An Anti-lock brake system is a standard additional safety feature in most new cars. But sometimes, it can also put users in danger when degraded.
That’s why you must grasp the symptoms of a bad ABS module to deal with it before it’s too late promptly.
What are they? Let’s find out through the article below.
Symptoms Of A Bad ABS Module
High working intensity, high pressure, and high temperature due to friction make the car brake system prone to malfunction.
However, brake failure cannot be observed but must be recognized through the signs when operating the vehicle.
A sign that your car’s brakes have a problem is when you brake, you feel heavy, indicating that this part is having problems. Here are a few other symptoms of bad ABS pump to watch out for a while driving:
ABS Warning Light
The anti-lock brake system on cars is an intelligent part that helps the vehicle slow down or stop as safely as possible.
The indicator light on the dashboard is the most obvious sign to know if it is still working properly.
When the indicator light comes on, it means that there is a problem with the brake system, possibly malfunctioning, or the sensor or some actuator has been damaged.
It can still work but needs to be fixed before affecting the entire safety system.
Like all other lights, the ABS light will come on for a few seconds before you start the car and will go away when the engine has started.
If the indicator light is still on, it is possible that the ABS has a problem and needs to be dealt with soon.
Newer cars are equipped with this indicator light with amber color, but older versions do not have a dedicated light, only the Check Engine Light.
Lock Wheel
The role of the ABS module is to prevent the wheels from locking when there is no more traction.
The wheels need to spin a little more to ensure operation, but when they fail, it becomes difficult to steer and stop. It cannot properly read the required information.
Drivers usually only notice this error when applying the brakes. A jammed brake caliper can also cause the wheel to lock continuously.
Brake Pedal Not Sensitive
Stalled car brakes are a warning sign of a loss of brake pressure.
When the brake cylinder is pitted or scratched, causing brake oil to return every time the brake is applied, or because the oil pipe is cracked, causing oil to leak.
Sudden braking also makes the umbrella more fragile, leading to the phenomenon of brake failure.
In addition, you should also be careful when you see the brake force acting on the wheels unevenly; or uneven drum brake pad clearance.
Please take your car to repair and warranty right away because, over time, this error can make your vehicle prone to flipping in heavy braking situations when driving at high speed, when cornering, etc.
Must Increase Brake Force
Another fairly common symptom is that the brake pedal feels loose and has to be pressed close to the floor.
There are cases when the brake pedal is fully applied, but the car decelerates very slowly, and even the vehicle loses the brake.
This is an extremely dangerous error because if the vehicle runs at high speed, it will be difficult for the driver to control the speed.
The pedal is shaken, and the brake force only appears for a few seconds and then disappears, which also indicates that it is faulty.
Speedometer Reading Is Not Accurate
When the anti-lock brake system module fails, the speedometer can no longer work properly. It will start reporting incorrect speed from the actual speed.
Besides, the car brakes shaking, making a squeaking sound, is also a signal that it has been worn.
Causes Of Common Signs Of Bad ABS Pump
Fault On Fuse
The fuse helps protect the brake control system by automatically shutting down when the current reaches an overload level to prevent fire or explosion.
During vehicle operation, it may burn due to excessive current or old age, and rust leading to damage.
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
This is why the wheel speed measurement signal sent to the controller is wrong, and the indicator light on the dashboard comes on.
During use, it may be a damaged circuit, loose connector, broken wire, dirty, rusty, or driving on bumpy roads; strong vibration may cause the sensor to damage or fall off outside.
Sensor Rotor Damaged
When the rotor teeth are lost or damaged, the signal sent to the control system is incorrect, the wheel speed measurement results are wrong, and the ABS light warns the user.
Hydraulic Actuator Error
This unit receives information about wheel speed during braking and then provides appropriate oil pressure until the wheel brake cylinders, avoiding wheel lock.
Hydraulic actuator problems include failure of the electric motor that pumps the oil back to the tank and malfunctions of the solenoid valves that control brake fluid pressure to each wheel.
When oil leaks lead to low fluid levels, components in the anti-lock braking system will not work effectively, not sending signals from the tires to the hydraulic actuator.
Broken Device Connection
The ABS unit comprises many parts connected by wires, wheel sensors, metal wires, bolts, screws, machine parts, etc.
When these connection details are dirty, damaged due to collision, and degraded after a long time of use, it will cause the anti-lock braking system to fail, and the indicator brake light on the car will come on.
Is Bad ABS Module Symptom Very Dangerous?
The ABS module consists of four main components: the signal processing unit from the deceleration and speed sensors, the safety part, the logic part, and the fault code reader.
It performs important functions such as:
- Gather information about wheel speed and angle
- Process this information to calculate the rate of the wheel and its speed change.
- Determine your wheel’s reference speed and skid threshold for the risk of locking up.
- Provides signals to control hydraulic actuators.
- Check, and diagnose errors; store damaged codes and safe mode.
The above structural features show that this part is like a nerve center of the ABS.
Failures will cause the system to collect and process inaccurate data, poor traction control, prolong the braking distance, and cause unsafety.
Is It Expensive To Repair Bad Abs Pump Symptoms?
When experiencing the above symptoms, professional mechanics advise you not to repair your car yourself at home but take it to a repair shop for an accurate diagnosis.
Labor costs range from 400 to 1,100 dollars, depending on vehicle type and the extent of the damage.
Remember that the earlier you find problems, the more money and time you’ll save yourself. Once the ABS control module has completely failed, drivers must replace the entire brake system.
At this point, the cost will become very expensive.
Although this is not a small fee, it is necessary because any car needs a good ABS to ensure the safety of the occupants. So seriously consider unusual signs and deal with them early.
Conclusion
Above are the symptoms of a bad ABS module that we want to share with you. Having an extremely important role, but the high work intensity makes it easily degraded over time.
Therefore, do not forget to periodically check and maintain to ensure the safety of each journey.
Wish you safe driving. Thanks for reading.