ABS Brake Light On - What Does it Mean

ABS / Anti lock brake warning.

The antilock braking system (ABS) uses several different sensors, motors, and a computer in
conjunction with the normal braking system of your car.

The ABS regulates the brake pressure in order to reduce the chance of wheel lockup. Reduced wheel
lock-up improve your control of the vehicle during braking on slippery pavement.

Improved stability and steering enable for greater control of the vehicle in the case of an abrupt stop.
The ABS operation is available from approx. 3 mph to the maximum vehicle speed.
A warning light means a problem was detected, and the system needs to be scanned for codes in
order find out the area the fault is in. With the light on, ABS operation is not present, but normal
braking is.

The Traction Control System is controlled by the ABS system.

More ABS information

10-1-10
Why is my 1999 Pontiac Bonneville abs light on.

Comments

Many things can cause this light on you car. A
speed sensor, wiring to a sensor. Needs to have
the computer scanned for codes first.

10-7-10
For some time my Abs light has been intermittent in coming on. Was advised to
disconnect battery and leave it unhooked for at least one hour, then to re-connect
but do not start the car for an hour. I have done this and the light has not come
on again. Apparently has to do with allowing the cars computer(s) to totally shut
down and then allowed to reboot before starting the car. This appears to have
worked for me.

11-5-10
Thank ours has come on also we have a Chevy Uplander. I'm going to have my
husband try this so that we can see if it works for us. We just had the back brakes
done and now its coming on. Thank you for the tip.

Disconnecting the battery is only temporary. With an
intermittent problem, this will turn off the light, until the
problem occurs again- then the light will be back on.

11-5-10
We just had our brakes checked and repaired and the ABS light came on after
that. Our mechanic said we could do our short trip and bring it in the following
week. On the way home our van completely shut down and we were lucky enough
to pull it off the road and not get hit by passing vehicles on a stormy snow day.
Problem was a broken wire inside the casing hooked to the computer. A special
machine had to be brought in to find the problems. $962.00 later we have a pink
piece of wire that looks like it was burnt off of the computer. Can you see this
happening on a busy 401 highway when you are in the middle of traffic? Shouldn't
consumers be given some warning of these problems that may happen?

Have not personally seen a wire burned at the PCM.
There is no telling what work has been done in the past
on your vehicle that may have contributed to a wire
burning. Maybe a mechanic did not route something
correctly after a repair- say 2 years ago. You make it
sound like this is a common problem and should have a
recall, but it is not a common problem.

12-23-10
my 94 chevy Astro has a the antilock l i ght on, and it had check engine i check my
oil and it was very low i put some oil and it when away but the anti lock stayed on
what should i do in this case ??

Now you need to get the codes scanned from the ABS
computer to find out why the light is on the dash.

1-7-11
I have a abs light on, with right rear wheel locking on my 2000 pontiac sunfire.

You could have the speed sensor for that wheel acting
up, or a problem with the regular brakes, like a leaking
wheel cylinder contaminating the shoes with brake fluid.

1-22-11
My ABS light is on and my brake pedal is extremely soft. I have to push it almost
all the way down to get it to do anything. I have found that pumping the brake
helps some, but still not comfortable with how the brakes are acting. I know I need
to bring it in, and plan to. I am writing so someone can give me some kind of idea
what might be the problem. I just do not want to go in blind and have someone try
to tell me that I need all kinds of work that I dont actually need.

A lot of this depends on what make, model and year is
this car or truck. Could be a bad master cylinder, ABS
pump, leaking line or wheel cylinder. ABS may not be
related to the way the pedal is acting, could be a problem
in the base brake system.

2-8-11
After start the engine my abs warning lamps goes off. After driving a short distance
the ABS lamp comes on.

The ABS light coming on when the car starts to move
usually means a bad wheel speed sensor, since it
senses wheel speed. If one reads 0 or different from the
others, it turns on the light.

2-12-11
My ABS and Low Trac lights come on while driving and when that happens the
brakes sounds like it is grating and kind off slips before braking properly. It
happens after I start my car, drive a little and then one comes on and then the
other, I believe the low trac first and then the ABS. Can you advise why this
happen and how soon I should get it fixed?

Depends on what type of vehicle you are talking about.
Could be a wheels speed sensor problem or a wiring
problem at on of those sensors.

2-16-11
i have a Chevy 2005 Aveo hatchback and just yesterday the abs light came on
and dont shut off what could this mean but the car dont feel any different it drives
find like always?

2-16-11
I have a 92 Cadillac with only 12000 miles. The abs and traction off lights stay on
and cannot reset. The brakes are ok but are a little soft. Help?

An ABS light would not affect the way your chevy Aveo
runs. You need to have the computer scanned for codes.
Possibly a wheel speed sensor.

A problem in the ABS will also disable traction control. A
scan is need to get the stored trouble codes.

2-23-11
I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu. I just had work done on the brake line and caliper on
one side. After that the check engine light and ABS light came on. I'm getting tired
of taking my car to my mechanic cause every other month or any time he works on
it something else goes screwy with it. This car has less than 70k on it and the
maintenance is always up-to-date. Good thing I'm getting a new car next month or
I'd shoot my mechanic just on suspicion alone!!!

