Range Rover ABS Fault: How To Diagnose And Fix The Common Problem

You and I have something in common: more than our fair share of encounters with the notorious ABS light over the years.

Trust me, it’s a real mood spoiler! Whether you’re cruising down the highway or just tackling your daily commute, a functioning ABS system is crucial. Unless you like involuntarily rearranging your car.

But fear not, there is something you can do about it. So, fellow Range Rover enthusiast, let’s have some fun and decode the signs and symptoms of an ABS fault. From there, we’ll look at potential solutions to restore your braking confidence.

Buckle up and let’s go.

What models are affected?

Signs and symptoms

When you have an ABS fault on your Range Rover, you’ll see the ABS warning light on your dashboard. If you notice your brakes are not working as you’d expect them to work, that could indicate a fault in the ABS system.

Also, if the ABS warning light comes on after you start the engine and stays on, it’s another telling sign.

Even if the warning light goes out after a while, you may still experience ABS failures several times afterward.

List of possible OBD codes

Here are some potential OBD codes that should be relevant to a Range Rover ABS fault:

C1093 – ABS Hydraulic Pump Motor Circuit Failure
C1234 – Left Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Input Signal Missing or Circuit Shorted
C1096 – ABS Hydraulic Pump Motor Circuit Open
C1237 – Right Front ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Input Signal Missing or Circuit shorted
C1118 – ABS Hydraulic Valve Circuit Shorted to Battery
C1322 – Fault stored should monitor and check for recurrence

Common causes

Here are some common causes of Range Rover ABS faults:

Wheel speed sensors: These sensors measure the rotation of each wheel and provide the necessary data to the ABS computer. When one of these sensors goes bad, the ABS system might not work correctly.
ABS module: If the ABS module fails, it will not communicate with the ABS sensors, resulting in the ABS light coming on.
Wiring problems: Faulty wiring or connections to the ABS system could be another possible cause of an ABS fault.
Wheel bearing/hub: ABS sensors are usually integrated with the wheel hub. Faulty hub and bearings could lead to erratic ABS sensor output, causing the ABS system to fail.
Brake pedal switch: If the brake pedal switch is stuck or damaged, the ABS module might not receive a signal to activate the ABS system, causing the ABS light to indicate a fault.

Can it be fixed without a mechanic?

Suppose you have the right tools and some mechanical knowledge. In that case, some ABS problems can be fixed without taking your Range Rover to a mechanic.

However, suppose you’re dealing with a severe abs fault. In that case, a professional mechanic might be needed to diagnose the problem using specialized equipment.

Parts you’ll need to fix it

Here are some of the parts you might need to fix your Range Rover ABS fault:

Wheel Speed Sensor
ABS Control Module
ECU Module
Brake Pedal Switch

Tools you’ll need to fix it

Here’s a list of the necessary tools you’ll need to diagnose, assess, and resolve an ABS problem:

OBD II scanner, preferably capable of reading ABS codes
Circuit Tester
Brake Bleeder Kit
Socket Wrench Set
Multimeter
Wheel Chocks

How to fix it

Identify the fault: Connect your OBD II scanner to read the ABS code to help you identify and interpret the fault code.
Visually inspect the ABS sensors: Look for any physical damages, corrosion, frayed wiring harnesses, or other evidence of sensor malfunction by inspecting each sensor.
Check each wheel’s speed sensor: Use the circuit tester and multimeter to check each sensor’s voltage and resistance by referring to a factory service manual for testing ranges.
Replace faulty sensors: After identifying the fault, replace the sensors with new ones. It would be best to record the working wheel sensor output values and match the new sensor values to the old working ones.
Inspect ABS wiring: Use your multimeter, circuit tester, and visual inspection to examine the ABS wiring, then repair or replace any faulty wiring or connectors found.
Test the ABS system: Test the ABS system to ensure it’s working correctly before shutting it down and testing again after starting the car.

Potential alternative causes

It’s worth noting that the five possible causes listed above are not the only potential causes of an ABS fault. They’re merely the most commonly seen.

Allow an expert to investigate the ABS problem if the vehicle’s ABS braking system doesn’t seem to be working correctly, you should take it to a certified Range Rover mechanic.

FAQs

What does ABS stand for?

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System

Why is my ABS light coming on?

The ABS light comes on to indicate that there is a problem with the ABS system in your vehicle. To avoid a severe accident, you should take your vehicle to a certified mechanic and have the problem diagnosed as soon as possible.

How much will it cost to fix my Range Rover’s ABS fault?

It’s not possible to give an exact estimate of how much it would cost to fix an ABS fault. The cost ultimately depends on the underlying problem causing the ABS warning light to come on.

Can I still drive my Range Rover with the ABS light on?

Your Range Rover will still stop without the ABS system functioning, but the vehicle’s stopping distance will be increased. Therefore, you should avoid driving fast and carrying passengers until the ABS problem has been diagnosed and solved.

Summary

Based on this article, you now know the common causes of Range Rover ABS faults, the possible OBD codes, signs and symptoms of ABS failure, the necessary tools and parts, and how to fix the fault.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed or see an ABS warning light come on, it is critical to have your car inspected by a certified mechanic.