Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is mostly found in modern vehicles with the function of preventing a vehicle’s wheel from locking when the brake is applied.
The ABS guarantees a driver’s safety by ensuring the warning light comes on when there is a potential issue in the system. There are different reasons why the ABS light will come on, but can a low battery cause ABS light to come on?
Yes, a low battery can cause the ABS light to come on because there is a drop in the electrical power in the car
What is ABS Light?
ABS light is a warning light in form of an icon on the vehicle’s dashboard which serves as an indicator or alerts the driver when there is an impending problem with the ABS.
ABS in a vehicle means the anti-lock braking system, this system has a light on the dashboard that helps the driver to know when there is a potential problem in the system and enables him to take action before it gets worse.
Usually, when the ABS light comes on, it is supposed to go off after some time, but if this doesn’t happen, it could mean there is a problem with some of the components related to the anti-lock brakes.
If the ABS light won’t go off, immediate action should be taken to find out what the problem as delaying can be bad.
Can a Low Battery Cause ABS Light to Come On?
A low battery can cause the ABS light to come on, it can also have an impact on the general performance of the car. The ABS light will come on because there is a drop in electrical power in the car.
A low or bad battery can cause the ABS light to come on as well as make accessories in the car non-functional and may eventually lead to the car not starting.
It is important to know that when the ABS light comes on it does not necessarily mean the battery is low as it can be caused by other problems in the anti-brake system, but a low battery being the cause is definitely something that should be considered.
What Can Cause ABS Light to Turn On?
There are problems that cause the ABS light to turn on but have nothing to do with the anti-lock braking system. Some of such causes are:
Bad Wheel Speed Sensor
The speed sensor in a wheel hub is responsible for calculating the rate of movement of the wheel, this information is then communicated to the anti-lock braking system.
The anti-lock braking system uses this information to detect if any of the wheels aren’t moving as they should and increase the pressure of the brake.
If at any time the speed sensor goes bad, it will be detected by the anti-lock braking system which will in turn cause the ABS warning light to come on.
Worn Hydraulic Pump
A hydraulic pump helps to increase the pressure of brake fluid in order to ensure the wheels are moving at normal speed and that the traction is maintained.
Over time, the hydraulic pump gets worn out and this will definitely trigger the ABS warning light to come on.
Low Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is an important part of the braking system as it helps in the control and maintenance of braking pressure.
Due to improper maintenance or other reasons, there may be a leakage in the brake fluid reservoir resulting in low brake fluid.
Low fluid could also be a result of not topping up the fluid as when due. Whatever may be the cause of low brake fluid, if it happens, the ABS light will come on.
Faulty ABS Module
A faulty ABS module is one of the major causes of problems with the anti-lock braking system, this is because, over time, it gets corroded and is unable to get adequate information from the wheel speed sensor.
When the ABS module gets corroded, it automatically becomes faulty and will need to be replaced.
Bulb or Fuse Check
A bulb or fuse check is usually done by drivers in order to know if the bulbs of the warning light are in working condition. If there is a glitch in the bulb or the fuse and the light remains on, the ABS light will come on.
Will Unplugging the Battery Reset the ABS Light?
Yes, unplugging the battery will reset the ABS light if it is removed long enough. However, this shouldn’t be done as a way to avoid fixing the real cause. If you reset the ABS light without fixing the cause, it is only a matter of time before it comes back on.
Unplugging the battery has been known to be an easy way to reset the ABS light. To do this, you will first need to turn off the ignition and then proceed to remove the battery starting with the negative terminal and positive cable.
What Should you Do if your ABS Warning Light Stays On?
The ABS light should only be on for a short time after which it will go off, but if it stays on, then you will need to have the brake checked immediately.
If you notice the light is still on while driving, you should stop driving immediately as the cause of the light being on can cause serious damage.
If you are unable to troubleshoot the cause on your own, contact an auto shop, do not drive down to the shop as driving with any brake-related problem is unsafe.
The auto shop will likely send someone out to your location to check the car out or you may need to tow the car down to the auto shop. Whatever option you choose to go with, do not drive the car.
Alternatively, you can check the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual will tell you the possible cause of the light and what you can do if you know your way around the car and of course if you have the necessary equipment.
Conclusion
In order to prevent more damage to the car and risking your life and that of other road users, it is always better to treat the ABS warning light being on as urgent. Immediately you notice the light is on, take action immediately.