Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is an automobile safety system that makes the wheels on a car to maintain tractive contact with the road surface as the driver inputs while braking. The system can help prevent the four wheels from locking up and avoid uncontrolled skidding. When the system breaks down, chances are the car will lose control and threaten both drivers and passengers life. When an ABS problem comes up, drivers are suggested to stop driving. But if you are in an urgent situation, you just cannot stop and wait, right? Here we have compiled a few tips for you to troubleshoot ABS problem on your own.
- Check fuses
The first thing you should do is to check the fuses located in the fuse box under your hood. The most common reason that ABS system breaks down is a burned fuse.
- Diagnose ABS system
It could be an electrical problem, and therefore you will need to use an ABS diagnostics tool to read and erase DTCs from the system. There are tons of car diagnostic tools that can read ABS DTCs on the market. The most well known ones are like Tuirel S777, VDM UCANDAS and others. These are tools for all cars. You can also choose one according to your car model.
- Check wheel hubs
Check if there is any debris or damage in both the inner wheel hubs, or if the wheel hubs are loosen.
- Inspect wheel sensors
Inspect if there is any debris, damage or foreign substance in both wheel sensors wiring harness and connector located behind the fender. There is a big chance that dust and muddy may go into the sensors or the connector, contributing to an ABS problem.