Written by: Jen Wagner
Last updated: January 27, 2025
Turning on your car and seeing a warning light on your dashboard can be a frustrating experience. But answering a few simple questions can help us dig deeper and better understand the problem, its meaning, and what steps to take next.
What is the ABS System?
Your car’s ABS (anti-lock braking system) or anti-lock brakes stop the wheels from skidding when you slam on the brakes. Should you need to control your vehicle on a slippery or icy road, the ABS system prevents your brakes from locking and lets you steadily slow your vehicle.
As a computerized system, the anti-lock braking system’s job is to monitor the wheels and apply the brakes quickly but with control. So when your tires can’t grip the road when you brake in conditions like rain, snow, or ice, the ABS sensors recognize the wheels are close to skidding and prevent them from locking up. The ABS pumps the brakes to help stop the vehicle.
What Does the ABS Light Mean?
When the ABS warning light pops up on your car’s dashboard, it’s alerting you to a problem with the anti-lock braking system – something is not working correctly. The light might appear on your dash as soon as you start your car. But if it stays on, you’ll want a certified mechanic to investigate further.
Anything the computer recognizes as abnormal can cause the light to turn on or even flash. In fact, auto manufacturers design ABS systems to work with your brakes, so several things can cause the ABS warning light to come on, including:
- Low brake fluid levels
- A blown fuse
- A failing ABS computer
- A bad ABS power relay
- A defective wheel speed sensor or wiring
Are There Any Other Signs Pointing to ABS Problems?
Yes. While the most obvious is a glowing ABS warning light, there are a few other signs suggesting your ABS needs repairs, like:
- Brakes locking up unexpectedly or feeling loose
- Inaccurate speedometer readings
- Difficulties applying brake pressure
How Should I React to an ABS Warning Light?
The first step you should take when you see the ABS light is to stop your vehicle and turn it off to reset the computer. When you restart it, the computer will reactivate and look for problems as it checks the sensors. However, if this step does not fix the issue and the light stays on, a skilled auto technician can help determine the root cause.
If both the ABS warning light and the red main brake warning light are on, RepairPal urges that you wait to drive the vehicle until you fix the problem. Because of the severity of a braking system issue, your car may not stop when you apply the brakes, making driving extremely dangerous.
Alternatively, you can take steps to diagnose the problem yourself with the right tools and a solid comfort level to tinker with your car. First, you can remove the wheels and examine the speed sensors and wires. Any damage you find could be the cause. Next, you can diagnose the problem using your smartphone or tablet with an OBD-II scanner, code reader, or similar device.
Using the scanner device, you can run diagnostics on your vehicle and refer to its corresponding app to read the computer codes and identify the problem. Well-rated OBD-II scanner options include the BlueDriver Scan Tool and the FIXD OBD2 Professional Bluetooth Scan Tool & Code Reader. BlueDriver enables you to perform enhanced diagnostics, like reading and clearing your ABS trouble codes. FIXD, which is cheaper but still popular, actively scans your car’s diagnostic system when plugged in and reports and clears trouble codes.
How Much Are ABS Repair Costs?
Unlike some components that typically break down within a specific mileage range, ABS system parts can fail anytime. Because of this, predicting an issue can be more challenging. RepairPal notes the average cost for an ABS diagnosis is between $83 and $104. But what if your vehicle requires an ABS Control Module Replacement? In that case, you can expect to pay a lot more—the average cost runs between $945 and $986.
Stay Safe with Extended Warranty Coverage
Your safety on the road is invaluable, and taking steps to ensure it is one of the most beneficial investments you can make. With a solid vehicle protection plan, you can gain worthwhile coverage on parts like your car’s anti-lock brakes and access to extra perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, lockout services, and rental reimbursements. Start your search for the best reliable plan for your needs and budget by reviewing our Top Extended Car Warranty Companies.
