Can You Still Drive with ABS System Failure?

[StGideon]

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 skid uncontrollably, making it difficult for the driver to decelerate or adjust the vehicle's trajectory, posing significant safety risks. There are various states of the ABS warning light, each with different causes and solutions, as detailed below: State 1: ABS warning 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's speed and the wheel's slip rate, thus failing to issue appropriate commands to regulate 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 due to loose connections in the system wiring or poor contact of 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 when accelerating. 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. This may also occur if the ABS system's power supply voltage is too low due to 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 stays 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 ABS computer malfunction. Solution: Loosen and retighten the grounding screws on the hydraulic valve body, clean the contact surfaces 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, or 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 or poor internal contact in the brake light. Solution: Start the engine, press the brake pedal, push the brake switch linkage down fully with your fingers, then release the brake pedal to complete the self-setting position. Replace the brake light switch if necessary.

[LePatrick]

The car can still move with ABS failure, but you need to be extra careful with braking. I've driven for decades and continued driving when the ABS light was on. During emergency braking, the wheels locked up and skidded, almost causing a loss of control on a rainy downhill slope. The system mainly prevents wheel lock-up during braking, and when it fails, the safety net is gone, significantly increasing the risk of wheel lock-up on slippery roads. It's recommended to slow down and pull over immediately when you see the warning light, then turn off the engine to check if the sensor is dirty or a fuse is blown. If you must drive temporarily, stick to low-speed routes and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Get it repaired as soon as possible for peace of mind—don’t risk big trouble to save small money.