what does the ABS light mean when it comes on have a 2000 VW Jetta?
2010-09-06T14:55:03Z
I also have another light coming on, it's a triangle with an exclamation mark inside of it and a circle around it..........I don't have a car manual witch is why i am asking
2010-09-06T15:05:08Z
ok, please explain what these mean and the seriousness of getting them fixed and just elaborate on everything b/c Idk anything about cars and i have no manual and money is tight so if i can avoid taking my car to the shop then that's what I'd prefer!
2010-09-06T15:06:47Z
and b-side those two lights i have a light that looks like an engine that has a lighting bolt in the middle so i thought that was my check engine light.
meme_lissa2010-09-06T15:27:46Z
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The ABS light is warning that the anti-lock feature is not working properly, and needs to be inspected. The following info is just a general ABS description that applies to most vehicles, and is not VW specific. The ABS , {anti-lock brake system}, consists of 4 sensors, one on each of the 4 rotating hubs, They are magnetic sensors that read a perforated disc, and they read the speed of tire rotation at each of the 4 wheels separately. They are wired to an ABS computer. During braking, the sensors can tell if one tire or more have "locked up" or is "skidding". The computer is wired to a servo system that can completely cut or reduce brake fluid pressure to any wheel according to what info the sensor detects and sends to the ABS computer. Think of it as a speed sensor on each individual wheel, detecting if the brakes have locked a wheel up. This is a very good system. It is designed so the anti-lock feature can fail, but not the brakes. Driving on wet roads or at high speeds would be the most dangerous with a failed sensor or system. When the ABS light comes on, it means any one of the sensors can be faulty, or the ABS computer. Have a dependable service center lift the vehicle, and check that all 4 wheels are braking. A good service center can test the sensors and the computer, and find the real problem. Have it inspected. The ABS must work properly, or it is more of a hazard than a safety feature. The sensors are magnetic and attract a lot of metal trash from the brakes. Sometimes, cleaning the sensors will restore proper operation.
Eventually you should bring your car to the shop, and in some states it may fail inspection. The Triangle warning could be your traction control disabled, which is tied to the ABS.
However, ABS is an option on many cars and you will have regular, old school braking. Just don't make any panic stops on wet surfaces and remember to pump your brake if the wheels lock up!
You will have to have your car scanned to know exactly what the problem is. Most likely you have a bad wheel sensor (not a complicated repair, but could be pricey at a shop). Try to find a place that will read the trouble code for cheap, and if its a wheel sensor buy the part online and look for an honest mechanic to install it.
The ABS light on means your ABS is not functioning properly as if the car didnt have it. The pads dont pump instead when you press the brake the pad is full on the rotor. The other light is the new check engine light, they changed it from the words "check engine" to that symbol so people would be able to identify it easier. LMAO
ABS is the Anti -skid Braking System but it means that any problem in your brake system needs work, possibly just pads. The triangle is a general warning, probably the same brake problem.