ABS is short for Antilock Braking System. ABS codes are unique sets of numbers that indicate the problem with your ABS. With these codes, you can diagnose the problem with the ABS of your car instantly. Even if you are unsure what the codes mean, you can find what it is and look them up to know what they mean.

The ABS ensures that your car does not skid when you hit the brake in your car. A light indicates a fault in this system if it is switched on. The light is usually located next to the check engine light in most cars. However, you might have difficulties reading it using the ABS code reader that comes with the Scanner.

What is ABS?

While the brakes in any vehicle are necessary, they are also dangerous when applied abruptly. A car can skid if the pressure due to brake fluid is not maintained at an appropriate level. An ABS in a car maintains the brake pressure at a level where it can stop or slow down without skidding uncontrollably.

A car often makes a quick pulsing noise as it pulses the brakes and prevents the car from skidding and locking the tires.  If you have ABS in your vehicle, you can drive on slippery or icy streets without worrying about your wheels locking up and spinning.

What are ABS Codes?

ABS codes constitute a letter that is followed by unique numbers such as C 333, C 231, C 42, etc. The format of these codes could vary from vehicle to vehicle. A unique ABS code refers to a particular fault that your ABS system has sustained.

For example, the ABS code C 333 could mean ‘Left front anti-lock brake sensor continuity fault’. Again, the meaning of each code varies from vehicle to vehicle and you can look it up in a directory or on the internet to understand what it means.

Once you find out what the code means, you will be able to fix the fault.

How to read ABS codes without a scanner?

There are several ways to read ABS codes without a scanner. The first way is to look at the vehicle with your eyes. You can recognize the ABS fault code by the flickering dashboard light in most cases.

However, a few ABS fault codes do not cause dashboard lights to flicker but use this method anyway. If you cannot find the abs fault code through this method, try this. Next, go to your local auto parts store and purchase a code reader.

This device will tell you the abs fault code and show you easier details to read than those on your dashboard. The nice thing is that there isn’t a separate database needed as the code reader will retrieve the info from the onboard computer in your vehicle.

How to visually read ABS codes

You can read the ABS code using a scanner but reading it visually might be easier for you and ABS scanners can be quite inaccurate. So to read the ABS Codes visually, you need to first switch off the vehicle ignition.

Once the ignition of your vehicle is switched off, switch it on again.

Now as you do that, pay careful attention to your vehicle dashboard where the ABS light blinks.

The ABS light will blink for a while ( usually a couple of seconds and will start blinking frequently. Count the number of times it flashes in a frequency. Then the light will pause and stop.

Repeat this procedure once or twice again to make sure that you have got the right number of blinks.

Now, compare the number of flashes the ABS light did to the ABS code key.

If it has blinked 3 times, look for code number 3 in the ABS code manual. As mentioned earlier, if you don’t have a print copy of the manual, you can find one online.

How to read abs codes using your Smartphone?

To know the ABS codes of a car using your Smartphone, download an app called Scanner. This nifty little app can decode the barcode on your car’s user manual and will then tell you what the code means and what you should do about it.

Here are the few simple steps you need to take to download and use:

Step 1: Download Scanner from the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Start the app and insert the barcode of the user manual.

Step 3: The app will then decode the barcode and show you the results.

Step 4: Read the results and do what the app tells you to do. As simple as that.

Conclusion: 

We hope you enjoyed our article about reading ABS codes without a scanning tool. Reading ABS codes without a scan tool can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right knowledge and attention to detail, you can quickly and accurately read the code and get your car back to running as it should be. If you have any other questions about reading ABS codes without a scanner, please mention them in the comments section below. Thanks for reading.

FAQs

Can AutoZone check ABS codes?

Yes, they can. AutoZone has a diagnostic tool that they use to do an ABS check and reset any trouble codes. More than likely, if you have an older vehicle, you will need to have the repair shop do the work since they have a special diagnostic computer that is programmed for the vehicle.

Is it OK to drive without ABS?

ABS helps a driver maintain control of the car when braking by preventing the wheels from locking up under heavy braking. However, the current ABS systems do not make any difference in the stopping distance of the car, so in effect, it’s not that important. However, it is advisable to maintain your ABS in good condition by getting regular servicing done.

How do you reset your ABS?

To reset your ABS, you will have to open your hood and remove the battery cable from the car. Next, you need to pull out the fuse labeled ABS from the fuse box. On the same fuse box, you will find the ABS pump relay. You will want to remove this relay as well. After you do both of these, wait 30 seconds. Put the relay back into the fuse box, and put the fuse back into the fuse box. Finally, put the battery cable back on and close your hood. You have just reset your ABS.