3-2-11
My Dad has a 2000 Mercury. ABS and Traction Lights come on when he first
starts the car and stays on. There are no codes on the computer which makes it
difficult to diagnose. Any ideas?

Are you sure you are scanning the ABS computer? If you
are scanning the engine computer, there wont be ABS
codes in there.

3-7-11
I have a 2004 Grand Prix gtp supercharged I have a couple lights on but I have the
abs, traction, stability and the service brake system. I know I need tire rods do you
think all those lights relate to that problem?

Tie rods are not related at all. Read comments above.

3-10-11
I have a 2007 ford Edge the abs and tracking light is on, what could the problem
be. It came on once before but went off.

As with all the above posts, the ABS computer needs to
be scanned for codes. Possible sensor or wiring.

3-10-11
I have a 2005 dodge grand caravan and my ABS light just came on. Can I
continue to drive my vehicle.

Yes you can still drive it. ABS light means a problem in
ABS, not regular braking.

3-10-11
1999 pontiac Grand Am with both the ABS, an Brake warning lights on my
instrument panel. I replaced the low fluid sensor, the brakes are all new, and I
read the codes. The codes are C1246, and C1286. Does this mean that I need a
new Electronic valve that controls the rear brakes, installed, can I get one, or do I
need to replace the whole motor control unit. I was hoping to get the valve, but is
that possible. Does the Brake warning light come on to tell me that it is a rear
valve problem? I checked the E brake switch and all is well. Give me some
answers please. I have the mechanical experience to install any thing. Can I
install a new rear control valve, or do I have to install a new unit?

The code C1286 is caused by the
C1246(Rear channel will not move). You may just have a
loose nut that holds the rear channel gear on to the
motor pack. Remove the lower cover on the motor pack
and see if the center gear is loose or can spin freely.

3-26-11
my abs light comes on when i step on the brakes i have a 2007 Mercury
Mountaineer.

Warning lights when turning the steering is usually
caused by a partially broken wire in the harness that
goes to one of the front wheel speed sensors- which is
part of the hub bearing. Turning causes the harness to
move and can cause an open circuit. A bad hub bearing
can also do this, but usually a wire problem. Close
inspection of the wires is needed.

4-5-11
I have a 2003 Buick Rendezvous and recently my anti-lock and AWD disabled light
come on together. When I am driving straight it seems to be fine. But when I turn
(left or right) and brake while turning both lights come on and it seems harder to
stop. The lights go off after driving straight for awhile or I turn the car off and do
not come on again until I turn. Any ideal of what this could be?

4-9-11
I want to thank you for taking th time to respond to my above question on 3-10-11.
Your answer was very helpful. I went to pick-n-pull, and removed a replacement
motor pack from a 1999 pontiac Grand Prix that matched mine. It cost 60 dollars,
and I had to cut the lines to the proportioning valve because they were steel
fittings screwed into aluminum proportioning valve. I installed the unit into my
Grand Am and had to use Vise Grip pliers to remove the lines to the pp Valve. I
Bled the unit at the pp valve first, then at the solenoid valves, then at all the
wheels like the manual says. All is well now. Problem solved. Thanks for all you
do. Steve T.

4-10-11
what tool am i to use to scan the ABS. Do i have to bring it into a dealership? Cant
seem to find any part store that carries them. Thanks!

Thank you so much for the tip / donation Steve !

If you cannot find the tool, you can go to any local repair
shop, you do not HAVE to go to the Dealer.

4-10-11
The service Brake Assistant warning came up. What does that mean?

4-11-11
I have a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. My ABS light and trac off light is on
continuously. I had it tested at my friends shop. And his Snap-ON tester gave me 2
codes. #1 is c0450 ans #2 is C0550. We could not locate them in his manuals. We
are at a loss. Can you give me any ideals what they mean. Thanks in advance.
Jamie

4-13-11
I have a 1988 BMW 635, the Anti-lock light started coming on and off about a week
ago. When I am driving, the car seems to brake by it self every 10 to 15 seconds.
It does not brake completely by it does slow the car down which also makes the
automatic transmission shift down on gear. Do you what could be happening.
Thank you.

4-18-11
My 2002 Chevy Astro van had the ABS, traction control and park brake dash lights
staying on after it was started. Had it coded at GM dealer C0267. Mechanic found
a motor power wire contacting a metal bracket under the vehicle. Damaged
portion of wire was removed,also installed extra loom and replaced a 60A maxi
fuse. Works fine now.

4-25-11
i have a 2006 ford escape had front brakes done at the dealers 2 weeks later abs
light comes on for one day then goes off for 3 days and comes on one more time
for 10 min then off again i take it to the dealers they say its a speed sensor on the
front wheel cost me 320 bucks.

C0450- Steering assist control actuator circuit.
C0550- ABS internal control module malfunction.

