Can You Still Drive When the ABS Yellow Light Is On?

[MacEthan]

When the ABS warning light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving because the illuminated 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, posing significant safety risks. There are various states in which the ABS light may illuminate, each with different causes and solutions, as detailed below: State 1: ABS warning light remains constantly on (most common). Cause 1: The ABS speed sensor's sensing area 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's speed and the wheel's slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to adjust 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: Loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact in the ABS relay lead to signal issues, causing system failure. Solution: Inspect 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 components are in use, the battery voltage drops below 10.5V. As the engine speed increases, the voltage rises, and the ABS light turns off. Another possible cause is insufficient power supply voltage to the ABS system, such as poor terminal contact or grounding issues. Solution: Check the battery's specific gravity, inspect the charging system, and examine the power supply (e.g., voltage relay or poor power contact). State 3: ABS warning light remains on after engine start and only turns off when the engine is turned off (IGFF). Cause: Poor grounding contact in the ABS hydraulic valve body; loose wiring connections in the ABS hydraulic valve body; or a faulty ABS computer. Solution: Loosen and then retighten the grounding screw of the hydraulic valve body, cleaning the contact surface if necessary. Check for enlarged gaps in the connectors and replace the ABS or ABS/ASR computer if needed. 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. This may also occur due to incorrect tire or wheel rim specifications. Solution: Refer to the vehicle's tire and wheel rim specifications, typically found on the label near the fuel tank cap. State 5: ABS warning light intermittently illuminates. Cause: Improper adjustment of the brake light switch or poor internal contact in the brake light. Solution: With the engine running, press the brake pedal and manually push the brake switch linkage down fully, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting process. Replace the brake light switch if necessary.