Q: What does the anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light mean?

asked by on December 14, 2015

What does the anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light mean?

There are several important lights in your dash, including the anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light. This light should come on briefly when you crank the engine, but it should turn off after completing a short self-test. If the light does not turn off within a few seconds or it comes on when driving, it can indicate several things. Here’s what you should know:

  1. If the ABS light comes on while driving, it can indicate a problem with the ABS system itself and you should have it inspected.

  2. If the ABS system is not working correctly, you will still have normal braking. Only the ABS system is disabled.

Tip

If both the ABS and brake lights are on, it can also indicate a problem with the ABS system.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I turn on the Uconnect phone system?
Turning on the Uconnect phone system is very easy. When you turn your ignition from OFF to ON/ACC or START, your Uconnect phone system will start up. It takes the Uconnect system roughly 15 seconds to start up. After 15...
How do I adjust the rear seat?
Like the front seats, the rear seats can be adjusted to move forward or move backward. However, the rear seats cannot be adjusted separately, but only as a unit. Here’s how: 1. Locate the release bar, which is located under...
Do I need to replace the safety belt pretensioners?
Safety belt pretensioners play a large role in keeping you safe in your vehicle. The pretensioners are part of the front seatbelt system, and are responsible for tightening the tension in the seatbelt when an accident occurs. The pretensioners only...
Engine knocking while running uphill, and while idling
It sounds like you may have spun a bearing in the engine on the crankshaft or piston rod bearing. Depending on the cause you may have: lost oil pressure going up the hill from the oil pump sucking up air...
Can the replacement of the ignition switch cause the air conditioning to stop cooling?
Hello. To replace the ignition switch, the Technician would have been "near" the dash. The only possible connection would be if he did something to block or de-activate the air passages, blend door, or related controls or the A/C. If...
I've 60K on front brake pads. They're not squealing/no metal rubbing and are at 6/32nds. Should they still be replaced?
Hello there, thanks for writing in. I'd be happy to offer my insight on this. The correct time to replace the rotors on a vehicle will depend on many factors including driving conditions and mileage. If there is no noticeable...
Clutch broken
When you say the mechanic says the clutch is going, this may mean your clutch is slipping (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/gears-slipping-when-accelerating-inspection). A slipping clutch will only start doing so when you are accelerating or putting extra loads on the transmission. The more the...
Overheating 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
Hello - it sounds a bit like there are still air pockets in the cooling system. Make sure you are bleeding the cooling system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/overheating-problem-with-my-car_2) with the heater valve turned to max heat, fan on High, and with the front...
hello Brandon my name is Marie,I have a 2005 pontiac bonniville gxp Im having crankshaft issues and oxygen sensors
Hi Marie: With regard to the code P1372 that was downloaded, there are many potential malfunctions that will cause P1372 to set in addition to the crankshaft position sensor itself being faulty. And, if the sensor itself is suspected as...

Related articles

What Sensors Make the ABS Work?
When When we are discussing ABS systems it is good to note the year and make of your vehicle because ABS systems have evolved quite a bit over the years, but you also have to know how the ABS system...
Is it Safe to Drive With a Worn Wheel Bearing?
A wheel bearing is a set of steel balls held together by a steel ring. The job of the wheel bearing is to...
What Does the Alternator Warning Light (Battery Warning Light) Mean?
The alternator warning light means there is an issue with powering the battery. This could be due to the alternator becoming worn out.