ABS: How to reset the car light?

The ABS car light is one of the orange dashboard indicators that may appear in your vehicle. It signals a malfunction in the braking assistance system.

How to turn off the warning light?

Is it dangerous to drive with the ABS car light on?

What to do if the ABS warning light is on?

If your ABS warning light turns on, it is crucial to take action. Here are the different solutions to fix the issue.

Fix it yourself

If you are comfortable with mechanics, you can try to fix the problem yourself. The solution depends on the cause of the warning light. If the issue is minor and you have the necessary skills, this can be a good way to save time and money.

Reset the ABS light without a diagnostic scanner

• Disconnect the battery: Unplug it for several minutes. This may reset the electronic systems and turn off the ABS light. However, this does not always fix the root cause of the issue.
• Check the battery: A weak battery can affect the proper functioning of the vehicle's electronic systems, including the ABS. It is important to test the battery to ensure it is in good condition and not the reason for the ABS light activation.
• Check the brake fluid level: Low brake fluid levels can trigger the ABS warning light. Make sure to check and top it up if necessary to keep the system functioning correctly.
• Inspect the fuses: A blown fuse can also cause the ABS light to turn on. Check all fuses related to the braking system and replace any defective ones.

These methods may help turn off the ABS light, but they do not guarantee that the problem is resolved if the fault is more complex.

Clear the ABS warning light with the Klavkarr scanner

With the Klavkarr 310, you can erase the ABS warning light. Follow these simple steps :

1. Turn on your vehicle's ignition
2. Plug the Klavkarr scanner into your car’s OBD2 port
3. Launch the EOBD-Facile application
4. Select your Klavkarr device to connect
5. Choose your car’s make
6. Select the model
7. Check the control units to scan, in this case: ABS ECU
8. Click "Next"
9. Go to "Diagnostics"
10. Select "Fault Codes"
11. Click on the fault code associated with the ABS light
12. Click "Clear" and confirm with "OK"

The ABS warning light should no longer appear on your dashboard.

Seek professional help

If the repair is beyond your expertise, it is best to take your vehicle to a professional. A mechanic can accurately diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs. This option ensures a reliable fix, but it is important to choose a trusted professional.

Why does the ABS warning light appear on the dashboard?

The ABS warning light is a crucial alert for your vehicle's braking system. It indicates a malfunction in the braking assistance system.

When this warning light turns on, it means the ECU has detected an anomaly in the system.

Based on the diagram above, here are the main reasons why the ABS warning light may appear on your dashboard :

• Faulty sensors: Each wheel has a sensor, and if they send incorrect readings, the ABS light will turn on.
• ABS module failure: If the ABS module is malfunctioning, the warning light will appear on the dashboard.
• Brake fluid issues: Low brake fluid can cause pressure drops or leaks. If contaminated with water or impurities, it can affect the hydraulic system, triggering the warning light.
• Weak battery: Since the ABS module is an electrical system, a failing battery can cause the ABS warning light to illuminate.

Is it dangerous to drive with the ABS warning light on?

There are multiple reasons why the ABS warning light may turn on. Some causes result in a complete brake system failure, while others allow partial functionality.

However, even if the ABS system appears to work partially, driving with the warning light on remains risky. The ABS is part of the vehicle's active safety features, and a failure can jeopardize your safety, especially during emergency braking. Do not ignore this warning light.

Can you pass a vehicle inspection with the ABS warning light on?

As mentioned earlier, the ABS is an active safety system in your vehicle. It plays a key role in driving safety, and an illuminated warning light signals a fault, whether major or minor.

Due to its crucial safety function, it is impossible to pass a vehicle inspection with the ABS warning light on. This defect will result in a failed inspection.

Conclusion

No matter the reason why the ABS warning light has turned on, it is essential not to ignore it. You cannot drive safely while the warning light remains illuminated. Additionally, simply turning off the light without fixing the problem is useless—it will turn back on if the issue persists.

Furthermore, if the problem is severe, you risk not only your safety but also the safety of other road users, especially in emergency braking situations.

Make sure everything is in order before driving.

To learn more

That concludes our article on how to turn off the ABS warning light. If you have any tips or questions, feel free to share them in the comments.

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