5 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A BAD ABS MODULE -

In this article, we’ll mention some of the most common symptoms of a bad ABS module.

ABS, which stands for anti-lock brake system, is one of the most important systems on your car.

The main component of it is the ABS module.

It’s a durable part, usually lasts as long as the car, but when it doesn’t work, the brakes don’t work properly, and your safety while driving is directly endangered.

This is why it’s important to recognize this problem on time.

Besides this website, you can also watch videos on our YouTube channel where we have lots of car-related videos that may help with maintenance, driving, and else.

1. THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS APPEAR

One of the first symptoms of a bad ABS module is the appearance of the dashboard warning light.

In most cases, the ABS warning light comes up, but it may trigger the check engine light or the traction control light also.

These systems are intertwined in most cars, and this is why they may appear at the same time.

If you want to learn more about the meaning of every dashboard warning light, click here.

2. THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELS AWKWARD

Instead of the usual sharp, decisive response when you press the brake pedal, you’ll get a somewhat delayed response.

At first, it will be barely noticeable later it becomes worse. It much resembles when there is air within the brake system.

3. THE PEDAL NEEDS TO BE PUMPED

Besides the delayed response, you may have to pump the pedal a couple of times to achieve braking power.

It may take two or three times to get full power.

This is very similar to when there is a problem with the brake booster or master cylinder.

For more information on how to react in a situation when the brakes fail, click here.

4. THE BRAKES LOCK UP

By this time, you should inspect the problem since now come two very drastic and scary symptoms of a bad ABS module.

Probably, the first one will be that the brakes start locking up.

The ABS module has the task of distributing and regulating brake power on all the wheels so you don’t, when braking, slide, skid, or even spin off the road.

This is when you feel the brake pedal trembling under your foot, it’s the ABS system doing its task.

With a bad ABS module, the brake pedal may suddenly start to vibrate, although there is no trouble, or may lock up the wheels for no apparent reason.

In this case, best not to drive the car until you fix it.

5. THE STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL DO NOT WORK PROPERLY

The last on this list is that the stability and traction control systems on the car go haywire.

This may include sudden warning lights, sudden unnecessary corrections while driving, and else.

As mentioned, these systems are intertwined with the brake system, and if it’s faulty, it will affect all of them.

CONCLUSION

These symptoms of a bad ABS module are the most common ones, but depending on your car, there might be more.

All in all, problems with the ABS module are really rare unless there was some kind of tampering with it.

In most cases, the module lasts as long as the car without any problems.

But if it does happen, solve the problem as soon as possible, as it is a safety matter. Perhaps the best time is when you notice the awkward feel of the brake pedal.

Also, do regular maintenance on the brake system, both for for your sake and the sake of the ABS module.