ABS Light in Bikes: Meaning, Causes & What to Do

What Is an ABS Light in Bikes?

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) is a safety feature in modern vehicles that prevents the wheels from locking up during a hard braking situation. The ABS light on the console indicates whether this safety system in your bike is or is not functioning properly.

What Does the ABS Warning Light Look Like?

The ABS light symbol is a circle with two curved lines (parentheses) flanking it on each side and the letters “ABS” written inside it. The ABS light on means there is a fault in the bike’s ABS.

While it varies depending on the make and model, the ABS warning light colour is typically yellow, red or amber.

What are the Common Reasons Your ABS Light is On?

If your bike’s ABS light is on, you should get it checked out. A lot of things can cause this light to turn on, such as the following:

1. If there’s a fault in the hydraulic pump or electronic control unit (ECU) that manages ABS, the ABS indicator may turn on.

2. If either the tone ring or the ABS sensor is damaged, the system malfunctions and triggers the ABS warning light.

3. A drop in brake fluid can affect hydraulic pressure, reducing braking performance. This can trigger the ABS light on.

4. A weak, faulty or failing battery may not supply sufficient power, causing the ABS warning light to turn on.

5. The ABS in bikes has a dedicated fuse, which can blow due to a minor electrical short, causing the ABS indicator to turn on.

What Should You Do When the ABS Light Comes On?

Seeing the ABS indicator illuminate can be stressful. However, the important thing here is not to panic and approach the situation efficiently. Here’s what you can do:

1. Stop the ride: If the ABS light illuminates mid-ride, make sure to pull over safely to the side of the road.

2. Do the basics: You may try the basic fixes, such as restarting the bike or checking the fuse, to see if the issue gets resolved.

3. Visit the garage: If the ABS indicator is still on, visit an authorised service centre and have it checked by a mechanic.

What are The Steps to Reset the ABS Light on Your Bike?

Resetting the ABS light on bikes means finding the root cause and fixing it. Here are the best ways to reset the ABS warning light on your bike:

1. Restart the bike: Sometimes, the ABS indicator may get triggered due to a system glitch. Simply restarting the bike can cause the ABS sign on dashboard to turn off.

2. Check fuse: If the fuse is blown, replace it with a spare one and then switch on the bike to see if it has been fixed.

3. Check brake fluid: Check the brake fluid level in the brake reservoir. If it is low, make sure to refill it to the proper level.

4. Check battery: Disconnecting and then reconnecting the battery can resolve the issue by forcing a hard reset.

5. Check with an OBD scanner: Plug an OBD scanner into the bike to get an error code. Once you pinpoint and fix the root cause, the ABS light will reset.

Can You Ride Safely with the ABS Light On?

Yes, you can still ride your bike with the ABS light on. However, do so with caution. Here are some tips:

1. Ride at a slow, safe and manageable speed.

2. Don’t do hard or panic braking.

3. Apply both front and rear brakes simultaneously.

ABS Light and Bike Insurance: What Should You Know with Jio Insurance Broking?

During an accident-related insurance claim, if the surveyor determines that the cause of the accident was a malfunctioning ABS due to improper maintenance of the vehicle, your claim may be rejected based on the owner’s negligence.

Hence, doing scheduled maintenance of your bike and fixing issues, like the ABS light being on, is crucial if you want to avoid claim rejections under your bike insurance policy.

To pick two-wheeler insurance for your bike in India, rely on the industry experts at Jio Insurance Broking. You can easily compare plans across top providers in India at Jio Insurance Broking and choose the exact coverage for your two-wheeler needs.

What are Some Tips to Prevent ABS Issues in Your Bike?

Follow these tips to prevent ABS issues in your motorcycle:

1. Maintain optimal brake fluid levels.

2. Do not use pressure washers directly on ABS sensors.

3. Avoid unnecessary use of hard braking while riding.

4. Ensure optimal tyre health.

Conclusion

An illuminated ABS warning light indicates an issue with your bike’s Anti-Lock Braking System. While the bike is still rideable without ABS, one must do so with extreme caution. However, finding the root cause behind the malfunction and getting it resolved is always a priority to prevent dangerous skidding incidents during emergency braking.

Frequently Asked Questions