ABS Warning Light On? Common Causes and What To Do

By The ECU Clinic · 13 Oct 2026

The ABS (anti-lock braking system) light tells you the car has found a fault in its anti-lock braking system. In most cases your normal brakes still work, but the anti-lock function may be switched off until the fault is fixed. That means the wheels can lock under hard braking, especially on wet roads.

If the red brake warning light comes on together with the ABS light, or the brake pedal feels different, stop driving and get the car checked before you go further.

Common causes of an ABS warning light

• Wheel speed sensor. Each wheel has a sensor that tells the ABS how fast it is turning. A dirty, damaged or failed sensor is a common cause.
• Wiring and connectors. Sensor wires run close to the wheels and can be damaged or corroded.
• ABS module. The electronic control module can develop internal faults. On many cars it is mounted on the pump.
• ABS pump. The pump motor or hydraulic unit can fail.
• Low brake fluid or a blown fuse. Simple causes worth ruling out first.

Why the fault code matters

The same warning light can come from a cheap sensor or from the ABS unit itself. Reading the fault code with a scan tool is the quickest way to know which. Replacing parts without the code often means paying for parts you did not need.

Repair, recon, used or new?

If the fault is in the ABS pump or module, there is usually more than one way to fix it. We can repair your unit, or supply a reconditioned, used or new one. We explain the options before any work starts.

What to send us

WhatsApp us your car model, chassis number and the fault code. A photo of the dashboard or the scan tool screen also helps. Our repairs come with a 6-month warranty.