How to Reset ABS Light on Chevy Impala

If you own a Chevrolet Impala, you may have experienced the ABS light coming on with a nicely working anti-lock braking system. I also had the same issue and I successfully reset it with very simple steps without spending a bunch of money.

First, turn off your car and disconnect the battery. Wait for at least 30 minutes, reconnect the cable, and start your car. Drive your car for a short distance to allow the ABS to recalibrate itself. If there is no problem associated with ABS, your ABS light will be successfully reset and will turn off.

In this article, I will explain to you step-by-step how I reset the ABS light on my Impala. By following those steps, you can reset your car’s ABS light easily within an hour.

Steps to Reset ABS Light

I was driving my car on the way to work when suddenly the ABS light on the dashboard illuminated. At first, I didn’t think much of it and continued driving, but the light remained on. I began to wonder what could be causing it as my brakes were perfectly working. Then I researched to gather some information.

This is how I successfully reset the ABS light on my Chevy Impala using the details I found.

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

I located the battery in my Chevy Impala and loosed the negative terminal of the battery by using a wrench. The negative side of the battery is marked with a minus sign (-). So, you can easily identify it. Then I remove the cable to disconnect the battery. I gave it 30 minutes before reconnecting the battery to allow the ABS computer’s entire current to drain.

Watch this short video if you are unsure how to disconnect the battery.

Step 2: Reconnect the Battery

After waiting for 30 minutes, I reconnected the battery by reattaching the negative cable to the battery terminal. Then I used the wrench to tighten the cable securely. Once the cable was securely in place, I started my car.

Step 3: Drive Car for a While

Following that, I made a short car drive. This allowed the ABS to recalibrate itself. The ABS light turned off on its own after a few minutes of driving.

If the light does not turn off, repeat the process.

You can also perform this task by unplugging the ABS fuse. First, remove the ABS fuse and wait for 30 minutes. Then reconnect it and ride your car for a while.

If you like that method, this video will help you find the ABS fuse and remove it.

Note: Before you attempt to reset the ABS light, you should first ensure your brakes are working properly. If your brakes are not functioning properly, do not attempt to reset the ABS light. First, you need to find out the root of the problem.

Most Common Causes of ABS Light Come on in Chevy Impala

The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light can come on for several reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor	The ABS relies on wheel speed sensors to detect the rotational speed of each wheel. If one or more of these sensors fails, the ABS light may come on. The sensor fails due to dust and debris on the surface. This is the most common cause
Low Brake Fluid	The ABS requires a certain amount of brake fluid to operate properly. If the fluid level is low, the ABS light may come on.
Worn Brake Pads	When brake pads wear down, they can trigger the ABS light to come on. This is because the ABS may detect that the wheels are not rotating at the same speed.
Malfunctioning Pump Motor	The pump motor is responsible for providing hydraulic pressure to the ABS. If the motor malfunctions, the ABS light may come on.
Faulty ABS Actuator	The ABS actuator is responsible for controlling the brake pressure during ABS operation. If the actuator fails, the ABS light may come on
Electrical Problems	The ABS relies on electrical connections to function properly. If there is an issue with the wiring or electrical connections, the ABS light may come on.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQs):

What makes ABS in cars necessary?

All automobiles must have ABS because:

• It shortens the braking distance.
• It stops the brakes from locking up when braking suddenly.
• In rainy and icy conditions, braking will be effective.
• It avoids accidents.
• It stops the back wheels from lifting.

Does a faulty ABS control module cause for ABS light to come on?

Yes, it can cause ABS light. However, given the sheer number of vehicles on the road and those that are sent to junkyards for recycling without ever having their ABS modules replaced, it is not all that common.

What Is an ABS Actuator?

In ABS, the brakes are controlled by the hydraulic ABS actuator, which communicates with the ECU. The ECU keeps track of the wheel rotational speed and compares it to the speed at which your car is moving.

What is the difference between ABS and disk brakes?

Disk brakes operate by pressing brake pads against a rotating disk attached to the wheel. The friction generated between the pads and the disk slows down the vehicle.

On the other hand, ABS is a system that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking. This allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle and steer it in the desired direction.

While disk brakes provide improved stopping power, ABS ensures that the wheels do not lock up during hard braking, which can result in loss of control of the vehicle. Both systems are crucial in modern vehicles and work together to provide safer and more efficient braking performance.

Conclusion

This is how to reset ABS light on Chevy Impala. It is a relatively simple process that can be done at home. However, it’s important to remember that the ABS light may indicate a serious issue with your brakes. If your brakes are not functioning properly, seek professional assistance immediately.

With these simple steps, you can quickly and easily reset the ABS light on your Chevy Impala and get back on the road with confidence. If you are unsure about resetting the ABS light, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic for assistance.