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The best OBD scanner for Diagnosing ABS issues

By Joe Ballard
Published on October 1st, 2024

What are the warning signs of a problem with the ABS?

In the following sections, we’ll explore these warning signs, helping you recognize them and understand their implications. The first indication that there may be a problem with the ABS is when the dashboard warning light comes on. If the light comes on solid, this means there is a component failure. If it blinks on and off, then there is an intermittent failure in the system. The best course of action to analyze the ABS and identify the malfunctioning components is to utilize an OBD scanner.

Using my 2019 Hyundai Ioniq as an example, I connected the Innova 5610 scanner and the RepairSolutions2 app to perform the ABS System check. This test reliably pinpoints specific ABS component problems so that you can fix them. By combining the OBD scanner with the Innova RepairSolutions 2 tool, you will identify the problem and receive information on estimated costs to replace the component. Let’s take a look at the components the OBD scanner can analyze for a potential problem:

• An ABS Module Malfunction is a serious problem that may cause many issues when driving. The module cannot perform the primary function of stopping the wheels from locking up, especially during heavy braking. You may even experience brake locking under usual driving conditions. Other signs of a malfunctioning module include a noticeable clicking sound coming from the brakes, increased effort in applying the brakes, and a complete lack of braking.
• A low Brake Reservoir Fluid Level can cause the hydraulic system to fail. Not having enough fluid in the system will prevent the brake calipers from forcing the brake pads to press on the rotors to bring the vehicle to a stop. Checking the fluid level and topping it off will usually resolve this problem.
• A Wheel Speed Sensor Malfunction is serious because the sensor provides the ABS module with information about how fast each wheel is spinning independently. This information is critical for the module to control the braking force for each wheel. When there is a defective or malfunctioning wheel sensor, the module cannot accurately detect and control the rate at which the wheel needs to spin to ensure that the vehicle comes to a controlled stop. Another symptom that you may notice is that the speedometer speed is wrong. The speedometer uses the speed sensors to measure the speed of the wheels. If the speed sensor malfunctions, the speedometer will be incorrect or read zero.

Key Takeaways

The ABS's operation starts with the wheel speed sensor, which sends data to the ABS module. The ABS module analyzes this data to determine if the wheel has locked, and if so, it tries to reduce the brake pressure so that the wheel can spin. At this point, the ABS module is now controlling the hydraulic system to vary the pressure applied to each wheel so that they do not lock up. This process of adjusting pressure on each wheel is performed several times per second, ensuring that the vehicle is stopped in a controlled manner.

Using an OBD scanner to identify potential problems with the ABS will pay off in the long run because this tool will enable you to find and fix problems before they become unsafe and expensive. Some ABS issues can be traced to minor problems like low brake fluid. If this is the problem, all you need to do is fill the reservoir for a cost between $5 and $25.

While under the hood, it is a good idea to check if the brake fluid is discolored, which may indicate that it has turned bad. This is important because dirty brake fluid could cause brake pad wear, which could result in damage to the speed sensors or wiring, as the speed sensor is very close to the brake pads and can easily be affected by bad or worn-out brake pads. Typically, a speed sensor lasts between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, but as you have seen, many factors can cause it to get damaged. Some warning signs include worn brake pads, wobbling ring tones, screeching sounds from the rotors, and bad brake fluid that smells burnt or is discolored. The typical cost to replace a speed sensor is between $80 and $300.

Several reasons can cause an ABS to appear faulty. Issues such as low or bad brake fluid or a speed sensor failure can wreak havoc with the ABS. Typically, fixing or replacing a faulty ABS module costs between $300 and $1000 if you use an OBD scanner and DIY. The cost could increase if you engage a professional to correct the problem. The other factor is that the price is also dependent on the brand and model of your vehicle and the difficulty in finding the module to replace or fix it.

Conclusion

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that ABS has saved countless lives. Unfortunately, not all vehicles are equipped with this life-saving feature due primarily to vehicle age. In 2004, manufacturers were legally required to offer ABS in their vehicles, but it wasn’t until 2012 that all vehicles were required to have an ABS. Older vehicles that do not have an ABS are not required to upgrade, so there are still plenty of vehicles on the road without ABS. For those of you who own a vehicle with ABS, it is important to heed the warning signs and take action to address them. Whether you are a DIYer with your OBD scanner, tools, and ability to identify and fix the issue, or you decide to use a professional to correct the problem, prompt action will ensure you and your passengers do not experience a crash due to a malfunctioning ABS.

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