Volkswagen ABS Light On: What It Indicates & How to Respond From Certified Mechanics in Kalamazoo

Nowadays, all the cars including your Volkswagen come equipped with numerous warning lights on the dashboard that illuminate when there is something wrong in your VW. The illumination of the ABS warning light should be a cause of concern because the failure of the ABS can lead to collisions and even fatalities.

There are several factors that can cause the ABS light to flash on the dashboard of your VW. Here we will discuss the factors behind the illumination of the warning light as shared with us by the certified mechanics in Kalamazoo.

 Malfunctioning ABS Module

 Inadequate Brake Fluid

 Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

 Damage Wires & Blown Fuses

Malfunctioning ABS Module

The ABS module is one of the most important parts of your entire ABS system. It acts like the control system of the entire system and works in tandem with the Traction Control System (TCS) of your car. The efficient functioning of both these systems helps in proper handling and stopping of your car while driving in any condition or terrain.

However, often it is noticed that issues with the functioning of the TCS in cars lead to the illumination of the ABS warning light on the dashboard of your car. The traction control system ensures that all four wheels of your car spin at the same speed & if it detects any anomaly in any of the wheels it cuts power to that wheel.

As the traction control system and the ABS share the same module, then a failing TCS can also cause the ABS warning light to come on. It is best to take your Volkswagen to a certified repair shop where it can be diagnosed by qualified mechanics and the issues can be fixed accordingly.

Inadequate Brake Fluid

The presence of adequate levels of brake fluid is vital for the efficient functioning of the ABS system in your car. As the braking system in your vehicle is a hydraulic system, it requires proper pressure for the efficient functioning of the brakes.

The pressure required for the proper functioning of the brakes is provided by the brake fluid which helps in transferring the force to the brake pads that assist them in gripping the brake rotors & stops your car. That is why adequate levels of brake fluid is essential for the proper functioning of the brakes in your car.

Most of the time low levels of brake fluid is found to be the major cause behind the illumination of the ABS light in your car. The presence of low levels of brake fluid indicates a leak somewhere in your car that is causing the brake fluid level to go down.

As diagnosing brake fluid leaks is a very complicated process, you will require the assistance of an ASE-certified mechanic to detect the source of the leak & take corrective measures. Besides that, low levels of brake fluid will also cause scrapping or grinding sounds from your car when you press the brake pedal.

Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

There are numerous sensors in your car that keep a tab on the functioning of the vital components in your Volkswagen. The wheel speed sensor is one such important part that keeps a tab on the speed of each wheel and sends this information to the ABS.

Now, a faulty wheel speed sensor is not going to transmit any data to the ABS or erroneous data is sent to the ABS which affects the functioning of the system. Generally, when the wheel speed sensor in your car is failing, even if the ABS warning light is not illuminating, you will find that your car takes longer to stop when you press the brake pedal.

Damage Wires & Blown Fuse

The ABS system in your vehicle like all other systems is also prone to electrical problems in the form of blown fuses and damaged wires. The ABS has its own fuse and after years of running the fuses are susceptible to blowing up and this will cause the ABS warning light to illuminate on the dashboard.

Along with the ABS warning light, you might also come across the illumination of the check engine light on the dashboard of your Volkswagen due to a blown fuse or damaged wires.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the major reasons behind the illumination of the ABS warning light on the dashboard of your Volkswagen. The problems with the functioning of the ABS system should be handled by a certified mechanic as it requires advanced tools and equipment for detecting the source of the problem and initiating remedial measures to rectify the system.