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, especially on a wet or loose surface.

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

Stop. Together they can mean the balance of braking between the axles has failed, so the car can become unstable when you brake.

Anti-lock braking system

Song / Seal U

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

This amber ABS lamp means the anti-lock function is unavailable. It lights for the start-up check and should then go out. With only this lamp on, the service brakes can still slow the car, but a hard stop can lock the wheels, and steering while they are locked is poor. If the red brake-system lamp is on at the same time, braking effort may no longer be shared correctly between the front and rear axles. Song Plus and Seal U, both the plug-in hybrid and the battery-only version, use this same ABS lamp.

What to do

If the pedal feels normal and the red brake lamp is off, drive slowly to a safe place, leave more room, and have the anti-lock system checked soon. If the red brake lamp is on as well, or the pedal feels soft or sinks, stop and wait for a tow.

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, especially on a wet or loose surface.
ABS and the red brake lamp are both on. What changes?: Stop. Together they can mean the balance of braking between the axles has failed, so the car can become unstable when you brake.