ABS Service in Ontario, CA

What is ABS?

An Anti-Lock Braking system uses electronic sensors and high-pressure pumps during challenging conditions to keep your wheels from locking and sending you into a skid. Under certain conditions, the ABS in your vehicle can measure your vehicle’s speed, wheel slip, and force of your brake application to react when the sensors detect a potential skid. The ABS pumps the brakes with more precision and speed than a human driver can do to keep you from losing control and going into a skid.

The ABS helps keep you in control of your vehicle in a situation when an emergency braking response is needed on a slick or otherwise unstable driving surface. Because the ABS keeps your wheels from locking, you can maintain steering control when you stop to prevent skidding. In some vehicles, the ABS even reduces the braking distance needed to stop safely.

What Does the ABS Light Mean?

Depending on when the light comes on and if it comes on and stays on, it can mean different things.

• When you start the car, the light comes on but then goes off: This is normal behavior for an ABS. It runs a routine self-check when you first start the car to ensure the system is working properly. If it goes off, it passes its self-inspection. If it comes on and stays on, your brakes will work but the ABS will likely be disengaged.
• Malfunctioning ABS computer module: If this is the issue, it can happen when you’re driving. The light may come on and stay on. It may be a temporary issue but set up an appointment with our Service Center, just to be sure.
• Broken or corroded ABS sensor: This is another reason your ABS light may come on and stay on when you are driving.
• Bad wheel bearing, or dirty tone ring: As above, these problems may cause the light to come on and stay on when driving.
• Problem outside the ABS, like a low car battery or electrical problems that trigger the ABS sensor: This can happen at startup or while driving when the light comes on and stays on.
• Brake Issue: If both your ABS and Brake Light come on, this may mean a serious problem with your brakes. Carefully exit the road, pull your car somewhere safe, and call for a tow.
• Amber brake light: In some vehicles, this serves as your ABS light, so consider the issues above.