Why You Shouldn't Ignore Your VW's ABS Light?

ABS isn't just an add-on to your Volkswagen's braking system… it's much more than that.

It is because of the anti-lock braking system you get to apply the brakes without having to be worried about wheel lock-up. By regulating the braking force at different wheels, ABS ensures that your vehicle does not skid due to wheel lock-up in the event of emergency braking. A fault in this system may compromise your road safety.

ABS Light: What Does This Warning Indicator Signify?

When you start your vehicle, the ABS light will flash for a few seconds among other instrument cluster lights as a part of the system check. This is something you don't need to be concerned about. You should only be concerned when the light remains on. This blog highlights some of the major reasons behind ABS light illumination and things that you can do to get the issue addressed.

Potential culprit #1- Drop in brake fluid level

Often, the illumination of the ABS light on a vehicle's instrument cluster is attributed to a drop in brake fluid. Anti-lock braking system – as already discussed – is an add-on to the vehicle's primary braking system that essentially controls the braking force on the various wheels so that they do not lock in the event of an emergency braking situation.

If there isn't enough fluid left in your Volkswagen's brake lines, the braking system isn't the only thing that will be affected. Reduced brake fluid level may also render your Volkswagen’s anti-lock braking system useless; resulting in the illumination of the ABS warning light on the dashboard.

How to be sure if this is the issue?

i. Check the brake fluid reservoir to see if there is enough fluid left.

ii. Check if there are air bubbles inside the brake lines.

Potential culprit #2- Faulty ABS module

Just as there is a module for monitoring and regulating various engine operations, there is a module for regulating how the anti-lock braking system should operate. Basically, it is a computer unit that works based on the inputs received from various sensors including the wheel speed sensor.

This is the module that determines how much brake pressure should be applied to the various wheels so that they do not lock in the event of emergency braking. So, obviously… if the module acts up, your Volkswagen’s ABS will cease operation and the concerned warning light will start flashing.

How to be sure if this is the issue?

i. You will notice reduced braking efficiency.

ii. Your brakes will start locking up, even under normal braking scenarios.

iii. Your brake pedals won’t operate smoothly.

Potential culprit #3- Bad speed sensor

Real-time data from the wheel speed sensors is important for the ABS control module to decide what the appropriate braking force should be at different wheels; so that they don't lock up during a tricky braking situation. If there is something wrong with any of these speed sensors, the ability of the ABS module to do its job will be significantly reduced.

The anti-lock braking system is not the only thing affected by a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor. The engine control module's ability to regulate different aspects of the engine operation will be greatly reduced because of defective wheel speed sensors.

How to be sure if this is the issue?

i. Fluctuating speedometer reading.

ii. Flashing traction control, stability control, and check engine warning lights.

iii. Car losing traction during normal braking situations.

Potential culprit #4- Electrical issue

From the control module to wheel speed sensors; almost all parts of your vehicle's anti-lock braking system require electricity to operate. If the power supply to any of the parts gets disrupted because of a blown fuse or a defective relay, the ABS light will start flashing. If not addressed, this can set off a domino effect; which may result in damage to all major parts of the ABS system.

How to be sure if this is the issue?

i. Assess the condition of fuses, relays, and wires connecting the ABS circuit.

ii. Once you identify the problem, proceed accordingly.

To Put It Briefly…

The anti-lock braking system is an essential safety feature of your Volkswagen that plays a vital role in keeping you safe. If it starts acting up because of a defective relay or fuse, you better call your mechanic to have the issue diagnosed once and for all.

Heynneman European located in San Rafael, CA is a trusted European auto service center in the entire area and is preferred by drivers all throughout the Marin County and the San Rafael area.