What to Do When the Car ABS Light Comes on
1) Get to a safe place
When the ABS warning appears, you should focus on safely slowing down your vehicle. If possible, calmly steer towards a safe parking spot or a wide shoulder and slow down in a controlled manner.
The hazard lights warn following vehicles to stay out of the flow of traffic until the problem is resolved. Avoid sudden, hard braking as this can cause the ABS to not activate and the wheels to skid. Instead, pump the pedal slowly, slowing the wheels down while you pump. Once you have come to a complete stop in a safe place, shift into Park and see if the brakes feel soft or if the pressure continues to increase normally. When driving in and out of traffic, avoid the risk of an ABS electrical failure affecting traction, stability, or primary brake performance.
2) Check for the appropriate warning lights on the dashboard.
When the ABS light comes on, other warning signs often come on indicating a problem other than the anti-lock brakes. If the brake warning and ABS symbol come on at the same time, it usually indicates low brake fluid levels or worn brake pads.
A check engine message indicates an electrical fault related to the ABS module. Traction control and stability warnings indicate a fault in a system related to ABS. Scanning the entire instrument cluster can help diagnose the root cause before repairing.
The driver should also carefully check pedal pressure for deviations from typical braking feel and listen for unusual mechanical ABS noises. Cross-referencing visual warnings on the dashboard with noticeable physical symptoms will provide clues as to where to start in investigating the electrical and hydraulic ABS processes in case of a problem.
3) Assess the physical symptoms
Once you have stopped and checked all relevant warning lights, you should assess the physical symptoms that accompany the warning before going to a workshop. Brake carefully at slow speeds, keeping an eye out for any unusual mechanical sounds coming from the wheel arches or chassis. Scraping, excessive revving or whistling noises could indicate issues like worn ABS sensors or faulty internal valves or pumps.
Also check the feel of your brake pedal. Does it feel unusually soft or sink closer to the floor than normal? If the pedal feels spongy, check your brake fluid levels. A significant reduction or loss of pedal pressure could indicate a fluid leak or an ABS-related hydraulic problem. Note any audible signs of damage or brake pedal abnormalities and report them to the technician. Recognizing the physical symptoms associated with the ABS light will provide clues to the cause of the problem for repair diagnosis. This will maximize the efficiency of identifying the root cause.
4) Check the Codes with an OBD2 Scanner
The next step is to connect an OBD-II scan tool to access the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The ABS system has an extensive trouble code library, and by connecting a scan device to the data port and reading ABS-specific codes, you can investigate flagged issues before a technician arrives. For example, a DTC on the right front wheel speed sensor can help narrow down the diagnosis to that corner, not guesswork. While professional diagnostic computers offer advanced testing capabilities, a simple OBD2 scanner and DTC investigation can give drivers a better idea of ​​where the ABS electrical problem is.
This ultimately reduces guesswork and speeds up the troubleshooting process during future workshop visits. Be sure to write down your personal scanner code so you can quickly reference it when discussing the symptoms.
5) Schedule a Service Appointment
Once you have gathered the important diagnostic information about the ABS warning light location, the next step is to schedule a professional service appointment at your local auto repair shop or dealership. Even if the dashboard light doesn’t come on, schedule an appointment ahead of time. If the underlying cause, such as a leak, isn’t fixed, the problem remains. Maintenance after an ABS trip reduces the risk of recurrence or escalation over time.
FAQ
Is it safe to drive with the ABS light on? Having the ABS light on doesn’t mean you can’t drive your car. In fact, you can still decelerate your vehicle by pressing the brake pedal. However, your options for making an emergency stop are limited, because if you brake suddenly you risk locking your tires, which significantly increases your stopping distance and prevents you from steering until your front tires regain traction.
After the ABS light comes on, you should drive carefully to the nearest repair shop. Brake gently if necessary, but avoid hard or sudden braking. If you can do that, all will be well. The only situation in which you should not drive your car is if the brake system light is on when the ABS light is on. The brake system light indicates a larger problem with your brake system, a problem that may limit your vehicle’s ability to brake. Therefore, if you notice both lights are on, you should have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
How do I turn off the ABS light? In most cases, the ABS light will turn off automatically once the problem is fixed. If this doesn’t happen, you should be able to use an automotive diagnostic tool to clear the stored codes and turn off the ABS light.
However, if the underlying issue hasn’t been resolved, the ABS warning light may come on again in the near future.
How Can I Turn Off the ABS Light?
Most of the time, your ABS light will turn off automatically once the issue is resolved. If it does not, you should be able to use an automotive scan tool to delete the stored code and turn off the ABS light.
Why Does the ABS Light Come On Randomly?
The most common culprit is a wheel speed sensor getting disrupted by road debris, dirt, or moisture. This interference can lead to inaccurate readings, causing the ABS system to get erratic signals and illuminate the warning light sporadically.
Loose or corroded wiring connections related to the ABS system can also be responsible. Bad connections can create short-term problems that make the light flick on and off inconsistently. Inspect the ABS wiring for any damaged connectors and repair or clean them as needed.
Can Worn-Out Brake Pads Cause the ABS Light to Come On?
Worn brake pads don’t directly cause the ABS light to turn on. However, they can indirectly trigger it.
As pads wear down, brake calipers need more fluid to maintain pressure. This can lead to low brake fluid levels, setting off the ABS light. So if you notice worn pads, check and top up brake fluid. Replacing the pads will also prevent further problems.
