As soon as a light on your car’s dashboard illuminates, it can be quite alarming –
particularly if the ABS or traction control lights illuminate.
Since your ABS and traction control systems share many components, one problem
could set off both systems simultaneously.
Brake Pads
One of the primary reasons that both ABS and traction control lights illuminate is
because your brake pads need replacing. Brake pads use speed sensors to monitor
rotational velocity in each wheel and relay that information to your car’s computer
system; unfortunately, these speed sensors may become damaged during
installation of new pads, leading to errors during monitoring operations or improper
functioning.
Physical damage like corrosion, dirt or debris exposure or electrical fault can also
lead to sensor failure. The ABS control module interprets signals from wheel speed
sensors and adjusts tire pressure distribution during braking to prevent wheel
lockup; should it become compromised for any reason it will trigger the traction and
abs light indicator.
Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel speed sensors help the ABS control module monitor each wheel’s speed. As
they spin with each tire, the sensors generate a signal interpreted as changes to tire
speed; as each tire spins faster, their frequency and amplitude increase in tandem
with it. Depending on their type (variable reluctance or Hall effect), some sensors
send digital data back to display this information on their screens.
Failure of your wheel speed sensor can trigger ABS and traction control lights,
disable your speedometer, and place the safety of your car at risk. Don’t ignore
these warning lights; otherwise you could find yourself deeper in debt later.
Thankfully, however, these issues are usually diagnosed easily at home with proper
tools and expertise and you will soon have peace of mind again! Read on to
understand what could be triggering them to flash!
Steering Rack
ABS or Traction Control lights often illuminate due to an internal issue with your
system. An ABS module, also known as an ABS control unit, interprets information
from wheel speed sensors and applies appropriate pressure to each brake as
necessary in order to prevent wheel lockup. Unfortunately, physical damage or
software glitches may render it faulty.
If your steering wheel feels heavy to turn or it’s difficult to bring back into center
after turning, this could be a telltale sign that the steering rack has worn out and
leakage issues. To prevent further damage and costly repairs down the line it is
imperative that this issue is rectified immediately.
Another possibility could be that your PCM or ECM has malfunctioned, or a sensor
has fallen out of alignment, triggering warning lights on the dashboard to activate.
Restarting should help reset it; should they come on again it would be best to
consult an ASE certified mechanic.
ABS Control Module
ABS modules are responsible for keeping wheels from locking up when applying
pressure to the brake pedal, so if your pedal requires significant more effort than
usual to function, this could be a telltale sign that its ABS control module has
malfunctioned and requires replacement.
Replacing this part isn’t straightforward, and its cost will depend on your vehicle
model and access difficulty. But you can try resetting your ABS light by
disconnecting its positive battery cable, holding down on the brake pedal while
unplugging and then replugging in again; this should reset the computer and should
cause your ABS indicator light to temporarily dim down.
Rarely, an ABS control module may stop functioning completely, causing your
speedometer to remain stuck at zero mph or display incorrect readings – often
leading to the check engine light coming on as well. When this occurs, your
speedometer might appear either at 0mph or display inaccurate numbers – often
followed by your ABS light illuminated.