Do the brakes still work if only the ABS lamp is on?

Yes, the service brakes can still slow the car. What you lose is the anti-lock function, so a hard stop can lock the wheels and lengthen the stop, especially on a wet or loose surface.

ABS and the red brake lamp are both on. What changes?

Stop. Together they can mean brake-force distribution has failed as well, so the car can become unstable when you brake. Do not continue the trip.

Anti-lock braking system

Atto 3

Color: Amber
Urgency: Check soon

Most lamps light for a few seconds when you power the car on. That check is not a fault by itself. This page does not replace the owner’s manual for your model year and market.

What it means

ABS stops the wheels locking in a hard stop so you can still steer. The lamp lights in the start-up check and should go out. If it stays on while the red brake-system lamp is off, the ordinary brakes still work and the anti-lock function does not. In an emergency stop the wheels can lock. If this lamp and the red brake-system lamp are both on, brake-force distribution between the axles may have failed as well.

What to do

If the pedal feels normal and the red brake lamp is off, you can usually move the car slowly to a safe place. Leave extra room and brake early. Book a check soon. If the red brake lamp is also on, or the pedal feels wrong, stop and do not continue.

Related lamps

Common questions

Do the brakes still work if only the ABS lamp is on?: Yes, the service brakes can still slow the car. What you lose is the anti-lock function, so a hard stop can lock the wheels and lengthen the stop, especially on a wet or loose surface.
ABS and the red brake lamp are both on. What changes?: Stop. Together they can mean brake-force distribution has failed as well, so the car can become unstable when you brake. Do not continue the trip.