What does the ABS warning light mean?
What the light tells you
The anti-lock braking system helps keep the wheels from locking during hard braking. When it detects a problem, it turns off and the warning light stays on. The regular brakes often still work, but the car will not get the extra help in an emergency stop.
Common causes include a wheel speed sensor that is dirty or damaged, a wiring problem or low brake fluid in some models. Sometimes the fault is minor, but it still needs a proper scan.
- ABS is usually disabled, not the base brakes
- Wheel speed sensors are a common cause
- Low brake fluid can trigger a warning in some models
- Have the ABS system scanned
Driving safely until it is fixed
Drive more carefully in wet or icy weather and leave extra following distance. Test your brakes gently in a safe area to make sure they respond normally. If the brake warning light is also on, stop and get help.
Do not ignore a brake-related light. A brake issue can get worse quickly, and repairs are often simpler when they are caught early.
- Leave extra following distance
- Test brakes gently in a safe area
- Stop if the brake warning light also comes on
- Get the system scanned soon
Common mistakes
- Assuming the light is harmless because the brake pedal still works.
- Clearing the light without fixing the sensor or wiring.
- Ignoring a brake warning light that appears with the ABS light.
