The ABS light is one of the indicators related to your vehicle's safety. When it remains lit on the dashboard, it signals a malfunction in the braking assistance system, the anti-lock braking system.
Should you be concerned if the ABS light is on?
Can you continue driving without risk?
How can you turn off this light with or without a diagnostic tool?
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How to turn off or reset an illuminated ABS light?
There are a few tips to try to turn off or reset an ABS light without a diagnostic tool:
Resetting the ABS light without a diagnostic tool
If you are comfortable with mechanics, you can try to fix the issue yourself. It all depends on the cause of the illuminated light. If the fault is minor and you have the necessary skills, this can be a good option to save time and money.
- Disconnect the battery: unplug it for several minutes. This can sometimes reset the electronic systems and turn off the ABS light. However, this solution does not always address the underlying cause of the problem.
- Test the battery: An ageing battery can affect the proper functioning of the vehicle's electronic systems, including the ABS. It is therefore important to test the battery to ensure it is working correctly and is not the cause of the ABS light.
- Check the brake fluid level: An insufficient brake fluid level can trigger the ABS light. It is important to check it and, if necessary, top it up to ensure the system is working correctly.
- Check the fuses: A blown fuse can also cause the ABS light to come on. Check all fuses related to the braking system and replace any that are faulty.
These methods may help to turn off the ABS light, but they do not guarantee the resolution of the problem if the fault is more complex.
Resetting the ABS light with the klavkarr diagnostic tool
With the klavkarr 310, you can reset the ABS light. To do this, simply follow these steps:
- Turn on your vehicle's ignition.
- Plug the klavkarr into your car's OBD2 port.
- Launch the application.
- Connect your klavkarr.
- Select your car's make and model.
- Tick the ECU to scan.
- Go to "Diagnostics" then "Fault Codes".
- Press "Clear".
The ABS light will no longer appear on your dashboard.
Consulting a professional
If the ABS light comes on and then seems to disappear, this may indicate a dirty sensor, a loose connection, or a faulty ABS module. Even if the light is not constant, the system may be partially disabled and no longer guarantee optimal safety.
The situation is even more concerning if the light remains on continuously, especially when accompanied by other warnings such as the brake light, ESP, or engine light. Combined with noises, vibrations, or loss of braking, these signals indicate a serious fault.
In all these cases, if the repair exceeds your skills, it is better to entrust the vehicle to a professional. A mechanic can provide an accurate diagnosis, carry out the necessary repairs, and reset the ECU to permanently clear the ABS alert.
Resetting the ABS light based on your car's brand
Resetting the ABS light on your Renault
On Renault models, it is common for the ABS light to remain displayed on the dashboard even after the issue has been resolved. This happens when the ECU retains a fault code in memory, even though the wheel sensor or connector has been replaced, or the brake fluid level has returned to normal.
In this case, using a diagnostic tool is necessary to permanently clear the light. Our klavkarr 310 diagnostic tool allows you to easily reset the ABS light on your Renault.
ABS light and MOT
Can you pass the MOT with the ABS light on?
As mentioned earlier, the ABS is part of the active safety systems of your car. It is a key component for driving safety. An illuminated light indicates a system failure, whether major or minor.
Due to its crucial role in safety, it is impossible to pass the MOT with the ABS light on. This defect will result in a refusal from the examiner.
Does an illuminated ABS light lead to a retest?
An illuminated ABS light is considered a major defect during the MOT.
Therefore, if the examiner notices that the light remains on the dashboard, they will record the anomaly in the report, and the vehicle will be subject to a mandatory retest.
This means you will need to fix the fault (sensor, wiring, ECU, or ABS module) and then present the car again at the MOT centre. It is therefore pointless to try to hide the light: only repair and resetting via an OBD tool will permanently clear it.
Understanding the ABS light
What does an illuminated ABS light mean?
The ABS light is a crucial warning indicator for your vehicle's braking system. Its role is to signal any malfunction in the braking assistance system.
When this light illuminates in orange, it means that the ECU has detected a fault in the system or a defective component and may have disabled the system.
Referring to the diagram above, here are the main causes of the ABS light appearing on your dashboard:
- Faulty sensors: There is a sensor on each of the car's wheels; if they transmit incorrect readings, the ABS light may come on, disappear, and then return continuously.
- A faulty ABS module: If it is not functioning correctly, the light will remain on and cannot be cleared without repair.
- A brake fluid issue: If it is insufficient, it can cause a drop in pressure or a leak. If there is a leak, the ECU will interpret it as overconsumption and deduce that braking is excessive. If it is contaminated with water or impurities, it can impair the hydraulic block's operation. For any of these reasons, the light will appear.
- A weak battery: The ABS module is an electrical system, which means that if the battery is not functioning properly, the ABS light may turn on.
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Can you drive with the ABS light on?
There are several reasons why the ABS light may come on. Some of these causes result in the complete shutdown of the braking system, while others may leave the system partially operational.
However, even if the ABS system seems to function partially, driving with the light on remains risky. The ABS is part of the vehicle's active safety systems, and a failure in this system can compromise your safety, especially during sudden braking. Do not ignore this warning light on your dashboard.
In conclusion
Whatever the reason for the ABS light coming on, it is imperative not to ignore this signal. You cannot drive safely as long as the light remains on. Furthermore, turning off the light without addressing the issue is pointless: it will quickly come back on if the fault persists.
Finally, if the problem is severe, you risk not only endangering your own safety but also that of other road users, especially in the event of an emergency braking situation.
To drive with peace of mind and pass the MOT, it is therefore essential to act quickly.
FAQ - ABS light on: how to turn it off?
Why does the ABS light stay on?
The ABS light may come on due to a faulty sensor, a blown fuse, an electrical issue, a weak battery, or a faulty ABS module.
Can you drive with the ABS light on?
The ABS light may come on due to a faulty sensor, a blown fuse, an electrical issue, a weak battery, or a faulty ABS module.
How to turn off the ABS light without a diagnostic tool?
You can disconnect the battery, check the fuses, or top up the brake fluid. These tips may temporarily turn off the light, but without fixing the fault, it will return.
Can you pass the MOT with the ABS light on?
No. An ABS light on is considered a major defect during the MOT and automatically leads to a retest.
How to permanently reset the ABS light after repair?
After repairing the sensor, wiring, or ABS module, it is necessary to use an OBD tool to reset the ECU and permanently clear the fault.