What does it mean when your ABS and brake light comes on?
Andrew Mckinney
Updated on June 23, 2026
If both the ABS and the brake system light come on at the same time, your vehicle is no longer safe to drive. This means there is a serious problem with the car’s braking system and continuing to drive puts yourself and others at risk.
What should you do if your anti-lock brakes warning light stays on?
If your ABS warning light stays on, you need to get your brakes checked immediately. But don’t just drive immediately to a garage, as your car may not be safe to drive. Instead, consult your car’s handbook, as it might tell you more about operating your car with this warning light in mind.
How do you disable anti-lock brakes?
If you ever have to disable your ABS system, the relay is the most direct and effective way to handle it.
- Pop your hood and remove your negative battery cable.
- Locate your main relay box.
- Open the relay panel and examine the diagram printed on the inside of the cover.
- Replace your negative battery cable.
When should an anti-lock braking system ABS warning light turn off?
Explanation: Every vehicle fitted with anti-lock brakes must have a warning light in the cab of the vehicle. The warnings may differ between manufacturers, but on all types the warning light should come on when the ignition is switched on, and turn off when the vehicle reaches a speed of 6 mph (10 km/h).
Is it safe to drive a car with the ABS warning light on?
It’s Safe To Drive Carefully With The ABS Light On. You can still drive the car with your ABS light on, because it does not impact normal braking. However, we wouldn’t recommend you do this because your ABS system helps to control stopping, and it can be dangerous to be driving without it.
Why is my anti lock brake light on in my car?
If you know your car’s anti-lock brake system is in good condition and the light is still on, there are some steps you can take to reset the light. The problem most likely lies in the car’s central computer or ABS sensor, but it can also be from something else in the brake or electrical system.
How does the anti-lock brake system work?
The anti-lock brake system is a complex configuration of computers and sensors. When all of the components are working in perfect harmony, it ensures a quick, reactive system that can improve braking control under all surface conditions. Faults in this system are often first indicated by illuminated lights in the gauge cluster.
What does it mean when your abs and brake lights are illuminated?
On most vehicles, only the ABS light will illuminate when a fault is detected. What if your car or truck has both the ABS & BRAKE lights illuminated? The “BRAKE” light has always meant one simple thing: There is a fault with the braking system. Most commonly, this light is triggered by low brake fluid or an engaged parking brake.
How is the brake light activated on a car?
The BRAKE light on most vehicles is activated by a simple circuit involving only one or two components. Usually, the brake fluid level sensor and the parking brake are the only two items that can activate the BRAKE light.
