What does ABS light on a car mean?

By Rick Popely. December 28, 2017. CARS.COM

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— ABS stands for antilock braking system, and if the ABS warning light is illuminated in your car's gauge cluster, that means the antilock system has been deactivated because of a malfunction.

Is it safe to drive a car with ABS light on?

It's Safe To Drive Carefully With The ABS Light On. But Get It Looked At Quickly. You can still drive the car with your ABS light on, because it does not impact normal braking. However, we wouldn't recommend you do this because your ABS system helps to control stopping, and it can be dangerous to be driving without it.

What would cause the ABS light to come on?

The four common reasons that typically cause this light to turn on include a malfunctioning ABS module, low levels in the fluid reservoir, broken wheel speed sensors, or the system is turned off. Your ABS actually shares some important components with another system in your vehicle: your traction control system.

What does ABS light on dash mean?

The ABS warning light is an icon on a vehicle's dashboard that alerts the driver to a potential problem with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The ABS on a car, truck, or SUV prevents the wheels from locking up when a driver slams on the brake pedal in an emergency situation or on a wet or slippery surface.

How much does it cost to fix ABS?

An ABS control module replacement can range from $320 to over $1,000. The wide price range isn't really driven by labor cost, which will typically be around $80-$120. It depends on how much the control module costs and how difficult it is to source.

ABS Light Stays On, What To Do?

What causes ABS to fail?

The most common ABS problems occur when sensors become contaminated with debris or metal shavings. Malfunctions also occur when sensor wiring becomes damaged, resulting in intermittent or no continuity.

Where can I go to get my ABS light checked?

If you suspect your ABS system isn't working correctly or if the ABS light on your dashboard is illuminated, it's recommended that you take your vehicle to a certified Meineke technician who can properly diagnose and resolve the problem.

Is ABS warning light serious?

When your car's ABS light comes on, it means there is a problem with your vehicle's braking system. You need to address this issue; otherwise, it could make your car unsafe to drive. ABS is a type of braking system used in all cars produced since Sept. 1, 2011.

Can Low brake fluid cause ABS light?

Low Fuel Levels in ABS Fluid Reservoir

One reason your vehicle's ABS light is on is because it may be sensing abnormally low levels of brake fluid. You'll be able to notice if your brake fluid is low by the way your car brakes. The braking may seem soft or spongy.

Can low tire pressure cause ABS light to come on?

The short answer is yes, low tire pressure can cause your ABS light to come on. The ABS (anti-lock-braking) system is responsible for maintaining contact with the road when braking. This suggests that you may have low tire pressure in one of your tires.

Can a weak battery cause ABS problems?

A weak battery can cause the ABS light to turn on. A brake light that is not working or has burned out can also cause the ABS light to illuminate.

Why would my traction control light and ABS light come on?

The ABS and Traction Control lights come on whenever the vehicle's computer or PCM detects a malfunction, a faulty wheel sensor, or other mechanical failures. These warning lights do not imply anything severe by themselves but may point to a graver problem when paired with the main brake light going off.

Can you drive without ABS?

It is rare for anti-lock brakes to fail. The ABS system is not critical for the primary function of braking, because the car will stop without the ABS engaging. However, without anti-lock brakes, a car will not have the traction control most drivers expect today.

Can AutoZone check ABS codes?

Unfortunately, the only way to check whether or not the problem is with the ABS is to go and get the codes of your car read. AutoZone can scan your codes as part of our Fix Finder service, or you can do it yourself if you already have a scan tool.

Can you drive with a broken ABS sensor?

But, the brakes still have all the functionality they were equipped with from the factory, just no electronic ability to help the driver in a bad situation. The ABS light is yellow for a reason – it indicates that caution should be taken while driving the vehicle, but there is no imminent need to stop.

Can blown fuse cause ABS light to come on?

Blown Fuse or Stuck Bulb

This may be a glitch or more commonly, a blown fuse. Sometimes a blown fuse to the ABS can cause the light to come on and stay on. Fuses are easy to blow, so sometimes it's an easy fix to check.

How much does it cost to check ABS light?

What is the cost to resolve an illuminated ABS light? A good mechanic will charge about $100 for the initial diagnosis. Many ABS components are very accessible, so labor for most repairs will not run high typically in the $100 to $150 range.

Can ABS be repaired?

An appropriate repair authority will be able to fix ABS issues that include a sudden ABS power loss, faulty wheel sensor codes, missing signals from the wheel speed sensor, and more. Because these issues can have different kinds of repairs, it is important to seek out a car mechanic authority for a fix.

Can ABS lock up your brakes?

The ABS system is specifically designed to prevent any wheel from locking up during heavy braking. So, when an ABS control module fails, you'll likely notice it when you're braking heavily. A bad ABS module can behave erratically, making your brakes lock up even under normal braking.

How much does it cost to replace ABS sensors?

The average ABS wheel speed sensor replacement cost is between $200 and $400 per sensor, depending on the car model and labor costs. You can expect to pay about $100 to $150 for the wheel speed sensor and another $100 to $300 for the labor.

What happens if your ABS goes out?

If the ABS system is not functioning properly, then your vehicle is likely to skid, hydroplane and lose traction under heavy braking conditions. The last time you want to find this out is when you need it most in tough conditions, which could lead to an accident on the road.

Will disconnecting battery reset ABS light?

Will Disconnecting The Battery Reset The ABS Light? Yes, if the car battery is disconnected long enough it will reset the ABS light.