Why Is My ABS Light On?
5 Common Reasons & What To Do Next
ABS Light on Dashboard
ABS warning light? We diagnose ABS faults & fix them fast. Stay safe on the road with certified ABS repairs. Book your check now.
Seeing the ABS light on your dashboard can be alarming. Your car’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is crucial for safe stopping—especially in slippery conditions. This article explains why the ABS light comes on, what it means, and how e‑CAR can help with fast, accurate repairs.
5 Common Reasons Your ABS Light Is On
1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
Each wheel has a speed sensor that sends data to the ABS system. If a sensor is dirty or damaged, the system can’t detect wheel speed properly—triggering the light.
2. Low Brake Fluid Levels
The ABS system relies on sufficient brake fluid to function. If levels drop too low (due to a leak or wear), it could trigger the ABS light.
3. Malfunctioning ABS Control Module
The ABS module interprets sensor data and controls braking pressure. If it fails or loses communication with your car’s computer, the light will turn on.
4. Blown Fuse or Wiring Fault
Like many electronic systems, ABS is powered by fuses and wiring. A short circuit, blown fuse, or corroded connector can interrupt function.
5. Hydraulic Pump or Valve Failure
ABS pumps and valves control brake fluid pressure to prevent skidding. When these components fail, the system becomes inactive and triggers the warning.
What is ABS?
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System
The anti-lock braking system helps the tyres on your vehicle maintain contact with the road while you are braking. It functions by preventing the wheels from locking up, which can result in uncontrollable skids. The main purpose of the Anti-lock Braking System is to improve vehicle control under heavy braking, especially on loose, wet, or slick surfaces. It does not necessarily decrease stopping distance, although it can help.
Here are some things you need to know about ABS safety:
- The ABS system does a self-test every time you turn on the ignition. Once you start your vehicle, the light will briefly come on, and if the computer finds a problem, the light will stay on. If you notice the light flash immediately after starting the vehicle, that is just your vehicle doing a self-check.
- If the warning light comes on while you are driving, it means the ABS is not working properly. Your brakes will still work, but the ABS might not engage if you need to make an emergency stop. If the light remains on, you need to have a mechanic diagnose the ABS light issue as soon as possible. Since the ABS helps with vehicle control and stopping distances, it is an important safety feature to maintain – you never know when you’ll need it.
- If both the ABS and brake system light (your handbrake light on the instrument cluster) come on at the same time, your vehicle is no longer safe to drive. This means there is a serious problem with the braking system, and continuing to drive puts yourself and others at risk of a car crash.
- As you are braking heavily and your Anti-lock Braking System engages, you will notice the brake pedal pulsating. This is completely normal and it means the ABS system is working normally. The Anti-lock Braking System works with your braking system to create this pulsating so the wheels do not lock up. Once you feel this pulsating, keep your foot on the brake pedal and let the ABS system do the work for you. All you need to do is concentrate on steering safely. In basic terms, the braking system is applying the brake and in a split second releasing pressure and then reapplying the pressure to prevent the tyres from skidding or locking up on the surface. This happens multiple times a second.
Driving with the ABS Light on is not a good idea because it means your Anti-lock Braking System is not working properly. This means your vehicle may not handle like it is designed to under heavy braking. If both your Anti-lock Braking System Light and brake system light come on, this is an emergency and you need to stop driving right away. Have your entire brake system inspected by a certified mechanic, such as one from e-CAR.
ABS Light On? Book ABS Diagnostics & Repairs | e-CAR
ABS warning light? We diagnose ABS faults & fix them fast. Stay safe on the road with certified ABS repairs. Book your check now.
Schedule Your Car Appointment Today
Don’t let a faulty ABS Light make your drive problematic. Schedule your car inspection with e-CAR and experience the difference professional service makes.
Find your nearest workshop or book a diagnostic appointment today.
find a workshop near you
Explore our services
Car service
Car repairs
Full list of repair services
Fleet Maintenance
Service a fleet of cars or trucks with a fast turnaround time.
Truck Services
Professional servicing tailored to trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.
Car Accessories
Upgrade your car with premium car accessories.
Approvals & accreditations
Trust
e-CAR is accredited with RMI, MIWA approvals, and Right 2 Repair Supporter in SA for top-quality vehicle servicing and workmanship that meets industry standards.
