Is your Acura displaying the Check ABS System message on the dashboard every time you start the engine? It is an issue many Acura drivers face.
In this article, I will tell you what the Check ABS warning message means, the possible causes, and give you information on how you can fix it from my experience as a mechanic. Let’s get into it.
What is Acura’s ABS System?
The Anti-lock Braking System helps to keep your car stable while driving by ensuring your wheels do not lock-up especially when you apply brakes suddenly.
You, therefore, do not lose control of the vehicle, and stability is maintained. The ABS uses various sensors, a control unit, and a system of hydraulic valves to help regulate the speed of the wheels when the driver brakes.
The system measures the wheel’s rotational speed and detects any potential wheel skidding or wheel lock-up when braking.
In case there is an imminent wheel lock-up, the ABS will intervene and modulate the brake pressure to each wheel. This will allow the driver to maintain steering control and, therefore, also maintain the stability of the vehicle.
What Does “Check ABS System” Mean on an Acura?
When the Check ABS alert appears on your Acura’s dashboard, it simply means the ECU has detected an issue with your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System.
As the name suggests, the ABS system prevents the car’s wheels from locking up especially when you apply the brakes suddenly.
This sees to it that you still maintain control of the vehicle and stability. The ABS systems, however, may over time start developing issues.
Also, other parts of the vehicles related to it such as sensors, may malfunction, leading to glitches in the normal performance of the ABS. When this happens, the Check ABS System appears on your dashboard, sometimes with a chime.
Acura “Check ABS System” Main Causes
There are a number of possible reasons your Acura will display the Check ABS System message. Below, I explain the most common ones:
1. Defective Clock Spring
As you may already be aware, the clock spring plays a key role in your car’s ABS. It maintains the system’s electrical connections between the rest of the car and the steering wheel.
Now imagine having a defective clock spring. There is going to be a disruption of proper communication between the vehicle’s components and that includes the ABS module triggering the Check ABS System message on your dashboard.
So make sure your clock spring is in top shape the next time you experience the warning alert.
2. Faulty ABS Module
The ABS module receives and processes signals from a variety of sensors in your vehicle and then activates the ABS when required.
Due to various issues such as electrical glitches or failed internal components, the module can fail. Once this happens, you are going to get the warning message.
Luckily, the module can be repaired or replaced.
3. Defective Wheel Speed Sensor
Your Acura has a wheel speed sensor on each of its wheels. The sensor measures the wheel’s rotational speed and sends the data to the ABS module.
A faulty wheel sensor will fail to send this data or send inaccurate data, triggering the Check ABS System message. It is, therefore, important to make sure all the wheel speed sensors are working properly to rule out this possible cause.
4. Low Brake Fluid
While it is not a frequent factor, low brake fluid can also result in the Check ABS System alert. Note that there must be a sufficient supply of brake fluid for the ABS system to work properly.
One of the things that low brake fluid impacts is the hydraulic pressure, a key factor to the normal functioning of the ABS. Check the levels of your brake fluid and replenish it to the required level.
5. Damaged Wire Harness
Your Acura’s wire harness maintains electrical connections between the ABS and other components of the car.
Corrosion, wear, and tear can cause damage to parts of the wire harness, disrupting the normal transmission of signals. The ABS may consequently malfunction and prompt the Check ABS System.
6. Issues with the Brake Light Switch
When you engage the brake pedal, the brake light switch is what sends signals to the ABS module. The system then engages or disengages the ABS function as required.
If you have an inoperable or damaged brake switch, the communication to the ABS module will be disrupted and the warning message will appear on your dashboard.
7. Low Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure may seem unrelated to the ABS, but it sometimes has a hand in the Check ABS System alert. Variations in the wheel speed may occur when the tire pressure is very low.
The variations are picked up by the sensitive ABS. Once the ABS module reads the inconsistencies, there is likely going to be a warning message on your Acura dashboard. You want to make sure your tire pressure is properly adjusted to alleviate the issue.
How to Fix the Check ABS System Alert on an Acura
To address the Check ABS System Acura issue, you first want to identify the possible cause and then find ways to fix it.
I recommend taking your vehicle to a certified technician or to an Acura Service Center to have the car checked thoroughly.
Your technician will use special diagnostic tools to find the exact issue and then recommend repairs or replacements.
Another possible fix is to make ensure you have had all faulty components replaced. Again, your technician will come in handy here.
They will inspect your car’s ABS and tell you if there are any faulty components within the system that will need to be replaced.
Instead of solving one problem and having another come up later, it is better to replace all faulty components in the ABS at once. You also want to check the brake system and perform maintenance regularly.
Check the brake fluid often and refill it to the required level. Do not forget to inflate your tires as recommended in your car manual.
Additional Sources
https://www.cars.com/articles/why-is-the-abs-light-on-1420663031672/
https://www.acura.ca/en/experience-acura/technology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_speed_sensor
https://repairpal.com/estimator/acura/tsx/anti-lock-brake-system-abs-diagnosis-cost