Why is my ABS Brake Light On?

If you’ve ever been driving and noticed your ABS light flicker on your dashboard, you might be wondering what’s going on with your car’s braking system. The ABS light is there to alert you to any issues with your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which plays a vital role in keeping you safe on the road. 

This article will help you understand why the ABS light comes on, how to figure out the problem, and whether you can address it yourself or if it’s time to visit Master Auto for a professional brake inspection.

What is the ABS?

Before diving into the potential causes for your ABS light being on, it’s important to understand what the system does. The Anti-lock Braking System is designed to prevent your wheels from locking up during hard braking, particularly in slippery conditions. It does this by rapidly pulsing the brakes on individual wheels, making sure they don’t lose grip.

When the ABS light on your car illuminates, it’s an indication that the ABS is not functioning properly.

Even though your regular brakes may still be working, the ABS light on the car indicates that your ABS may not be able to provide its full benefits. 

This could affect your control while driving, especially during emergency braking situations.

Common Causes for the ABS Light to Come On

There are several reasons why your ABS light comes on. Let’s take a look at the most common causes:

A Malfunctioning ABS Sensor

The ABS sensors monitor the speed of each wheel and send this data to the ABS. If one of these sensors is faulty, dirty, or malfunctioning, it can trigger the ABS light on a car. A common problem is a broken wheel speed sensor wire, which can cause inaccurate readings and lead to the ABS light turning on.

Low Brake Fluid

Your brake system uses hydraulic fluid to apply pressure to the brake pads. If the fluid level is low, the ABS light comes on. Low brake fluid could result from a slow leak in the system, worn brake pads, or air trapped in the lines.

Damaged ABS Module

The ABS module is responsible for controlling the ABS’s operations. If it malfunctions, the system will fail, and the ABS light will turn on. A malfunctioning module can be a result of electrical issues, a wiring problem, or internal damage.

Bad Wheel Bearing or Tone Ring

The wheel bearings and tone rings work in conjunction with the ABS sensors to monitor wheel speed. If the tone ring becomes dirty or damaged, it may prevent the ABS from getting the correct data, leading to the ABS light coming on.

ABS Shutoff

In some cases, the ABS might get turned off either accidentally or deliberately. If you were messing around with your car’s settings, it’s worth checking whether you’ve inadvertently disabled the system. 

If this happens, the ABS light on the car will come on to alert you to the issue.

What to Do If Your ABS Light Comes On

If you notice the ABS light illuminated while driving, it’s important not to ignore it. While your vehicle will still have normal braking capability, the absence of ABS means you could be at a higher risk during emergency braking situations.

Here’s what you should do.

• Check for Other Warning Lights: If both the ABS light and the regular brake system light come on together, it may indicate a serious issue with your car’s braking system. This is something that requires immediate attention from a professional mechanic.
• Check Your Brake Fluid Levels: If the ABS light turns on, it could be because of low brake fluid. Check your brake fluid levels and top them off if needed. If you notice that the brake fluid level keeps dropping, there could be a leak in the system.
• Get Your Car Diagnosed: If you’re unable to determine the cause of the ABS light on your car, it’s time to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. They can use an OBD-II scanner to read the error codes stored in your car’s computer, which will help pinpoint the problem.

Is It Safe to Drive With the ABS Light On?

While your regular brakes will still work if the ABS light comes on, it’s important to understand that your ABS won’t be able to assist you. In slippery conditions or during sudden braking, your wheels could lock up, which may result in a loss of control over the vehicle.

Driving on dry pavement may not be as concerning, but if you’re on wet, icy, or slick roads, you should take the issue seriously and get your ABS checked as soon as possible.

When to Seek Help for an ABS Light

Ignoring an ABS light can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road, so don’t put off taking care of it. 

If the ABS light on your car is accompanied by other warning lights or if you’re experiencing any issues with your brakes, it’s crucial to bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic immediately. At Master AutoTech, our team of experts can perform a thorough diagnostic and help get your ABS back in working order.

Schedule an appointment at your nearest Master AutoTech today, and let’s get you back on the road safely.