| Antilock
Brake Systems
Antilock
Brake (ABS) Warning lamp.
Illumination of the ABS warning lamp indicates component
or circuit failure. Possible causes are a faulty sensor,
mechanical damage to components e.g. sensor ring,
hydraulic faults caused by leaks, faulty actuator
such as ABS pump / modulator. The system can be interrogated
for faults using computerised diagnostic equipment.
Older systems may require dedicated test equipment
or manual checking.
What
if it goes wrong?
When the ignition is switched on, a warning lamp
will illuminate on the instrument panel. This
is to indicate that the system is working (and
also to show that the bulb is working). However
if this lamp continuously illuminates when the
car is moving, STOP immediately and investigate
the problem.
There may be nothing apparently obvious such as
a fluid leak or broken bits on the floor under
the car. |
|
Nevertheless,
it means that the system has sensed a problem and
has switched itself off. Although the conventional
brake system should still be functional allowing the
car to stop, the pedal may become harder to press.
There is then an urgent need to drive the car to the
nearest garage who will then be able to investigate
the problem.
|
