ABS & Airbag Module Diagnosis
Also called ABS light on
The ABS and airbag systems each have their own control unit that stores its own codes, which a basic engine scan will not see. An ABS light usually points to a wheel speed sensor, its wiring or a damaged reluctor ring, and means your anti-lock braking is disabled although the brakes still work normally. An airbag light means the restraint system has a fault and may not deploy. Both need proper diagnosis, and neither should simply be cleared and ignored.
Signs you need this
- ABS warning light on, often with the traction control light
- Airbag or SRS warning light on or flashing
- The ABS activates on normal dry roads when it should not
- Lights appeared after wheel bearing, brake or seat work
- The speedometer reads erratically alongside an ABS light
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Dedicated scan of the ABS and airbag control units
- Live wheel speed data compared across all four wheels during a road test
- Wheel speed sensor wiring and reluctor rings inspected for damage and debris
- Airbag circuit resistance and connector checks, including under-seat connectors
- Clear statement of what is disabled and what still works
- Written findings and a repair quote, with safety implications explained
How we do it
Scan the right units
ABS and airbag modules are scanned directly, since their codes do not appear in a basic engine only scan.
Compare wheel speeds
Live speed data from all four wheels on a road test shows immediately which sensor is dropping out.
Inspect the hardware
Sensors, their wiring at the suspension, and the reluctor rings are inspected for damage, corrosion and metal debris.
Check airbag circuits
Airbag work is done with the system safely disabled, and connectors under seats are checked first as common culprits.
Explain the safety position
You are told exactly what protection is currently disabled and what the repair involves before any work is agreed.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book abs & airbag module diagnosis
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.