4-28-11
Is an ABS Scan Tool different from a regular OBDII scan tool and if so, where do
you plug it in??

There are some cheaper scanners that are just for ABS,
others scan the Engine computer, ABS, Airbag, etc all in
one unit. They all plug into the OBDII connector under
the dash.

5-1-11
Had the rear tires changed on 94 Lincoln Town Car yesterday and the anti-lock
brake light came on, and stayed on, about a 30 minutes later. Could they have
done something when replacing the tires?

5-2-11
The service Brake Assistant warning came up. What does that mean?

5-2-11
The Check Engine, Anti lock Brake, Trac Control, low tire pressure (has been on
for a few days), and gas cap light came on yesterday. The gas cap light went off,
but the others are still on. I just replaced the two front hub assemblies last month,
and one rear was replaced 2 years ago under warranty. How should I proceed

You are going to have to have the ABS computer
scanned for codes. Would also suggest the powertrain
computer gets scanned, as the gas cap light does not
always mean the cap is loose. That light can come on
with the check engine light for several reasons.

5-24-11
i have a 2001 Silverado and recently when i start the truck the abs and trac off
lights turn on.. They stay on for a short time and then turn on and off for a second
or two then they turn off and dont come back on for the remainder of the time that i
drive or press the brakes etc.. Traction control works fine and all i am at a loss for
now.. Only thing i know to is wait for tomorrow to take it to get scanned.. I'm just
trying to find some info on the Internet..???

Getting it scanned would help greatly. If there are any
trouble codes stored in the ABS system, that will help in
diagnosing your problem. If the lights never come on
again while driving, or the ABS does not activate on it's
own, it's hard to say for sure what could be causing the
problem. The lights do a bulb check at startup and stay
on for a few seconds normally, but you've probably
noticed that before if you've had the truck a while. I'd say
get it scanned and go from there. It could be something
as easy as a wheel speed sensor, to something difficult
like a wiring problem or EBCM malfunction.

6-6-11
I have a 96 Buick Regal. I just noticed the ABS light today, and we're in the middle
of a trip. The light has been on whenever we drove today. Tomorrow, I need to
drive 6 hours to get home before work. Can I wait to take it in to the shop? Or is
this something that needs to be looked at immediately?
Except for the light, braking and everything else has been normal.

An ABS light on the dash signifies a problem only in the
ABS, not the regular braking system. You can wait to
have it checked out. You may not have ABS braking if
road conditions warrant, put your normal braking is not
effected.

6-25-11
I have a 2004 Chevy Venture van and I had new brakes placed two weeks
ago...now the ABS light comes on and when I turn my steering wheel I hear a
sound coming from the wheel. With the new brakes, I had two separate episodes
where they made a grinding sound but they did brake without incident. Do I have
two separate problems?

The problem you have n ow is with the ABS. Either a bad
sensor- hub bearing, or a wire going to on off them.

I have an 2002 Chevy Monte Carlo,and i just replaced my brakes all around,and
now my ABS light is on ,and my service traction soon light is on. What should i do?

You could have damaged or disturbed the wiring or
connector for one of the wheel speed sensors. I would
take the wheels back off and look for any problems. If
any of the harnesses came out of their retainers by
accident, they could have rubbed through on the wheel
or axle. Check to make sure everything is connected and
in it's proper place.

My ABS light came on my 96 Corsica, then approx 20 minutes later, the car shut
down completely. As this happened, everything locked up and wasn't able to put
the car in gear - just for a moment. What could be happening?

You have an electrical problem of low system voltage.
The ABS just happened to be the light that came on as it
monitors system voltage. ABS is not the cause. Check
the basics like loose battery cables, ground cables, bad
battery or other loose connections.

HI i have a 2005 chevy malibu and when i turn on the car the only light that stays
on is the mph light what dose that mean?

Hi I have a 1999 ford F-150 and the abs light comes on as soon as I put the truck
into drive and drive it a couple of feet. What things can I check. I looked in my
owners manual and I can't find anything on abs. Thanks

Sounds like you have a wheel speed sensor problem. As
soon as the truck starts to move the ABS computer is
looking for wheel speed signal from all wheels. If it does
not see one or more, it will turn on the light. You need to
have the computer scanned for codes.

ABS System Operation And Description

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Anonymous said:
I have an Isuzu Rodeo 4wd yr. 2002. And recently my ABS brakes have been kicking in because when I push the brake pedal the cars moving a little
and doesnt come to a complete stop right away. I know ABS is supposed to work that way but in the past two weeks its happened to me several times.
The car only ever did that in the snow. But the brakes have been doing this on completely dry regular road. Neither my brake light or ABS light is on so
nothing is showing up. Is this something I should be really concerned about? I've been told the sensor could be bad or the wheel bearing. Do you have
any advice? Thanks in advance!

Phil said:
@Anonymous, Yes, you either have a bad front wheel speed sensor, which may be part of the hub bearing on your model, or a there is a bad wire
near one of the front sensors. Without a warning light, there are no codes to tell which side is acting up. A scanner on the computer that shows live
speed sensor data is needed to determine that.