Can You Continue Driving When the ABS Light Is On?
2 Answers
ABS fault light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving, because the ABS light on means the vehicle's anti-lock braking system is faulty. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle may 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, and the causes and solutions differ 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 speed and the wheel's slip rate, thus unable to issue appropriate commands to regulate braking. Solution: Clean the dirt on 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 and off, extinguishing when accelerating. Cause: When multiple vehicle electrical devices are used, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases, the voltage rises, and the ABS indicator light turns off; the ABS system's power supply voltage is too low, such as due to poor contact at terminals or grounding issues. Solution: Check the battery's specific gravity; inspect the charging system; examine the power supply (e.g., voltage relay or poor power contact). State 3: ABS warning light stays on after engine start until the engine is turned off. Cause: Poor contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body's grounding circuit; poor contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body's wiring 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 calculates that the rear wheel speed differs significantly from the front wheel speed; incorrect tire specifications or incorrect wheel rim specifications. Solution: Refer to the vehicle's tire specifications and wheel rim specifications, as indicated on the sticker near the fuel tank cap. State 5: ABS warning light intermittently turns on and off. Cause: Improper adjustment of the brake light switch; poor internal contact in the brake light. Solution: Start the engine, press the brake pedal, push the brake switch linkage down to the bottom with your finger, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position; replace the brake light switch.
When the ABS light in my car comes on, my first reaction is to check if there's an issue with the braking system. ABS is crucial for the anti-lock braking system, and the light indicates potential sensor failure or system malfunction. Driving on dry roads might still be manageable since basic braking functions remain, but during rain, snow, or emergency braking, wheels could lock up, leading to skidding or accidents—significantly increasing risks. For safety, I’d find a place to pull over as soon as possible, call for repair advice, or drive slowly to a nearby shop for inspection. Common causes include dirty sensors, loose wiring, or control module issues, which can often be fixed with cleaning or minor maintenance at low cost. Ignoring it and continuing to drive risks encountering an emergency where brakes fail—putting lives in real danger. So once the ABS light is on, no matter how rushed you are, prioritize fixing it—don’t gamble with safety.
