What it means
This warning indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system, which may prevent ABS from working during hard braking. Amber generally means the system needs checking soon; colour and exact behaviour vary by manufacturer, and ordinary braking may still work, so consult the owner's manual.
What the symbol looks like: A circle with the capital letters A B S inside it (letters drawn as bold strokes), with a curved bracket on each side of the circle.
Why it comes on
- A faulty wheel-speed sensor
- Damaged sensor wiring or a poor electrical connection
- A damaged or dirty tone ring or encoder
- A fault in the ABS control module or hydraulic unit
What to do
- Check the owner's manual for the warning and any accompanying messages.
- If the red brake warning is also on, stop safely and do not continue.
- Drive cautiously and leave extra distance, since anti-lock assistance may be unavailable.
- Arrange a brake-system inspection soon.
Can I keep driving?
If only the ABS light is on and the brakes feel normal, cautious driving to a repair location may be possible. Avoid hard braking and slippery roads; stop if braking changes or a red brake warning appears.
Symbols and colours differ between makes and models. Your owner’s manual shows the exact lights of your car.