How Safe Is It to Drive With the ABS Light On?

ABS stands for anti-lock braking system, a system designed to prevent your vehicle’s wheels from locking in emergency braking situations. This prevents the driver from losing control. Also, vehicles will slow down more effectively since the tires won’t simply skid across the surface.

The ABS works by using sensors that are fitted at each wheel to measure the speed at which the wheels turn. If one turns slower than the others while braking, this signals that it’s locking up, which could result in skidding and loss of steering control. ABS is designed to intervene by using a hydraulic control unit to pulse the brakes of the locked wheel, allowing it to spin and have traction. Overall, this allows the driver to maintain braking and steering control.

This system can be very useful when braking in wet or low-grip scenarios since the system will automatically modulate the brakes to slow the vehicle down as much as possible without locking the wheels.

What Does It Mean When the ABS Light Is On?

The anti-lock braking system light or ABS light is located on the dashboard. It’s typically an amber, yellow, or orange light that spells out “ABS”. This light typically turns on during startup when the control module is checking if the system is working properly. However, this light is supposed to only last for two to four seconds. If it continues to illuminate, then there’s something wrong with your ABS. An illuminated ABS light also means the system has been turned off.

If your vehicle’s ABS light is on, then it might have the following issues:

Faulty ABS control module

The ABS control module is responsible for collecting the data from the wheel speed sensor. If the wheels are locking, this part is also responsible for sending signals to the hydraulic control unit to pulse the brakes. This issue can be typically resolved by fixing the ABS module’s corroded wiring. Sometimes, the entire ABS control module will need to be replaced. That said, replacing the control module shouldn’t be done without a professional diagnosis. Replacing the ABS control module can be very expensive since it requires high-level scan tools to program the module, or do brake bleeds and actuation.

Replacing an ABS control module should not be done without a professional diagnosis as this can be very expensive and in a lot of cases, requires high level scan tools tools to either program the module, or do brake bleeds and actuations that cannot be done without scan tools.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Low Brake Fluid Levels

Your vehicle’s brakes rely on hydraulic brake fluid to work. If there isn’t enough fluid, then your braking system and ABS will both have serious problems.

Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

The wheel speed sensor is responsible for measuring the rate at which the wheels are spinning. If wheel speed sensors are faulty, then the ABS control module won’t be able to detect whether the wheels have locked.

Bad Hydraulic Control Unit

The ABS controls the brakes by using a hydraulic pump to send brake fluid through a cylinder. Using data from the wheel speed sensors, the ABS can then reduce the brake pressure on individual wheels to prevent them from locking. However, the pump can wear out over time because of dirt or metal shavings in the braking fluid.

Blown Fuse

Like most electronic components in your vehicle, components like the wheel speed sensors and the ABS control module have several fuses. The system will send a warning signal that illuminates the ABS light when there’s a blown fuse, which is a sign that there’s a malfunctioning part.

Is It Safe to Drive with the ABS Light On?

You can continue to drive your vehicle with an illuminated ABS light because you’ll still be able to brake. However, this isn’t advisable because your vehicle’s ABS is likely turned off and you and your passengers won’t benefit from its safety. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have less control and your vehicle might behave unpredictably.

If your ABS light is caused by a faulty ABS control module or hydraulic control unit, then your vehicle might have unresponsive brakes, erratic brake performance, and ticking noises. Your brakes can also suddenly engage. Eventually, a faulty ABS control module can even cause brake failure.

Can you drive your vehicle with the ABS light on? Definitely. Should you continue to drive your vehicle with the ABS light on? No. If your ABS brake light is on, ask an experienced mechanic to check your vehicle. You should address this problem as soon as possible to keep you and your passengers safe.

Tips on How To Use ABS

A functioning ABS will automatically trigger the minute it senses your tires locking up. You’ll feel the ABS vibrating as it rapidly pumps the brakes for you. However, this doesn’t mean you can just leave all the work to the ABS. Here are a few tips on how to safely use your vehicle’s ABS:

Don’t Pump the Brake Pedal

During an emergency, try to stay as calm as possible. You might accidentally pump the brake pedal if you panic, and this can prevent your ABS from working properly. If your vehicle starts to skid, press on the brake pedal and hold pressure as you stay alert.

Make Sure Your Tires Are in Good Condition

Your ABS will work best if your tires are in good condition. Make sure they’re properly inflated according to your manufacturer’s recommendation and free of any bulges, cracks, and other damages. Don’t forget to regularly check for tread wear too.

Regularly Check Your Brake System

Worn brake linings and dirty brake fluid can cause 4-wheel ABS to malfunction. As a preventive measure, regularly inspect your brake linings, brake fluid, and other brake system parts.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace the ABS?

The exact cost will vary depending on several factors, such as the actual part and your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

For example, an ABS control module replacement can cost you anywhere between $30 and $1,980. Meanwhile, ABS speed sensors can set you back around $10 to $3,010. Some parts won’t come cheap, but you can’t put a price on safe driving.

Getting Replacement Parts for Your Vehicle’s ABS System

Driving with the ABS light on is not a good idea. With the ABS turned off, you’re at greater risk of losing control of your vehicle and getting into an accident. For your own safety, it’s best to avoid driving until you can fix whatever’s causing your ABS light to turn on. Luckily, getting new ABS parts is fast and easy with CarParts.com.

CarParts.com offers a wide selection of ABS control modules, speed sensors, and hydraulic units, all sourced from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Just input your vehicle’s details, and you can easily browse through our catalog with the help of our vehicle selector and search filters. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses around the US, CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. Order by 12 PM ET, and you can expect your package to arrive in as fast as two business days.

Don’t wait until your vehicle’s entire ABS fails before replacing defective parts. Check out our catalog of high-quality ABS control modules, speed sensors, and hydraulic units at CarParts.com and order what you need today!