Every day we see a lot of customers with ABS and brake light on but no codes on their vehicles. Some of them are simple fixes, but unfortunately, some customers have no idea what to do with that matter.
Don’t worry there are easy troubleshooting steps you can take. In this post, we’ll show you how to diagnose your ABS and Brake light issues and get rid of the problem for good!
Is it Safe To Drive With ABS And Brake Light On?
Both the brake light and the ABS light will turn on your vehicle’s dashboard if there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
So, is it risky to drive with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the brake light activated?
Driving with both the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the brake light on is dangerous because you will not have the added safety that the ABS offers.
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If you have to make an emergency stop, your stopping distance will be longer than usual, your wheels will lock up, and you won’t have any control over the steering of the vehicle while you are braking.
Why Do ABS And Brake Lights Come On At The Same Time?
Two distinct lights have two distinct meanings.
The BRAKE indicator has always signaled that the brakes are malfunctioning.
This warning light typically comes on when your brake fluid is low or when your parking brake is activated.
However, on some vehicles, it can immediately light up to warn of an issue elsewhere in the system if there is an ABS fault.
The ABS light is not like the BRAKE light since it is normally managed by a computer component.
This warning light indicates that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system, and it is usually accompanied by error codes that may be read by the owner or a technician to determine where the problem lies.
The switches on each lamp are activated by separate switches. Both groups share some of these characteristics, while others have their own.
Let’s examine the reason behind each lamp’s lighting.
ABS LIGHT
- Broken wire in the wheel’s speed sensor.
- Poor battery voltage.
- Defective anti-lock brake system module.
- Damaged wheel bearing.
BRAKE LIGHT
- The brake pads are low.
- Disengaged brakes for parking.
- The brake fluid level is dangerously low.
Warning lights for the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the brake system (Brake) both coming on at the same time indicate a critical malfunction with the vehicle’s braking system, making it unsafe to proceed with driving.
How To Fix it
Here’s how to fix both of these:
ABS Light
If your vehicle’s ABS warning light comes on, it’s because there’s an issue with the brakes.
If the ABS warning indicator comes on, it will remain on. No matter how one interprets the reading. Resetting the anti-lock brake system can help.
To explain how:
- Turn the key but DO NOT start the engine.
- Simply flip it to the “on” position, and your car’s dashboard lights will begin to light.
- Press the gas pedal down three times rapidly. Please check your dashboard in a moment.
- Start the vehicle and double-check the dashboard.
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The procedure of resetting is finished at this moment. This should force your ABS to reset, which should allow all of the settings to align and start functioning normally.
If the ABS warning light remains illuminated after attempting to reset it, something is amiss with the system.
Brake Light
On the other side, here are some potential solutions to the problem with your BRAKE LIGHT being on:
- Make sure you have enough brake fluid.
- Release the parking brake.
- Keep your brake sockets clean.
- Put in new light bulbs.
- Take out the blown fuses and replace them.
- Verify that the brake light switch is not broken.
- Take out the car’s battery.
- Ensure that the brake pedal is properly pressing the switch.
However, if you are aware of the potential causes for why your brake light remains illuminated, it will be easy to isolate the source and troubleshoot accordingly.
Conclusion
The most sensible course of action is to have a professional mechanic inspect the brakes.
If the ABS and Brake Lights come on together in your vehicle, you need to get it checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
Regular maintenance can help you prevent having to pay for more expensive repairs in the future.
Check out some more of our electrical related articles!
About the author
Marcus Brown is editor-in-chief of The FatMech and is a mechanic with ten years' experience based in London, UK. Having worked for major dealerships for many years, Marcus now works for a local independent garage and has experience working on nearly every make and model of car. Marcus also has a passion for writing and teaching, which is where the idea for The FatMech came from. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys playing golf, doing home renovations and gardening. He lives just outside London with his wife and son.