The ABS light is a safety feature in cars. As a Chevy Silverado owner, you may be wondering why the ABS light of your vehicle is on with no codes. Fortunately, we have consulted experts in this field, and here is what they have to say.
Due to problems, the ABS light may come with no error code, including loose ABS sensor wiring, bad tires, wheel alignment failure, and damaged ABS ring. Here are some things you can do to tackle this issue:
- Check your tire and wheel alignment.
- Check for damaged wiring.
- Examine the wheel bearing.
- Inspect the ABS ring.
This problem can be easy or challenging to fix, depending on the cause. Keep reading to get detailed information on fixing Chevy Silverado, which has an active ABS Light but no codes.
What Does The ABS Light Mean On A Chevy Silverado?
The ABS light is a warning light that comes on due to anti-lock braking system issues. So, if the ABS warning light is on in your Chevy Silverado, the antilock system has been disabled due to a problem.
The standard brakes on your car should still function properly, but the antilock system that prevents wheels from locking up while braking will not.
Additionally, traction and stability control rely on the same wheel-speed sensors as the anti-lock system; those features will also be disabled if your car's ABS light comes on.
The ABS uses sensors at each wheel to keep track of rotational speed. Cars have a computer to ensure that your ride is stable, the signals are coming from all four wheels, and the brake pedal's position is sent to it.
The computer will activate the ABS warning light to inform the driver of abnormal signals or the absence of a signal from any of the sensors.
Each time you start your car, the ABS light [typically yellow, amber, or orange] should briefly illuminate as a system check. If the light continues to illuminate, the system has been shut down because something is wrong.
Why Is Chevy Silverado ABS Light On But No Codes?
Sometimes, the ABS warning light in your Chevy Silverado stays active without an error code. An issue primarily causes this with components that are not a part of the ABS.
As a result, it is more difficult to troubleshoot the issue since an error code will not be triggered or stored in the ECU. Here are some of the most common reasons the ABS light may come on with no error code.:
Loose ABS Speed Sensor Wiring
Damaged or loose wiring is a common cause of ABS issues. The ABS may activate when it shouldn't be due to minor damage to the speed sensor, which can also cause the ABS warning light to flash but not cause an ECU error code.
Most cars have a central module to which four sensors [one for each wheel] are attached that houses the ABS and traction control systems. Sensors are connected to the ABS inside each wheel arch and along the suspension of the wheel hub.
Each wheel's wiring is exposed to weather, dust, and other road debris. The speed sensors and wiring can be harmed by continual exposure to heat [from the brakes and weather] and water, damaging the sensor's physical structure.
Additionally, the sensor connector can sustain damage or become loosened over time, leading to an erratic connection that may bring on the ABS light without warning.
Bad Tires
Tires are worn out, or uneven wear is another frequent cause of the ABS light flashing unexpectedly. Performance and rear-wheel-drive vehicles that generate a lot of torque when accelerating experience this issue.
Tires are less effective at gripping the road surface when worn out or uneven [worn more at the sides or middle]. As a result, the tire may slip, tricking the ABS into believing the vehicle is skidding out of control.
Since the ABS is functioning as expected and the tires are at fault in this situation, the ECU won't record any error codes.
Wheel Alignment Failure
If the wheels are not correctly aligned, the ABS may also be activated unnecessarily. Once more, the ABS detects a potential hazard and activates to assist in reducing it.
The wheels are actually out of alignment, which is what is happening, and this causes the tires to momentarily lose traction, which activates the traction control or ABS. Although a problem needs to be fixed, the ECU won't record any error codes.
Damaged ABS Ring
Most ABS systems attach an ABS ring, also known as a reluctor ring, to each wheel hub or driveshaft. The ABS sensor can determine the speed of each wheel thanks to this ring.
Sometimes dirt can get wedged in the cutouts, or the ABS ring may rust and begin to swell. As a result, the signal that the ABS speed sensor is getting will be distorted.
The ABS light will then turn on when it is not supposed to. However, until the sensor is completely damaged, this may not result in an error code turning on the ABS light.
What To Do If Chevy Silverado ABS Light Is On But No Codes?
If no error codes in your Chevy Silverado indicate a specific ABS sensor is having a problem, it may be challenging to identify why the ABS light is on and fix the issue. However, here are some actions you can take to resolve the issue:
Check Your Tire And Wheel Alignment
If you notice that the ABS light of your chevy is on with no codes, you should examine your tire's condition and have a mechanic or tire store check the wheels' alignment.
Check For Damaged Wiring
If the wheels and tires are in good condition, look for damaged wiring or a loose connection at the connector block on each ABS speed sensor. Additionally, you should check that each sensor tip is clean and free of rust or dirt by removing it from each wheel hub.
Examine The Wheel Bearing
Examine each wheel bearing for excessive movement or odd noises the wheel makes as it rotates. Cycle-like chirping, squealing, and growling noises are the typical sounds of a bad wheel bearing.
Inspect The ABS Ring
If possible, inspect the reluctor or ABS ring on each wheel. These can be hard to get to; you might need to take a wheel hub or driveshaft out for a thorough inspection.
Start by removing the ABS speed sensor if you don't have the tools to remove the hub. You should be able to see the surface of the ABS reluctor ring if you shine a torch into the sensor hole. If it appears excessively rusty or dirty, that might be the issue.
Try taking your car to a major dealership if the troubleshooting steps above don't work. A dealership or a mechanic with the right tools can detect OBD error codes that you can't.
How Can I Reset The ABS Light On A Chevy?
First, unplug the positive cable from the car battery. Keep your foot planted on the brake pedal to drain the vehicle's electrical system. The central computer of the car will reset as a result of this.
To restart the power, re-plug the cable. This will reset the ABS light. If the light returns after resetting, the ABS sensor may need to be replaced.
What Fuse Controls ABS Light On A Chevy?
An anti-lock fuse and relay are in charge of controlling the ABS light on a Chevy. Electricity cannot flow to the relay unless the first fuse, a 10 amp fuse, is in good condition, and the second fuse, a 30 amp fuse, cannot operate without power from the relay.
This fuse and relay must be in good working condition for power to enter the entire ABS.
Is It Safe To Drive With ABS Light On?
Yes, it's safe to drive. As normal braking is unaffected by the ABS light, you can continue to drive the vehicle while it is illuminated.
However, since your ABS aids in stopping and controlling your car, driving without it can be risky. So, it is not advisable to have your vehicle examined as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Chevy ABS Sensor?
Depending on the car model and labor costs, replacing an ABS wheel speed sensor typically ranges from $200 to $400 per sensor. The wheel speed sensor will cost you between $100 and $150, and the labor will cost you between $100 and $300.
The ABS will be completely disabled if one of the sensors malfunctions, so you must immediately replace a bad speed sensor. It would be best if you typically changed them every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Can You Clean Chevy ABS Wheel Sensor?
You can use a rag to clean your Chevy ABS sensor thoroughly. However, to prevent any potential issues, avoid using any chemicals on the sensor. If the sensor is dirty, rinse it thoroughly using a mild soapy solution.
To Wrap Up
Any time an issue with the ABS brake system arises and your warning light comes on without a code, all you have to do is check and repair your tires, check for bad wiring, and inspect the ABS ring. However, if the problem persists, consult a professional.
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