The ABS car light: how brake assistance works

The ABS warning light is an amber warning light visible on your car’s dashboard. It shows the proper functioning of the braking assistance system.

But how can you recognize the ABS warning light?

When does the warning light turn on?

And how can you turn it off?

ABS car light on dashboard
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    What exactly is ABS?

    The acronym ABS comes from the German "Antiblockiersystem," which refers to the anti-lock braking system.

    ABS is a braking assistance system that helps maintain vehicle control during heavy braking.

    What does the ABS warning light look like?

    This orange warning light serves as an alert for a malfunction in the braking assistance system.

    The ABS warning light is always represented by the "ABS" symbol, sometimes placed inside a circle.

    ABS car light on dashboard

    How do I know if my car is equipped with ABS?

    If you're unsure whether your car is equipped with ABS, no worries! Simply check if the warning light appears on your dashboard. Otherwise, look at the master cylinder below the brake fluid reservoir. If the pipes go directly to the wheels, your car does not have ABS. But if the pipes are connected to an electronic module, then your car is equipped with ABS.

    How does the ABS system work?

    The ABS system detects any heavy braking through pressure sensors.

    The data collected by the sensors is then sent to the engine control unit. The ECU then independently regulates braking at each wheel. By doing so, it prevents the wheels from locking up and allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.

    brake fluid circuit

    Why does the ABS warning light appear on the dashboard?

    The ABS warning light can turn on for several reasons:

    • A malfunction in the braking system
    • An electronic fault

    To precisely identify the cause of the malfunction, you will need to diagnose your car using a car diagnostics scanner.

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    How to turn off the ABS warning light?

    Diagnosing your car will help you accurately determine the source of the problem.

    You can then carry out the necessary repairs to turn off the ABS warning light from the dashboard, especially before an MOT test.

    However, be careful! If you erase the warning light without fixing the root problem, it will turn back on immediately.

    Conclusion

    The ABS warning light is an indicator of the proper functioning of the braking assistance system. If it appears on your dashboard, for your safety, you must ensure that the braking system is working correctly.

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