Noticing the ABS warning light in your Honda Odyssey’s instrument cluster can be scary and frustrating. Things can worsen if you don’t know what this light means or how to clear it. But worry not because this article has you covered.
Like other dashboard warning lights, it’s preferable to determine the root cause of the ABS light. Doing this will help you determine how to address the underlying issues and clear the warning light. If the light stays on after fixing the problem, you can use a suitable method to reset it.
Herein, I discuss how to reset the Honda Odyssey ABS light. I’ll also highlight the common causes of the ABS light and how you can address them.
Answer: Meaning of the ABS Light on Honda Odyssey
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) serves as a safety feature in your Odyssey to prevent the wheels from locking, particularly in heavy braking situations. The system helps you to steer safely in emergencies by ensuring the wheels have enough traction to avoid skidding.
It’s a great feature that prevents accidents after braking hard. Each wheel in your Honda Odyssey has an ABS sensor for monitoring wheel speed and direction of the turn. The sensor communicates with the ABS control module to ensure braking efficiency.
If one or more sensors malfunction, the ABS light will appear on the dash. Several other issues may cause this light to appear. Some include low brake fluid, a blown ABS fuse, low tire pressure, and a defective ABS module.
The ABS light on your Odyssey’s dash indicates you have a malfunctioning anti-lock braking system. You can still use brakes, but they’ll be less effective in heavy braking situations. So, it’s important to be careful or drive slower if this light appears on the dash.
Sometimes, the brake light may follow the ABS light. When this happens, it means you have a malfunctioning brake system. Brake failure can pose several risks, so stop driving and fix the underlying problem.
Question: What To Do if the ABS Light Appears on the Dashboard
The best way to address this issue is by determining its cause and fixing it. After the fix, you can consider a reset if the light doesn’t disappear. Conducting a Honda Odyssey ABS light reset without fixing the root problem will be futile. This light will reappear after starting or driving for a while.
So, what are the common causes of the Honda Odyssey ABS light, and how can you fix them?
Bad ABS Sensor
A defective sensor (wheel speed sensor) may send inaccurate information or fail to send any information to the ABS control module. This issue will trigger the ABS light to appear on the dash.
You can physically examine all the sensors for defects or use an OBD-II scanner to determine the problematic sensor. Replace the bad sensor and ensure the connections and wiring are in good condition.
Blown ABS Fuse
Locate the ABS fuse and inspect it to see if it’s blown. A blown fuse may appear melted or discolored. The thin metal strip will also be broken. Replace it with a compatible fuse.
Low Brake Fluid
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can trigger the ABS light. Check the reservoir and refill it if necessary. You should also address the possible cause of low brake fluid. In this case, check for leaking parts or worn rotors and brake pads and fix them.
Defective ABS Module
The only way to check for a bad ABS control module is by using your diagnostic tool. Defects in the ABS module will cause the ABS light to pop up on your Odyssey’s dashboard.
Allow a professional to examine the ABS pump and module and fix the problem.
Faulty Steering Angle Sensor (SAS)
The SAS communicates with the ABS module regarding where your Odyssey turns. This information helps the module to regulate braking pressure. If the sensor is defective, it may send inaccurate signals and cause the light to pop up.
Check and replace this sensor if it’s defective.
Incorrectly Installed Wheel Bearing
The ABS sensor uses wheel bearings to monitor the speed of each wheel. If you’ve installed the bearing incorrectly, the sensor won’t detect wheel speed. This issue will eventually illuminate the ABS light.
Allow an expert to install the problematic bearing correctly.
Low Tire Pressure
If the tire pressure is extremely low, the wheel diameter will significantly decrease. As a result, the affected wheel spins faster than other wheels, causing a speed difference. The sensor and the control module will detect this speed difference and trigger the Honda Odyssey ABS light.
You can fix this issue by inflating the tire as required. Replace the tire if it has signs of wear or cuts.
Battery Failure
The battery powers the ABS to allow proper braking. If your vehicle’s battery fails, it won’t provide the required voltage to keep the ABS working. A malfunctioning ABS will cause the light to appear on the dash.
Examine the battery and pay attention to any loose connections or corroded terminals. Clean the terminals to remove the corrosion and tighten the connecting cables. Replacing an old or deteriorated battery can also help fix this problem.
Note: Fixing these problems will help clear the ABS light. However, if it stays on, a Honda Odyssey light reset will help remove it.
Answer: How To Reset ABS Light on Honda Odyssey
Below are the three ways to reset the ABS light on your Honda Odyssey.
Drive the Vehicle
It’s common for the ABS light to stay on after addressing the problem. If so, start your Honda Odyssey and drive it as usual. The control module will recheck the system and see that you’ve fixed the problem. The light may disappear after driving a few miles.
Disconnect the Battery
If the light remains after driving your vehicle for a while, apply the battery disconnecting and draining technique. In this case, you’ll need a wrench to disconnect the battery cables. Start with the negative, followed by the positive cable.
After successfully removing the cables, press and hold the Odyssey’s horn for 20-30 seconds. You should also turn on the headlights. This step will help drain any residual electricity out of the system.
After draining the remaining electricity, wait about 15 minutes. Then, reconnect the battery cables and tighten the connections with the wrench. Unlike before, you’ll need to start with the positive cable. This process will delete the error code and clear the ABS light.
Use a Diagnostic Tool
An OBD-II scanner can also help reset the Honda Odyssey ABS light. Start by connecting your diagnostic tool to the OBD-II Port. Turn on your Odyssey’s ignition switch and navigate the scan tool’s menu.
Some diagnostic tools will require you to enter your vehicle’s VIN. Others may request you to select your vehicle’s make. Enter the correct information or select your vehicle’s make as required.
Scroll and select the “Read or Clear codes” option. Press the “Read” button to receive the codes causing the ABS light. Next, press the “Clear” or “Erase” button to clear the error codes. Doing this will help clear the ABS light on your Honda Odyssey. You can start the engine to see if you’ve turned the light off.
Wrapping Up
There are three ways you can reset the Honda Odyssey ABS light. But before resetting, you must determine and fix the underlying cause. In most cases, the light will disappear after resolving the problem and driving your Odyssey.
However, if the light stays on, use the battery disconnecting and draining technique to reset the light. Alternatively, use a scan tool to clear the error code and turn the ABS light off.