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You probably know what a bad/faulty ABS sensor can cause, so you wish to take precautionary measures to avoid such situation(s); hence, you’re seeking to know the symptoms of a bad ABS control module. Well, that is precisely what we’re going to tackle here today.
Similar to what a bad ABS sensor would do, a bad ABS control module would trigger anomalies in your car’s braking system and might likely cause collisions.
It is important that you know when your car starts facing ABS-related issues so that you can fix it up on time before it expanses to costly damages.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Abs Control Module?
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), found in modern cars comprises a control module and a set of sensors. There is also an ABS icon included in the dashboard. This ABS icon would illuminate when the system senses an unusual signal or response from the ABS components.
Just like every other component in a car, the ABS module and sensors are liable to breakdown, faultiness, and physical damage due to humidity, extreme temperatures, severe pressure, and other factors. However, one good thing about automobiles is that you can troubleshoot them using a computer device.
For example, an OBD2 scanner can be used to troubleshoot and fix ABS problems (if the problems are not intricate).
A bad ABS module would definitely show you different signs as you drive. Though, sometimes, the problem isn’t from the control module but from the ABS sensors. So, even when you see/notice any of these symptoms, you should check both the ABS sensors and then the control module.
1. Unresponsive Brake Pedals
In some cars, when the ABS control is bad or faulty, the brake pedals become unresponsive. You will find the pedal to be a bit stiff or totally unresponsive.
The driver-assistance technologies would take over and control the car for higher trims with more sophisticated driver-assistance systems.
But then, this can cause instability as the driver would battle to control the car with his expertise. Simultaneously, the automated safety features would also try to control the car following predefined computerized instructions.
Furthermore, due to unresponsiveness, you may be forced to pressure the brake pedals to stop the car. This can be very traumatizing, especially when you’re speeding on a hilly/icy road or the highway.
2. Check Engine Light or ABS Light On Dashboard
A bad ABS control module is liable to cause the illumination of the check engine light or ABS light on your car’s dashboard.
Literally, either of these lights/icons indicates that there’s an issue with the engine or ABS components. Hence, when you’re driving and either (or both) of these icons comes on, it simply tells that your car needs attention.
3. Brake Lock
One of the Anti-locking Brake System’s primary functions, as the name implies, is to prevent the car wheels from locking up when the driver applies heavy braking. So, when the system is bad, the wheels are liable to lock up during heavy braking.
Also, if the ABS control module is bad, you may hear some metal cracking noises when you apply the brakes.
The whole issue is simply because a bad ABS module would send wrong information to other systems and components that stop or pushes a car to move; thus, these systems would react negatively.
Other Things to Note
Basically, these are the three general symptoms that depict a bad ABD control module or a faulty wheel speed sensor (ABS sensor). However, depending on the car model and configurations, there might be other things that could depict a bad ABS module.
Sometimes, some people ask, “can I drive my car with a faulty ABS control module/sensor?” Well, the answer to that question is YES. But that could be dangerous because you’re putting your life and that of other passengers onboard at a big risk.
However, you should also know that it is not only a faulty anti-lock brake system can cause the check engine light or ABS light to appear on the dashboard.
Other circumstances such as low brake fluid, hydraulic oil, blown fuses, etc. (depending on the car) can also cause such lights to come on, on your dashboard.
Conclusion
In summary, when an unusual icon illuminates on your dashboard, and you don’t know what it interprets, make sure to call on a mechanic or an experienced auto technician to explain the reason behind the icon’s illumination.
Being proactive regarding your vehicle’s condition can save your costly expenses that may have resulted from being passive.
We hope that this article actually explains the symptoms of a bad ABS control module, and we’d also advise that you engage a mechanic to change the faulty ABS with a new one. The ABS sensors should be checked, too; they can be part of the issues you’re facing with the car.