What causes ABS failure?

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) failures can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from simple wear and tear to external factors.

 

These sensors monitor the speed of each wheel and relay this information to the ABS module. Over time, they can become dirty, corroded, or damaged, leading to faulty readings. It is often one or more sensors, or the wiring to the sensors, that cause issues. The most common ABS problems occur when sensors become contaminated with debris or metal shavings.

 

Malfunctions also occur when sensor wiring becomes damaged, resulting in intermittent or no continuity.

 

The electronic control module, which processes data from the wheel speed sensors and controls the ABS pump, can fail due to internal electronic malfunctions or external factors like moisture infiltration. ABS modules also fail due to internal issues in the module itself. Some ABS modules can fail because of their location in the engine compartment. If they are placed too close to the engine, they may fail over time as the ABS unit overheats from its proximity to the engine. Additionally, certain ABS modules have inherent design or manufacturing defects that cause parts to fail internally, like resistors, diodes, relays, and contacts.

 

This pump adjusts the brake fluid pressure in the brake lines to prevent wheel lock-up. It can fail due to wear, internal component breakdown, or electrical issues.

 

Contaminated brake fluid can compromise the efficiency of the ABS system. Moisture in the brake fluid can corrode internal components, while other contaminants can clog small passages.

 

These rings are found on the axle or wheel hub and are used by the wheel speed sensors to detect wheel speed. Physical damage or misalignment can lead to incorrect readings.

 

Like all electrical systems, the ABS system relies on fuses and relays. A blown fuse or a faulty relay can disrupt its operation.

 

Sometimes, the software that controls the ABS system can have glitches or conflicts that can cause system malfunctions. This might necessitate a software update.

 

External factors such as collisions, exposure to road debris, or other physical trauma can damage ABS components.

 

Like all vehicle systems, the ABS components can wear out over time, leading to reduced functionality or failure.

 

In cases where the ABS module has failed due to defects or other internal issues, UpFix offers a solutions to rebuild defective ABS module units.