ABS Warning Light
What it means
Shown in amber as a circle with the letters ABS inside brackets, this light means the anti-lock braking computer found a fault and switched the system off. Normal braking still works, but the wheels can lock and skid under hard braking. It is normal for it to glow for a few seconds at key-on and then go out.
Codes that may appear with it
The most common stored codes that may turn this light on; scan the car with an OBD reader to find the actual code.
Symptoms4
- The light stays on after the engine starts.
- One or more wheels lock and squeal under hard braking on slippery or sandy roads.
- The stability control light is also on in many cars, because both systems share the same sensors.
- No pulsing is felt in the brake pedal during an emergency stop.
Possible causes6
- Dirty or damaged wheel speed sensor (ABS sensor).
- Damaged sensor lead near the wheel or a corroded connector.
- Corroded sensor tone ring or a failed wheel bearing that carries it.
- Low battery voltage or a blown ABS fuse.
- Mismatched tire sizes between wheels.
- Failed ABS module or hydraulic pump (less common and more expensive).
How to diagnose6
- Stop and restart the car; if the light goes out, watch it, and if it returns the fault is still present.
- Make sure the red brake light is not on and that the brake fluid level is correct.
- Check that all four tires are the same size and correctly inflated.
- Read the ABS module codes with a scan tool that supports it; basic readers usually cannot.
- Watch each wheel speed reading while driving to find the sensor with an abnormal signal.
- Inspect the sensor lead, connector and tone ring, then check the fuse and battery voltage.
How to fix6
- Clean the sensor and its mounting from dust and rust, and repair a corroded connector.
- Repair a damaged sensor lead or replace the faulty sensor.
- Replace a corroded tone ring or the wheel bearing it is built into.
- Fix a weak battery or blown fuse, and fit matching tires.
- Repair or replace the ABS module and program it if it is confirmed faulty.
- Clear the codes and drive until the light goes out and stays out.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
In the Saudi market: SAR 150–8,000 (≈ USD 40–2,130)
Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.
The cost starts with cleaning a sensor or repairing a wire, and reaches the upper end when the ABS module or pump must be replaced and programmed.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do the brakes still work with the ABS light on?
Yes, normal braking works, but without anti-lock protection. Leave more distance and avoid sudden braking until it is fixed. If the red brake light is also on, stop and have the car checked before driving on.
Why are the ABS and stability lights on together?
Stability control relies on the same wheel speed sensors, so when one fails, most cars switch off both systems.
Can I just replace the sensor without testing?
It is not recommended. The fault may be the wire, the tone ring or a fuse. Reading the code and each wheel speed pinpoints the failed part.
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