determined that you are going to fix the problem, you can park the car on level ground with the transmission in park and the emergency brake on.You may need to jack the car up to remove a tire.When lifting a car for repairs, always use a jack stand.
It is possible that you need to remove a tire for testing or part replacement.When replacing a wheel speed sensor, the brake pads may need to be removed.
There are two options for this repair.If you want to check the system manually, you can either purchase a code reader from Amazon or use it.The ALDL is similar to the engine computer control system.
The system is disabled when the warning light flashes or stays on.If the car needs this safety system, it won't work and you could lose control of the vehicle.An anti lock warning light will be in different places in the instrument cluster for each car.
If an electrical surge occurs, the system is protected by a fuse that can blow, just like any other electrical system.There is a short circuit in the system if the fuse is blown and you replace it with a new one.The power distribution center is located under the hood or in the fuse panel.
The wheel rotation is controlled by the computer using the wheel speed sensor.The wheel stator is attached to the CV joint and is used in conjunction with the sensor.Road conditions can cause the sensors to short out.You can use the guide to perform a test.
If you have tested the sensor or scanned the computer, you can get a trouble code.The job can be done with basic tools and a floor jack.
The controller can go out when it's used to monitor the wheel rotation speed.The computer module is attached to the pump motor with four or five bolts.If the key is turned off and you hear a humming noise, it's a sign that the system needs to be replaced.
The wheel speed sensor is used to monitor the speed of rotation of the wheel.The system can malfunction if this ring is damaged.The system will always be activated if the ring is damaged in a way that the teeth are missing.The rings must be inspected.There won't be a warning light for this problem.
Some of the rings are in plan sight, but others can be found inside the bearing hub or differential housing.
Hundreds of ABS light questions have already been answered by our certified mechanics, so if you have any questions or need more information about this guide, please visit our forum.
When driving a vehicle after repairs, be careful.If you hear abnormal noises or performance issues, this could be a problem.Most American built vehicles don't need code clearing.Some older European and Japanese models may need to be cleared.You still have a problem if the warning light stays on after code clearing.We have a forum where you can ask questions about the brakes.
You will need various tools and supplies for these jobs.If you don't have them already, we have created a list for you.
There are also replacement parts for a wheel speed sensor and computer module.We have created a guide to help you find the best deals.