It’s an old Chevy Blazer and it was just inspected last month. The ABS light came on and stays on. It’s a weekend, I can’t take it into the shop right now, is it OK to drive?
Anti-lock Braking System
it means the anti-lock function of the braking system detected a fault, and the anti-lock may not activate properly. the brakes themselves should still work.
It is OK to drive but you won’t get the benefit of the anti-lock braking system if you need it so be aware of that. You could skid in a fast stop on slick roads. That tends to be an expensive fix but it is possible the anti-lock braking system will reboot on its own and the light will go out.
Yeah, the brakes are working OK, though I think I’ve been hearing squealing at stop signs. Well, thanks for the information, I’ll take it in, just wanted to be sure it was safe to drive for another couple days. The roads are totally bare, for now.
It might not. We have a 1998 Chevy Venture and when the ABS module went out, it disabled the entire braking system.
I once took my 1996 Chevy C1500 to be insured. the lady walked out with me to take a photo and had me start the truck so that she could see the ABS light in order to give me a discount.
If the light stays on beyond the self check period at start-up, it means the ABS system is not functional. Chances are great that something disturbed a sensor at on wheel. You could inspect for dirt or debris there yourself. You could also have the system checked on a machine. If something like the ABS pump is bad, the cost may exceed the value of the vehicle.
Generally, while the ABS does not function, normal breaking obtains so you could continue driving and avoid the expense of fixing if necessary financially.
I once rented a GM vehicle where the ABS light was on constantly and every time I touched the brakes, I didn’t just get brakes, I got ABS pumping action even for light stuff. The idiots at the rental agency told me that I was driving too fast.
The car was recalled about a month later for an ABS-constantly-on problem.
If the light is on, get it checked out, or at least look for recalls on the vehicle.
When I drive my Acura (which has a low clearance) through deep snow, it’s not uncommon for the ABS light to come on - usually means that some snow or ice got kicked up and disturbed a sensor. It usually corrects itself automatically after a couple of starts, or once the temperature rises enough that the ice/snow melts.