ABS Light
The ABS light means the anti-lock braking system found a fault and turned itself off. Your regular brakes usually still work, but on slick or gravel roads the wheels may lock up under a hard stop - worth knowing before the next storm.
Symptoms
- ABS or traction control warning light on
- ABS pump runs constantly or not at all
- Traction control disabled message on the dash
- Light came on after a battery disconnect or jump-start
- Light flickers over bumps
Can I keep driving with the ABS light on?
- In most cases, yes. Normal braking still works, but ABS-assisted panic stops are not available.
- If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or the red brake warning light is also on, treat it as a brake fault and drive as little as you can.
- On icy Colorado roads, get the ABS checked before winter if you can.
Common causes
- Wheel speed sensor or tone ring fault - common after bearing work
- Damaged sensor wiring at the front wheels
- ABS module or pump motor issue
- Low brake fluid triggering related warnings
- Aftermarket tire size mismatch - throws off wheel speed signals
What happens next
- Call us. Tell us whether the red brake light is also on and when the ABS light started.
- We scan ABS data, inspect sensors and wiring, and confirm normal brake operation.
- We fix the circuit that failed the test - not a generic module swap without proof.