An ABS error on a Chevy Colorado is always a concern for Chevy owners because it indicates a fault in your brake system. Brake faults are dangerous and can lead to accidents.
The ABS fault on a Chevy Colorado occurs when the ABS light on your dashboard comes on. It indicates a failure in the car wheel sensors and warrants immediate attention. You can reset the ABS, but it is only a temporary solution. The best way to solve it is by fixing the fault in the car.
Having car troubles? You have reached the perfect place because this article will extensively explain all ABS faults, causes, and solutions.
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What Is The Meaning Of ABS Fault?
ABS fault is a warning light that illuminates your dashboard when there is a fault in the anti-lock braking system of your Chevy. ABS is an acronym for an anti-lock braking system. It is a safety feature in all Chevy Colorado vehicles that prevents the car wheels from locking during braking.
When the ABS light pops on your dashboard, it indicates that your wheel sensors have a defect and warns of the possibility that your car has lost its ability to maintain directional stability and steerability.
The result will be hard braking, difficulty in obstacle avoidance, and steering jam.
Once the ABS light reflects on your dashboard, the anti-lock braking system automatically disables.
Although you can apply the brake, you must cease driving your Chevy until you fix it and avoid the risk of brake failure.
It would be best to fix ABS fault immediately because delaying might result in complete brake failure, damage to other car parts, and even road accidents.
You can fix ABS faults at any repair shop or with your car dealership. You can also reset the ABS, but there are better solutions for the problem.
6 Causes of ABS Fault on A Chevy Colorado
There are several reasons or causes for the ABS warning light staying on your Chevy Colorado. These causes are usually in the vehicle’s wheel system, and they include the following;
Damaged Wheel Speed Sensor
There is an ABS sensor at every Chevy Colorado wheel hub. It measures the speed of each wheel and relays the result to the control unit.
Faulty wheel sensors or a bad data relay will trigger the ABS light on your dashboard.
Bad wheel sensors are the most typical reason for ABS faults due to their closeness to the car wheels and exposure to harsh road conditions.
Your wheel sensors should be the first to check if you are experiencing an ABS fault.
Bad Sensor Wire And Connector
Bad sensor wire or damage in the connectors can disrupt the flow of information to the ABS control unit, thereby triggering the ABS fault light.
It is essential to check your sensor wires and connectors for signs of wear, cuts, and corrosion before considering sensor replacement.
Low Brake Fluid
Lack of or low brake fluid in your Chevy can lead to an ABS fault. The low brake fluid level can result from leakage or wear to the brake pad and rotors.
Check that the fluid level is at or higher than the high mark in the reservoir.
Fix any leakage and top your brake fluid to avoid the ABS fault.
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Check PriceABS Pump Or Control Module Failure
The ABS pump reduces the effects of hard braking on your Chevy wheels. It works with a hydraulic pump to achieve this function.
Failure of the ABS pump to perform this task efficiently will lead to an ABS fault light indication on your dashboard.
You can detect this fault by reading your car error code.
Low Tire Pressure
Suppose one of your car tires has low pressure. It can cause an ABS fault. The low pressure will cause a reduction in the diameter of the wheel and cause it to spin faster than other wheels.
You can use this pressure gauge to check if the tire pressure is correct and if you’re following the recommended PSI by the manufacturer.
Gauge
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The ABS will detect the speed difference and trigger the light on the dashboard.
The tire pressure monitoring system warning light usually accompanies ABS faults due to low pressure.
Blown Fuse
A blown or damaged fuse will light up as an ABS fault. The fuse is found in the fuse box of your Chevy. You can check your car manual to locate and replace the fuse box.
If you don’t have replacement fuses, check this 250 Pieces Fuses Assortment kit below.
Your car’s ABS fault can be due to any of these reasons. You must locate the error and fix it as soon as possible.
Failure to resolve the situation might lead to further damage to other car components.
Source; Youtube.
How Do You Fix Chevy Colorado ABS Light that Keeps Coming On?
You can fix an ABS warning light that doesn’t turn off on a Chevy Colorado by repairing the causative problem. It is often challenging to identify the exact reason for an ABS fault. But you can diagnose and clear the error code using an OBD2 scanner. When you connect the scanner to your vehicle, it will scan and read out all errors in your car via code.
OBD2 Scanner
FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 Scanner
The NT301 obd2 scanner enables you to read DTCs, access to e-missions readiness status, turn off CEL(check engine light) or MIL, reset monitor, read live data and retrieve VIN of your vehicle.
Check PriceThe codes make it easier for you to identify and fix the exact problem correctly. It would be best if you replaced the defaulting sensor in order to fix the ABS fault.
Ensure you get the correct code reader for your car because not all can read Chevy Colorado codes.
How to Reset the ABS Light On A Chevy Colorado?
You can also reset your ABS to remove the light indication. However, this is not a permanent answer to the problem.
It is only a temporary fix to the light indicator on your dashboard.
You have to root out the causative factor and fix it. Once you fix it, the light usually disappears on its own.
However, If you really want to do a quick and easy reset on the whole ABS system, the steps are below:
1. Turn Key On
Turn the ignition key ‘ON’, but do not start the engine just yet. You know it’s turned ‘ON’ when the dashboard lights illuminate.
2. Perform 3 Gas Pedal Presses
Come down below and perform 3 quick presses of your gas pedal. This is the secret ‘cheat code’ that will perform the emergency reset of the ABS system on your Colorado.
3. Start the Engine
Wait a few moments and start your engine. The reset process is complete. With any luck, this will reboot your ABS system, allowing all of the system’s components to recalibrate and start operating as intended.
4. If The Abs Light Doesn’t Go Off
If performing all the above steps doesn’t work and your ABS warning light stays on, don’t panic. You need to do an additional step.
Drive your vehicle at a speed of at least 15-20 mph. Additionally, you might need to drive around for a few minutes, but after 10-15 miles, the reset should be completed.
Cost Of Fixing ABS Fault
It costs around $300 to $1,000 to fix ABS faults. This amount depends on the damage triggering the fault. It also includes diagnosis, repair, and labor costs. The rarity of the ABS control module can also affect the repair cost.
The Chevy Colorado’s ABS is made up of several components. Most times, a failure in one part might require a complete replacement. But, if the problem is in the sensors only, you can change the sensors and be done with it.
Can You Drive With ABS Light Flashing On?
We do not recommend you drive with ABS light flashing on. However, it does not immediately impact your normal braking capability. It controls brake response during emergencies. A malfunction means that you are driving without a braking system backup control.
If your ABS fault light comes on, it is best to drive your Chevy carefully because of the absence of an anti-lock braking system functioning for emergencies.
Suppose the ABS light comes up along with the brake warning light. Please do not drive the Chevy. Call a towing service to the repair shop and fix your car before use.
Conclusion
An ABS fault might sound like a minor problem because you can still apply the normal brake.
However, it is a serious concern because it can lead to further damages that might incur huge costs or lead to accidents.
The ABS fault in Chevy Colorado results from a failure in your car’s wheel sensors and other car braking system components.
You can use an OBD2 scanner to diagnose and clear the error code and fix ABS faults.