When your ABS and traction control lights illuminate, your car is signaling something
is amiss with these key safety features. Our service department can assist in
identifying what’s triggering these lights to illuminate, and how best to resolve the
issue.
Antilock braking and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) systems work hand in hand to
keep your car under control in dangerous situations, using sensors and motors.
1. Brake Fluid
Honda ABS systems are intricate systems of sensors and computers that work in
harmony to provide superior braking control in all weather conditions. When
something goes amiss, however, an illuminated warning light alerts drivers so they
can get it repaired promptly.
Common reasons for an illuminated brake light include needing to flush or replace
brake fluid. This process is straightforward and inexpensive if using Honda-approved
fluid – look for something with a pleasant fragrance and almost clear appearance
that also satisfies EPA standards for this job. You can check for this by looking at
your reservoir which should contain full levels and be clean.
Your ABS, VSA and brake lights could also illuminate if you install different-sized
wheels and tires than what originally came on your car, which causes its VSA system
to shut off, prompting additional lights to illuminate. Always consult your owner’s
manual in order to adhere to any tire size limits set out there.
2. Brake Pads
The ABS system employs sensors to monitor pressure on your brake pads, and if
they detect that their thickness has dropped too significantly, the computer will
illuminate an ABS warning light. This may occur as a result of wearing down pads or
low fluid levels in your car’s reservoir.
The BRAKE light typically indicates there is an issue with your braking system and
could be activated by low brake fluid levels, an engaged parking brake, or a faulty
sensor. Meanwhile, ABS lights typically indicate something different within antilock
braking system – often stored with trouble codes that help diagnose an issue more
accurately.
ABS and BRAKE lights may be cleared by performing some basic diagnostic steps. If
they remain illuminated after following these tips, however, you should visit your
dealer to perform further investigation using an ABS control module scanner for a
deeper evaluation of the system.
3. Wheel Speed Sensor
Modern cars use wheel speed sensors (also referred to as hub speed sensors) as
integral components in numerous functions including anti-lock brake system and
stability control systems. Attached to each wheel hub, these components send
continuous digital output signals directly to their respective control modules for
processing.
Not only does the wheel speed sensor supply each individual wheel speed to the
controller, it also provides information on its direction of rotation allowing VSC and
ESP control units to detect locking during emergency braking and take
countervailing measures accordingly. A typical wheel speed sensor consists of either
variable reluctance or Hall effect magnetic sensors which measure changes in
inductance or resistance as wire coils pass over steel teeth of reluctor ring reluctor
rings – an indicator of its presence/absence can also provide this data.
If a sensor becomes faulty, it could fail to deliver consistent and reliable signals,
causing the dash lights of both traction control and stability control systems to
remain illuminated. A failed sensor could be caused by many issues including:
chafed wires, sensor or pulse wheel corrosion, misalignment or excessive air gaps
between it and pulse ring.
4. ABS Control Module
Dashboard lights that come on are often an indicator of trouble with your car. While
some lights, like the check engine light, may easily identify problems within your
engine or transmission, others like ABS/brake lights might require further
investigation before being diagnosed.
An ineffective ABS control module may produce various symptoms, including a soft
brake pedal. The ABS system works to limit tire slippage by monitoring wheel speed
sensors that measure their speeds during braking; when one wheel spins
significantly slower than others while braking, its ABS module may temporarily
release its brake caliper before applying them again later.
Whenever the ABS or VSA light illuminates, it’s crucial that a certified mechanic be
contacted immediately in order to identify and rectify the problem. A failing ABS
control module could pose serious safety issues.