Can the car still be driven if the ABS system fault is displayed?
3 Answers
ABS fault light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving, because the ABS light on means that the vehicle's anti-lock braking system is faulty. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle will lose control and skid, making it impossible for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety hazards. There are various states of the ABS light being on, with different causes and solutions for each state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS fault light stays on (most common). Cause 1: The sensing part of the ABS speed sensor is covered by dirt, mud, or other contaminants, affecting the sensor's ability to detect the corresponding speed signal. This prevents the ABS computer from determining the vehicle speed and the wheel slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to regulate braking. Solution: Clean the dirt from the speed sensor and adjust the gap between the speed sensor and the signal ring to restore normal function. Cause 2: Poor signal due to loose connections between system lines or poor contact of the ABS relay, leading to system failure. Solution: Check the line connections and reconnect any loose parts. State 2: ABS warning light intermittently turns on, but turns off when accelerating. Cause: When multiple vehicle electrical devices are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases and the voltage rises, the ABS indicator light turns off. The ABS system power supply voltage is too low, possibly due to poor contact at the terminals or grounding issues. Solution: Check the battery specific gravity; inspect the charging system; examine the power supply (such as voltage relay or poor power contact). State 3: ABS warning light stays on after engine start and only turns off when the engine is turned off (IGFF). Cause: Poor grounding contact of the ABS hydraulic valve body; poor contact at the ABS hydraulic valve body wire connector; ABS computer failure. Solution: Loosen the grounding screw of the hydraulic valve body, then retighten it, cleaning the contact surface if necessary; check if the connector gap has widened; replace the ABS or ABS/ASR computer. State 4: ABS warning light turns on during high-speed driving. Cause: During high-speed driving, the ABS computer detects a significant difference between the rear and front wheel speed signals; incorrect tire or wheel rim specifications. Solution: Refer to the vehicle's tire and wheel rim specifications, as indicated on the sticker near the fuel tank cap. State 5: ABS warning light intermittently turns on. Cause: Improper adjustment of the brake light switch; poor internal contact of the brake light. Solution: Start the engine, press the brake pedal, push the brake switch linkage down with your fingers, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position; replace the brake light switch.
When the ABS warning light comes on, it indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system. This means that during emergency braking, the wheels may lock up directly, causing the vehicle to skid or lose control, especially on slippery roads or in rainy/snowy conditions where the risk is higher. The car can still be driven, but it is strongly advised against long-distance or high-speed driving, as it increases the chance of an accident. Common causes include dirty sensors, aging wiring, or module failure. I recommend driving immediately to a nearby professional repair shop for inspection and not delaying. If you must drive a short distance, maintain a low speed, avoid sudden braking, and plan your route in advance to avoid busy roads. Regularly cleaning the sensors during maintenance can prevent such issues and ensure driving safety.
I've been driving for many years and have encountered situations where the ABS light came on. The car could still be driven, but the brakes felt less responsive and a bit unstable. That time, I drove carefully, keeping the speed below 60 km/h, avoiding sharp turns or slippery roads, and went straight to the repair shop. It turned out that the sensor was clogged with dirt, and a simple cleaning fixed the issue without costing much. If you must drive, remember to go slow, avoid highways, and prioritize safety. Regularly cleaning around the wheels during car washes can help reduce the chances of such faults. Ignoring it can lead to reduced braking performance, increasing the risk of accidents in emergencies.
