Why Is My ABS Light On?
NaTasha Brand • August 13, 2025
Looking Into Your Car’s Anti-Lock Braking System
You’re cruising down Knickerbocker Road, jamming to your favorite tune, when suddenly—bam—your dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree. Specifically, that pesky ABS light is glaring at you. What does it mean? Should you panic? And more importantly, should you ignore it and hope it goes away like that weird noise your car made last month?
Let’s break it down—because your brakes are kind of a big deal.
What Does ABS Even Do?
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, and it’s your car’s way of preventing a skid-fest when you slam on the brakes. Without ABS, your wheels could lock up, sending you into an uncontrollable slide (not the fun, "Dukes of Hazzard" kind). Instead, ABS pulses the brakes rapidly, letting you maintain steering control even in a panic stop.
Think of it like a hyperactive toddler tapping your shoulder repeatedly—except instead of being annoying, it’s saving your life.
A Brief History of ABS (Because Why Not?)
ABS wasn’t always standard. Early versions appeared in aircraft in the 1920s, but cars didn’t get them until the 1970s. By the ‘90s, ABS became common, and today, it’s mandatory in all new vehicles. So if your ABS light is on, you’re basically driving with 1970s-level braking tech—congrats, your car just became a classic!
Why Is My ABS Light On?
The ABS light means the system has detected a fault. Possible culprits include:
• Faulty wheel speed sensor (the system’s "eyes")
• Low brake fluid (your brakes are thirsty)
• Blown fuse or bad wiring (electrical gremlins)
• Failed ABS module (the brain has checked out)
Symptoms you might notice:
• ABS not activating when you brake hard
• Brake pedal feels weird (too soft or too hard)
• Strange noises (grinding, clicking—your car is trying to communicate)
Why You Shouldn’t DIY This One
Listen, we get it—you’ve watched a few YouTube tutorials, and now you’re basically a mechanic. But ABS systems are complex, safety-critical components that require professional diagnostics and repair. Messing with them could mean the difference between stopping safely and reenacting a Fast & Furious crash scene (minus the cool explosions).
Let the Pros Handle It—Like Ric Henry’s Auto Service!
At Ric Henry’s Auto Service in San Angelo, TX, we’ve got the tools, tech, and expertise to diagnose and fix ABS issues right the first time. We use the same equipment dealerships do, and our 3-year/36,000-mile warranty means you’re covered long after you drive off. Plus, we offer full-system maintenance, so while we’re fixing your ABS, we can check the rest of your ride, too.
So, if your ABS light is on, don’t just ignore it and pray—bring it to us before your car decides to "test" your reflexes the hard way.
Because nothing ruins a day faster than your brakes ghosting you when you need them most.
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