If your ABS warning light has come on, or your brakes don’t feel quite right, our ABS diagnostics service at MH Auto Repair Centre helps identify what’s causing it. We connect to your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system, read the fault codes stored by the ABS control module and explain what we find in plain English. We’re based in Perivale, Greenford, and cover the surrounding West London area.
Message us on WhatsApp with your vehicle details and what you’re noticing, and we’ll get your ABS diagnostic check booked in.
What Is ABS Diagnostics?
ABS diagnostics is a fault check carried out on your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system using diagnostic equipment connected to the ABS control module. The system relies on wheel speed sensors to stop the wheels locking up under heavy braking, and when it detects a problem, it stores a fault code and switches on the ABS warning light on your dashboard. ABS diagnostics is one of several checks under our wider vehicle diagnostics range.
Reading those stored codes lets us identify which part of the system is affected — commonly a wheel speed sensor, the wiring around it, or the ABS control module itself — rather than replacing parts without knowing the actual cause.
What Does the ABS Warning Light Mean?
The ABS warning light means your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system has detected a fault and switched itself off, while your normal brakes continue to work as usual. Anti-lock braking is designed to stop the wheels locking up and skidding under hard braking or on a slippery surface, so losing it reduces your control in an emergency stop even though the car can still brake normally day to day.
Signs You May Need an ABS Diagnostic Check
It’s worth booking an ABS diagnostic check if you notice any of the following:
- The ABS warning light has come on, on its own or alongside other dashboard lights
- The brake pedal feels unusually hard, soft, or pulses when you’re not braking hard
- The traction control or stability control light is also on
- The speedometer or odometer is behaving oddly, which can point to a wheel speed sensor fault
- An MOT test has flagged an ABS-related fault or advisory
If the ABS light comes on together with the main brake warning light, that points to a more serious braking fault and is worth getting checked as soon as it’s safe to do so. The ABS light on its own is less urgent, but still deserves attention rather than being left.
What Our ABS Diagnostics Check Covers
Our ABS diagnostics service focuses specifically on the anti-lock braking system, including:
- Fault code reading — retrieving stored ABS fault codes from the control module
- Wheel speed sensors — checking each sensor for a fault, damage or a poor connection
- Wiring and connectors — tracing faults in the ABS wiring where relevant
- ABS control module — identifying faults with the module itself where the sensors and wiring check out
- Warning light causes — confirming what actually triggered the ABS light before recommending any repair
If your fault turns out to be related to a different system, such as the engine or a general electrical fault, we’ll let you know so it can be looked at under the right check.
How the Diagnostic Process Works
- Tell us what you’ve noticed, including when the ABS light came on or when the symptom started
- We connect diagnostic equipment to read the stored ABS fault codes and relevant sensor data
- We explain what we’ve found in plain terms, including how confident we are in the cause
- We provide a quote for any repair work before starting anything
- With your agreement, we carry out the repair and confirm the fault is resolved before handing the car back
Is It Safe to Drive With the ABS Light On?
In most cases it’s safe to keep driving with only the ABS light on, because your normal brakes are unaffected and will still stop the car as usual. You lose the anti-lock function that helps prevent wheel lock-up in an emergency stop or on a slippery road, so it’s still worth booking a diagnostic check soon rather than leaving it. If the ABS light appears together with the main brake warning light, treat it as more urgent and get it checked as soon as possible.
Will an ABS Fault Affect My MOT?
An illuminated ABS warning light on a vehicle fitted with ABS as standard is checked as part of an MOT test and can result in a fail, since the tester can’t confirm the system is working correctly. Getting an ABS fault diagnosed and resolved before your MOT is due can help you avoid an unnecessary fail on the day.
What Affects the Cost of ABS Diagnostics
We don’t publish a fixed ABS diagnostic cost, because it depends on the vehicle and what the fault turns out to be. Factors that affect the price include:
- The make and model of your vehicle and its ABS system
- Whether the fault is a straightforward sensor issue or needs more extensive investigation
- Whether a repair is needed afterwards, such as a sensor replacement, and what parts or labour that involves
We’ll always talk you through the likely cost after we’ve had a look at your vehicle, and you’ll get a quote before any repair work goes ahead.
Why Choose MH Auto Repair Centre for ABS Diagnostics
We’re a family-run local workshop in Perivale, Greenford, and our technicians bring around six years of relevant experience to diagnostic and repair work. Every vehicle we look at also gets a free vehicle inspection, and any repair work carried out comes with our six-month warranty and genuine parts where appropriate. A replacement vehicle may be available where applicable — just ask the team when you get in touch.
ABS Diagnostics FAQs
What is ABS diagnostics?
ABS diagnostics is a fault check carried out on your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system using diagnostic equipment connected to the ABS control module. It reads stored fault codes and sensor data to identify what’s causing the ABS warning light or a braking-related symptom.
What does the ABS warning light mean?
The ABS warning light means the anti-lock braking system has detected a fault and switched itself off, while your normal brakes continue to work as usual. It’s the system’s way of telling you it can no longer guarantee anti-lock assistance until the fault is fixed.
Is it safe to drive with the ABS warning light on?
Generally yes, because your normal brakes still work and the car will still stop as usual. You lose the anti-lock function that helps in an emergency stop or on a slippery road, so it’s worth getting checked soon rather than left. If the ABS light and the main brake warning light are on together, treat it as more urgent.
What causes an ABS warning light to come on?
The most common cause is a faulty or dirty wheel speed sensor, though a wiring fault, a connector issue or a problem with the ABS control module can also trigger it. A diagnostic check is the reliable way to confirm which part of the system is affected before ordering any parts.
Will an ABS fault cause an MOT failure?
An ABS warning light that stays on can result in an MOT failure on a vehicle fitted with ABS as standard, since the tester can’t confirm the system is working. Getting the fault diagnosed and resolved beforehand can help you avoid an unnecessary fail.
How much does ABS diagnostics cost?
ABS diagnostic cost depends on the vehicle and the fault involved, so we don’t publish a fixed price. We’ll talk you through the likely cost once we’ve had a look at your car, and provide a quote before any repair work begins.
Book Your ABS Diagnostic Check
Send your vehicle details and what you’ve noticed over on WhatsApp, and we’ll get your ABS diagnostic check booked in with our team in Perivale, Greenford. Prefer another way to reach us? Visit our contact page.
