ABS light on: what it means and is it safe to drive?
If only the ABS light is on, the antilock part of your brakes isn’t working, but your ordinary brakes still work. You can usually drive carefully to get it checked; leave more stopping distance, because the wheels can lock under hard braking. If the brake warning light is on too, the regular brakes may have a problem: stop when it’s safe and get help.
That’s what owner’s manuals say. We read the warning light pages of 196 manuals: 136 list an ABS light, and 67 of those descriptions also say what it means when the brake warning light is on as well.
What the manuals say to do
- The light comes on briefly at start-up: that’s a normal bulb check.
- It stays on, or comes on while driving: the ABS needs service. Several GM manuals suggest stopping safely, turning the vehicle off and on again, and having it serviced if the light stays on or comes back.
- ABS and brake warning light together: treat it as a brake problem. Many manuals say to stop carefully and have the vehicle towed if the brake light stays on.
Examples from owner’s manuals
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. ABS has detected a problem and is not working as expected; brakes still function. With the brake warning light also on, regular brakes are affected too.
- Nissan Rogue: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light. If it lights while running or driving, the ABS may not be working; anti-lock function is off but normal braking remains.
- Honda Accord: Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator. ABS problem. Normal braking remains but no ABS function, which can cause instability under sudden braking.
- Ford Explorer: ABS indicator. Anti-lock braking system malfunction. Normal braking continues without the anti-lock function. Flashing at any time also indicates a problem.
Some trucks add a twist. GMC Sierra 1500: Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light. ABS has detected a problem and is not working as expected, though regular brakes still work. Also shows if the front axle lock is engaged.
See every model’s list in Warning lights by vehicle.