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Can I drive with the ABS warning light on?

The short answer is no, you should not drive with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light on. The ABS warning light indicates a problem with your vehicle's braking system, which can compromise your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.

Understanding the ABS Warning Light

The ABS warning light is designed to alert you to a problem with your vehicle's anti-lock braking system. The ABS is a safety feature that helps prevent your wheels from locking up during sudden braking, allowing you to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid skidding. When the ABS warning light is illuminated, it means there is a malfunction in the system, and the ABS may not be functioning correctly.

Risks of Driving with the ABS Warning Light On

Driving with the ABS warning light on can be dangerous for several reasons:

Reduced Braking Effectiveness: Without a properly functioning ABS, your brakes may lock up during sudden stops, causing you to lose control of the vehicle and potentially leading to a collision.

Increased Stopping Distance: The ABS is designed to help you stop your vehicle more quickly and effectively. With the ABS not working, your stopping distance may be longer, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.

Potential for Skidding: The ABS helps prevent your wheels from locking up, which can cause the vehicle to skid. Without the ABS, you're more likely to experience wheel lockup and loss of control during braking.

It's important to note that the ABS warning light may also indicate a problem with other components of your vehicle's braking system, such as the brake pads, calipers, or brake fluid. Ignoring the warning light can lead to further damage and potentially more expensive repairs.

What to Do If the ABS Warning Light Is On

If the ABS warning light illuminates on your dashboard, you should take the following steps:

Avoid Driving: Do not continue driving your vehicle until the problem has been diagnosed and repaired. Driving with the ABS warning light on can be unsafe and potentially illegal in some areas.

Schedule a Repair: Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or dealership as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and repaired. They will be able to use diagnostic tools to identify the specific issue with your ABS system.

Drive Cautiously: If you must drive your vehicle with the ABS warning light on, do so with extreme caution. Avoid sudden braking, drive at slower speeds, and leave extra distance between your vehicle and others on the road.

Ignoring the ABS warning light can lead to more serious and costly problems down the road. It's important to address the issue as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Is an ABS warning light serious?

Yes, a lit ABS light is a problem because it means the anti-lock braking system is not functioning correctly, though you can still drive cautiously. The normal brakes will still work, but you will not have ABS protection during sudden stops or on slippery surfaces. If the ABS light and the brake warning light both come on, you should stop immediately and avoid driving.
This video explains why the ABS light comes on and what to do when it does: 41sScotty KilmerYouTube · Dec 5, 2017
What to do if the ABS light is on

Drive cautiously: Reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
Avoid driving if the brake light is also on: If both the ABS and brake warning lights are illuminated, it signifies a more serious issue with your conventional braking system. Pull over safely, stop, and have the vehicle towed or call for roadside assistance.
Get it inspected: Take your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to have the system diagnosed and repaired.

Common causes for the ABS light

Low brake fluid: Worn-out brake pads can lower the brake fluid level, triggering the light.
Faulty sensors: The wheel speed sensors, which are crucial for the ABS, can become damaged or dirty.
Electrical issues: Problems with the wiring, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning ABS control module can cause the light to come on.

How long can I drive with the ABS light on?

You can drive a short distance with the ABS light on, but only if the regular brake warning light is off, as your normal brakes will still work. However, you should avoid driving for long distances or in emergencies because the anti-lock braking function will be disabled, increasing the risk of skidding or losing steering control during hard braking or in slippery conditions. The most important rule is to pull over and get it towed if both the ABS and the red brake warning lights are on, as this indicates a serious problem with the main braking system.
If only the ABS light is on

What it means: Your normal brakes are still functional, but the anti-lock feature is not working.
Action: Drive cautiously, avoid sudden stops or high-speed driving, and get the vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Example: If you must brake hard, the wheels may lock up, causing the car to skid.

If both the ABS light and the red brake warning light are on

What it means: There is a serious problem with your regular braking system, not just the ABS.
Action: Do not continue driving. Safely pull over to a stop as soon as possible, and have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.

What to do while driving with the ABS light on

Avoid aggressive braking and high speeds.
Be especially careful on wet, icy, or slippery roads.
Schedule an inspection with a mechanic to identify and fix the problem.

What is the most common cause of the ABS light to come on?

The most common cause of the ABS light coming on is a faulty wheel speed sensor, though a low brake fluid level is also a very frequent reason. Other common causes include damaged wiring, a malfunctioning ABS control module, or issues with the hydraulic pump.
Common causes for the ABS light

Faulty wheel speed sensor: These sensors monitor the rotation of each wheel. If a sensor is dirty, damaged, or malfunctioning, it sends incorrect data, triggering the light.
Low brake fluid: The ABS uses hydraulic fluid from the main brake system. If the fluid level drops below a certain point, the light will come on to indicate a problem, which could be a sign of a leak or worn brake pads.
Damaged wiring or connectors: Wires connecting the speed sensors to the ABS module can corrode or fray, leading to a loss of signal. This is especially common in areas with road salt.
Faulty ABS module: The control module is the "brain" of the system. If its internal circuits fail, it will not be able to process data correctly and the light will turn on.
Blown fuse or relay: Like most electronic systems, the ABS has a fuse that protects it. If this fuse blows, the system will shut down and the light will illuminate.

What to do when the light is on

Check the brake fluid: Ensure the fluid reservoir is filled to the correct line and that you are using the proper type of fluid.
If both the ABS and brake lights are on: This is a more serious issue, indicating a problem with the regular braking system itself. It's not safe to drive and you should have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Consult a professional: A certified mechanic is usually required to properly diagnose and fix ABS issues, as they can be complex to pinpoint.

How do I get my ABS light to go off?

To get the ABS light to go off, first perform a simple system reset by disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes or by using a diagnostic scan tool to clear any codes. If the light comes back on, it indicates an underlying issue that needs addressing, such as checking and topping up the brake fluid, cleaning wheel sensors, or inspecting the ABS fuse. If these steps don't work, a professional mechanic should be consulted to diagnose and fix the problem.
DIY methods to reset the light

Disconnect the battery: Turn the ignition off, disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery, and wait for about 5-15 minutes to allow the system to fully discharge. Reconnect the battery and start the car to see if the light stays off.
Use a diagnostic scan tool: Connect an OBD-II scanner to your car's port, retrieve the error codes, and then use the tool to clear them. This is the most effective way to reset the light if there's an underlying issue that is not a major fault.
Try a quick reset: Some vehicles have a quick reset procedure. Turn the key to the "on" position (without starting the engine). When the lights come on, quickly press the gas pedal three times. Then, start the engine. If the light remains on, driving the vehicle above 15 mph may help the system realign itself.

Steps to take if the light returns
If the light comes back on, it means there is an underlying issue that requires further diagnosis.

Check your brake fluid: The ABS light can turn on if the brake fluid level is too low. Check the fluid reservoir and top it up if needed. Also, check for any brake fluid leaks.
Inspect the ABS wheel sensors: The wheel speed sensors can get dirty and trigger the light. Try cleaning them to see if this resolves the issue.
Check the ABS fuse: A blown fuse can also be the cause. Consult your owner's manual for the fuse box location and check the ABS fuse.
Seek professional help: If the light persists after trying these steps, it is best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. They can use their advanced diagnostic tools to find the specific problem and repair it, as it could be a faulty sensor or a more complex issue with the ABS module.

Important safety note: If the ABS light comes on at the same time as the brake warning light, do not drive the car, as your regular brakes may not be working correctly. This could be a dangerous situation.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.