Several things could cause the ABS light to illuminate:
* Low brake fluid: This is the most common and easiest to check. Check your brake fluid reservoir. If it's low, you have a leak somewhere in the braking system and need to get it repaired immediately.
* Faulty ABS sensor: These sensors monitor wheel speed. A malfunctioning sensor will trigger the light.
* Faulty ABS control module: This is the "brain" of the ABS system. A faulty module requires professional diagnosis and repair.
* Faulty wiring: Damaged or corroded wiring can disrupt the system.
* Faulty wheel speed sensor ring: This ring is located on the wheel hub and is read by the sensor. Damage or corrosion can cause problems.
What to do:
1. Check your brake fluid level: This is the first and most important step. If it's low, don't drive the vehicle until the leak is found and repaired.
2. Have the system diagnosed: You need a mechanic with a code reader capable of reading ABS system codes to pinpoint the exact problem. Simply replacing parts randomly is unlikely to solve the issue and will be costly.
Driving with a malfunctioning ABS system isn't ideal, especially in adverse weather conditions. Get it checked out as soon as possible to ensure your safety.