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ABS Fault Diagnostic
Typical Cost: Low
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 4 - 25 hours depending on mechanic availability
What does the ABS system do?
The ABS, or anti-lock braking system, on your car is a super important system that prevents your wheels from locking up and therefore simply skidding across the road surface. The system is especially important when braking in adverse weather conditions, i.e. when the road surface is slippery due to leaves, frost or when there are traces of oil on the road. Because of this, keeping your anti-lock braking systems properly maintained is vital.
There's a couple of components in the system that can cause problems. In many cases it will be the ABS sensors that fail, which means the system will not receive the information it requires to activate the system.
How does an ABS system work and what are the components?
When a brake locks a wheel, it simply slides across the surface, rather than slowing the vehicle in a controlled manner. The most efficient way to resolve this when it occurs is called cadence braking, where the brakes are released then reapplied in quick succession until the wheels are no longer locked on and sliding. This method came from motor racing and was used by top drivers to control their vehicles. Obviously not everyone has the skills or reactions of a motorsport legend, so systems were developed to do it automatically.
The components are, briefly, the wheel speed sensors and the control module (ECU). The wheel sensors are sending back the road speed of the wheels to the ECU so it can determine if the wheels are rotating or not. The ECU then triggers the braking to “pulse” the brakes on and off until the wheels are no longer locked. This happens very quickly and when it occurs you can feel the pulse in the brake pedal and sometimes hear it too.
Typical symptoms that require an ABS diagnostic.
- The car's ABS warning light stays on permanently once the engine is started.
- The brakes lock up very easily when braking on slippery surfaces.
- The brakes do not respond as well as normal under hard braking
What happens during an ABS diagnostic?
The mechanic will need to access vehicles electronic control units (ECU) via the OBD port inside the vehicle. Please be aware that on some vehicles these are in covered areas such as under the ashtray, at the back of a storage hole or even in the glove box, so the mechanic will need to remove anything that is blocking access to it.
- The mechanic will go through the diagnostic error code and read live data to pinpoint the cause(s) of the issue.
- Mechanic will physically examine the vehicle’s ABS sensor wiring (if applicable) for potential faults.
- If the cause of the issue requires additional work and parts, the mechanic will provide you with a quotation and a detailed description of the fault(s)
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your ABS diagnostic will cover;
- Coming to you
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
ABS Warning Light Inspection
Associated repairs
Brake servo replacement
Brake master cylinder replacement
Brake caliper replacement
Brake hose replacement
Brake pipe replacement
Brake fluid change
Brake shoes replacement
Brake drums replacement
Brake pads replacement
Brake discs and pads replacement
Brake shoes replacement
How much does it cost to have an ABS diagnostic?
The cost of an ABS diagnostic depends on your car and your location.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.