Can You Continue Driving When the ABS Light on the Dashboard Is On?

[DelJocelyn]

ABS fault light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving because the ABS light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's anti-lock braking system. During emergency braking, if the wheels lock up, the vehicle may lose control and skid, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, which poses significant safety risks. There are various states in which the ABS light may illuminate, with different causes and solutions for each state, as detailed below: State 1: ABS fault light stays on (most common). Cause 1: The ABS wheel speed sensor's sensing part 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 adjust braking. Solution: Clean the dirt from the wheel speed sensor and adjust the gap between the sensor and the signal ring to restore normal function. Cause 2: Poor signal transmission due to loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay, leading to system failure. Solution: Check the wiring connections and reconnect any loose parts. State 2: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates but turns off during acceleration. Cause: When multiple vehicle electrical devices are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases, the voltage rises, and the ABS warning light turns off. The ABS system's power supply voltage is too low, possibly due to poor terminal contact 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: The ABS warning light stays on after the engine starts and only turns off when the engine is turned off (IGFF). Cause: Poor grounding contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body; poor contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body wiring connector; ABS computer malfunction. Solution: Loosen the grounding screw on 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 illuminates during high-speed driving. Cause: During high-speed driving, the ABS computer detects a significant discrepancy 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 label near the fuel tank cap. State 5: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates. Cause: Improper adjustment of the brake light switch; poor internal contact in the brake light. Solution: With the engine running, press the brake pedal, push the brake switch linkage down with a finger, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position; replace the brake light switch if necessary.

[PaigeAnn]

My car's ABS light came on once, which scared me into stopping immediately to check. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, and when the light is on, it means there's an issue with this system. Simply put, normal braking still works, but during emergency stops or when braking on slippery surfaces, the wheels may lock up causing skidding, longer braking distances, and increased accident risks. If this happens while driving on highways or in rain/snow conditions, the danger is even greater. I recommend pulling over immediately and not continuing to drive for too long. Safety first - you can slowly move the car to a repair shop, but avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking. Regular checks of brake fluid levels and tire conditions are also important, as accumulated minor issues can trigger warning lights. Never ignore dashboard warning lights - safety should always be the top priority, especially when transporting family members.

[NovaDella]

As an ordinary person who drives frequently, I still take precautions when the ABS light comes on. This indicates that the anti-lock braking function has failed, but the basic brakes still work on dry roads. Sometimes I might drive a short distance to a repair shop at low speed, over a short distance, and on good road conditions. I once drove home with the light on, keeping the speed below 40 km/h and avoiding sudden maneuvers. This isn't a long-term solution, as it increases the risk of skidding during turns or emergencies. It's best to scan for fault codes or check the brake fluid level as soon as possible. Safety comes first—I recommend avoiding highways or long trips to prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs. Make it a habit to check the dashboard regularly and investigate any warning lights immediately.

[LaPiper]

I don't think the ABS light should be completely ignored when it's on, because ABS is responsible for preventing wheel lock-up, and braking performance may be compromised when it malfunctions. On slippery roads or during emergency braking, the risk of losing control may increase. If the light comes on, I would first check basic points, such as whether the tire pressure is sufficient and if there's enough brake fluid. This can temporarily determine if it's a serious defect. It's okay to continue driving, but only for short distances at low speeds; avoid heavy loads or high-speed scenarios. When I encounter similar issues while driving, I make sure to get to a professional shop as soon as possible to diagnose potential sensor or pump problems. Safety is no small matter—don't wait for an accident to happen.