ABS warning light on: the 10 common problems causing ABS unit failure
ABS is an essential safety component that prevents wheel lockup during intense braking. It allows the driver to maintain control of the steering wheel where, without it, the tires would slip and make the car uncontrollable.
In this blog, we help you identify the source of your malfunctions and present the expertise of Reparlab by Faurecia Clarion, your expert partner in automotive electronics.
How does the ABS unit work?
During emergency braking, the ABS acts as an intelligent regulator: it prevents wheel lockup by adjusting hydraulic pressure several times per second. Thanks to sensors that monitor rotational speed in real time, the system releases and then reapplies braking force as soon as a risk of skidding is detected.
This mechanism allows for maintaining maximum adhesion and a stable trajectory, providing a dosing precision that no human could manually match.
Alors, quels sont les 10 problèmes majeurs liés à l’ABS et quelles solutions existent ?
So, what are the 10 major problems related to the ABS and what solutions exist?
Top 10 common ABS unit failure problems
Warning light on: The ABS indicator remains illuminated on your dashboard.
Brakes locked: The wheels remain clamped even after releasing the pedal.
Constant pressure: The brake fluid does not return to some calipers.
Ineffective braking: One or more wheels brake poorly or not at all.
Wheel that skids: One of the wheels locks completely during heavy braking.
Soft pedal: The foot sinks abnormally without resistance.
Hard brake pedal: It becomes very difficult to press the brake pedal.
Hidden defect: The braking is abnormal, but no warning light comes on.
Bleeding impossible: Brake fluid does not come out of one wheel during maintenance.
Fluid leak: You notice seepage at the ABS unit.
Why choose repair?
Replacing a new ABS unit often costs several hundred euros. Electronic repair is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Reparlab by Faurecia Clarion refurbishes your modules to manufacturer standards, with rigorous testing on a control bench before every return.
Your repair in 5 steps
Benefit from a rapid intervention:
- Online request: The garage registers the file on our Reparlab platform.
- Express collection: A carrier picks up the part the same day (for any order before 12:00 PM).
- Technical expertise: Receipt of the module in our specialized workshops in the Grand Est.
- Refurbishment: Repair, precise calibration, and final product control.
- Delivery: Return of the repaired unit directly to the garage, ready to be reinstalled.
Have questions? Find your answers here!
What are the signs of an ABS system failure?
Common symptoms include:
- ABS warning light illumination on the dashboard.
- Unusual brake pedal pulsations.
- Increased braking distances on slippery surfaces.
- Vehicle instability during braking.
- Clicking or grinding noises during braking.
These signs may indicate a malfunction of the wheel speed sensors, the ABS control module, or the hydraulic unit.
What are the best practices to follow for diagnosing an ABS system failure?
- Use a diagnostic tool to read error codes specific to the ABS system.
- Visually inspect the wheel speed sensors for damage or dirt.
- Check the wiring and connectors for signs of corrosion or breaks.
- Test the ABS control module and the hydraulic unit for electrical or mechanical anomalies.
Test the ABS control module and the hydraulic unit for electrical or mechanical anomalies. You can submit your repair request now from your professional account.