What Does It Mean When the ABS Light Comes On + Is It Safe?

ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, is a safety feature that keeps your tires from locking up during hard braking. This improves steering control and drastically lowers the chances of skidding.

But what does it mean when the ABS light comes on?
An illuminated ABS light usually indicates a brake system issue you shouldn’t ignore.

Keep reading to explore seven potential issues that can trigger the ABS light as well as how you can diagnose and fix them. We’ll also find out if you can drive with a lit ABS light.

Let’s get started!

This Article Contains:

What Does it Mean When the ABS Light Comes On?
7 Underlying Issues that Can Trigger Your ABS Light
Is It Safe to Drive with the ABS Light On?
How to Diagnose and Fix an ABS Warning Light?
4 FAQS on ABS System

What Does it Mean When the ABS Light Comes On?

All vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system have a dedicated ABS light on the dashboard, which is usually yellow or orange. When you start your engine, your ABS performs a self-check, and the ABS light flashes briefly for two to four seconds before it goes off, indicating normal operation.

However, if the ABS light stays on, it signals an anti-lock brake system malfunction, like low brake fluid levels or ABS shutdown, which requires immediate attention.

Note: Some ABS systems use flashing patterns to indicate the severity of the ABS problem. For example, more blinks suggest major issues, while one or two blinks indicate something minor.

Now, various problems, such as a malfunctioning ABS module or wheel speed sensor, can illuminate the ABS light.
Let’s uncover the culprits behind the glow.

7 Underlying Issues that Can Trigger Your ABS Light

Here are the seven common causes for your ABS light to come on:

1. Malfunctioning Wheel Speed Sensors

Modern cars have a speed sensor on each wheel that monitors rotation and sends data to the ABS, which uses this information to regulate brake pressure effectively.

There are three ways a sensor can trigger an ABS light:

If a speed sensor gets dirty or damaged, it can fail to send data or give erratic readings to the ABS module (ABS controller). The ABS can interpret it as a wheel-locking situation, causing the light to come on.

When one or more tires have low pressure, the reduced tire size can cause that wheel to rotate at a different speed than the others. This can lead to incorrect rotation readings by the ABS wheel speed sensor, causing the system to shut down and trigger the ABS light.

A loose wheel bearing can misalign the sensor, resulting in incorrect wheel speed readings and potential ABS system issues.

2. Faulty ABS Module

The ABS module monitors the anti-lock braking system and controls brake pressure to prevent wheel lock-up during braking. It communicates with other components in the braking system, such as the wheel speed sensors and brake fluid level sensors.

Sometimes, the ABS module’s internal components wear out and fail to correctly interpret signals from its sensors, triggering the ABS light to alert the driver to a problem. The ABS is also connected to the hydraulic valves as part of the braking system. So, if the module malfunctions, it may cause improper pressure regulation. When this occurs, the ABS light will illuminate.

3. Traction Control System Malfunction

The ABS and traction control system (TCS) work together. In emergency situations, the TCS detects irregular wheel rotation. It then uses the braking force to slow down the spinning wheel, triggering the traction control light until normal traction is restored.

These safety systems also share crucial components, such as a common control module and speed sensor set, to ensure smooth wheel rotation. So, if the TCS is damaged or malfunctions, it can also affect the ABS controller and trigger the ABS warning light.

4. Low Brake Fluid

Your vehicle’s braking system is hydraulic, which means it uses brake fluid pressure to activate the brake components. This pressure causes the brake pads to grip the rotors, slowing down or stopping the car.

Under normal conditions, the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir should be stable. However, if you have brake pad wear, a leak in the brake lines, or fluid evaporation, the brake fluid level will drop. This can lead to reduced stopping power or complete brake failure.

The ABS system can detect this low brake fluid level, identify it as a potential failure mode, and turn the ABS warning light on.

5. Damaged Hydraulic Pump

The ABS controls wheel speed through the hydraulic brake system. If one tire spins too fast, the ABS uses the brake pump to increase brake fluid pressure on that wheel to maintain traction.

When the hydraulic pump or its valve malfunctions due to internal wear and tear, it can disrupt the proper flow and control of brake fluid. This can affect the ABS’s performance, causing it to malfunction and trigger the warning light.

6. Blown Fuse and Wiring Issues

The anti-lock brake system module relies on a functional circuit to communicate with the ABS sensor set and control module.

However, the circuit can fail if the wires are damaged or corroded. Sometimes, the vehicle’s vibration can also disconnect the wiring and result in a system malfunction. An ABS fuse in the circuit can blow anytime for no reason.

These issues interrupt communication between the sensor and the ABS control module, triggering the ABS light.

7. Worn Brake Pads

While worn brake pads don’t directly illuminate the ABS light, they can cause problems within your braking system that ultimately trigger the light.

For instance, as the brake pad wears down, your car’s stopping power decreases, which puts more strain on the braking system. This brings down the brake fluid levels in the master cylinder, which the ABS may detect as a fault, triggering the ABS light.

So, can you drive with an illuminated ABS light?
Let’s find out.

Is It Safe to Drive with the ABS Light On?

It’s not recommended to drive with a glowing ABS light. The anti-lock braking system, which is responsible for emergency braking control, might not work correctly, causing the car’s wheels to lock up during heavy braking.

However, it doesn’t affect the normal braking function. You can drive short distances but should avoid wet and slippery roads at all costs.

So, what should you do when an ABS light comes up?
Get a mechanic ASAP so they can run diagnostics and retrieve the ABS code to identify the cause of the issue.

That said, if both the ABS light and braking system light come on simultaneously, your vehicle is not safe to drive. In such cases, you should gently press the brakes or carefully use the emergency brake (parking brake) to pull over to a safe spot. Once you’ve parked, call a mobile mechanic for a brake inspection.

Next, let’s explore how to clear the ABS light and get your car back on the road.

How to Diagnose and Fix an ABS Warning Light?

Fixing an ABS issue can’t be a DIY (do it yourself) since it involves checking complex brake components. So it’s best to have a mechanic repair it.

Here’s how a mechanic will fix an ABS problem:

They’ll disconnect the negative battery cable first, followed by the positive, or use an OBD-II code reader to reset the ABS light and reboot your car’s computer.

The scan tool will also provide an ABS code that indicates the problem. For example, a trouble code like C0060 indicates a left front wheel speed sensor circuit range/performance issue.
They’ll ensure the level in the brake fluid reservoir isn’t too low, as a low brake fluid level can trigger the ABS warning light.
They’ll consult the owner’s manual to find the fuse box and replace the ABS fuse if it’s blown.

They’ll use a multimeter to test the resistance of each ABS wheel speed sensor (ABS sensor) and replace it if it fails. They’ll also examine the ABS sensor wiring for damage and fix any issues.

They may consider replacing the ABS controller if the light is still on.

Have more questions?
Check out the FAQs, next.

4 FAQS on ABS System

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about your car’s ABS light:

1. How Does an Anti-Lock Brake System Work?

The ABS control module uses sensors on each wheel to monitor its speed. If it detects that a wheel is about to lock up while braking, it automatically reduces the brake pressure by rapidly pulsing the brakes. This prevents the wheel from locking up and helps maintain traction with the road surface.

As a result, you can steer the vehicle even during hard braking. This helps avoid skidding, reduces the stopping distance, and improves control in slippery conditions or emergencies.

2. How Much Do ABS Light Repair Services Cost?

An ABS light diagnosis typically costs between $90 to $110. The total expenses could depend on the required repairs, part costs, and local labor charges.

Here are the estimated costs of some common ABS light repair services:

Brake fluid change: $60 to $160
Brake pad replacement: $115 to $300
Wheel sensor replacement: $200 to $500
ABS module replacement: $980 to $1300
Hydraulic pump replacement: $1240 to $1280

3. What Warning Signs Indicate Your ABS Is Failing?

When your anti-lock brake system isn’t working correctly, you may experience difficulty applying your brakes smoothly.

You could experience:

Brake lock-ups: The anti-lock brakes in a car are supposed to prevent brakes from locking up during heavy braking. If your car’s brakes lock up while driving, the ABS needs attention ASAP.
Unresponsive brake pedal: A falling anti-lock brake system can affect your vehicle’s stability control. The brake pedal may become unresponsive, require more pressure to stop or fail completely. This can be risky in fast-moving traffic.
Strange brake noises: When anti-lock brakes start malfunctioning, they may produce odd clicking brake noises during regular driving, even when the brakes aren’t in use.
Glowing check engine light: In older vehicles without a dedicated ABS light, a malfunctioning ABS system can trigger the check engine light.

If you are facing any of these problems, your best bet is to call a mechanic for brake repair.

4. How Do You Reset the ABS Light?

Sometimes, the ABS light may come on due to a temporary glitch or system error. In these cases, restarting your vehicle might reset the system and turn off the light.

If that doesn’t work, a mechanic will disconnect the battery for a few minutes. This can help reset the vehicle’s computer systems and turn off the warning light.

If the light comes back on, it means a problem needs attention. The ABS light will only turn off after the mechanic does a brake inspection and fixes the underlying issue, such as a blown fuse or worn brake pads.

Clear Your ABS Light with AutoNation Mobile Service

If the ABS light is on, it means there’s a serious problem with the ABS brake system that needs immediate attention.

And if you’re looking for a professional to perform the repairs, try AutoNation Mobile Service.

We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution operating seven days a week. We offer upfront pricing and a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all services, including fixing brake lights and brake service.