Should the ABS light be on when the car is running

The ABS light should only switch on when a fault is recognised and while it isn't impossible the system should reset itself when or if the fault cures itself, I see no immediate reason why it should affect the way the engine runs.

When the ABS light is on the system has switched itself off and any influence it has over the engine is also switched off. In the later fully computerised vehicles the ABS system does share information with the engine management system and even if the vehicle doesn't have such things as traction control or electronic stability control, the capacity for these and the software is often already in the ABS control module and if the system has gone rogue I think it could adversely affect the engine.

The absence of fault codes could be a clue - an electronic control unit can sometimes tell lies or hide the truth when it is failing. The answer you seek could be in the live data and that will need a good scanner with dealer level software and connected to the vehicle while the fault is happening and an experienced operator to decipher what is happening.

An alternative could be a data recorder, a device that is plugged into the car's obd socket for a day, a week or a month that will record what is happening and the results can be analysed later.

ABS LIGHT AND MODULE TROUBLESHOOTING:

Anti lock brake system light comes up when there is issue with car brake systems. It can be low brake fluid or faulty ABS fuse or its issue with brake system or assembly. Your vehicles brake system needs inspection.

To troubleshoot these issues, I suggest you to refer the help links provided below. There are direct links with accurate solution, for these specific issues.

Click the link below and follow the procedure: ------

All types of ABS LIGHT / brake problems and repairs

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-and-service-light-comes-on.html

-------------------

ABS light stays on but brakes work fine?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-light-stays-on-but-brakes-work-fine.html

----------------

VCS and ABS lights go on and off intermittently on Lexus?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/vcs-and-abs-lights-go-on-and-off.html

-------------

The ABS and Traction Control Lights stays ON dash of car?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/06/abs-and-traction-control-lights-stays.html

-------------

ABS & Brake lights warning indicator steady on dash and speedometer not working for Dodge Ram?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-brake-lights-warning-indicator.html

-----------------------

Battery Light and ABS Light on Dash

http://whoisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/battery-light-and-abs-light-on-dash.html

-------------

Sometimes ABS light comes on while Driving?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/sometimes-abs-light-comes-on-while.html

-----------

How Anti-Lock Brakes Work?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-anti-lock-brakes-work.html

-------------

Brake System Troubleshooting?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/brake-system-troubleshooting.html

-------------

Anti-lock brake light stays on all the time?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/anti-lock-brake-light-stays-on-all-time.html

-------------------

ABS light comes on and Car makes Grinding noise?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/abs-light-comes-on-and-car-makes.html

---------------

ABS trouble codes for all models?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/abs-trouble-codes-for-all-1994-00-acura.html
------------

2008 Toyota Highlander: ABS warning light Blinking and OBD Error codes Coming?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/05/2008-toyota-highlander-abs-warning.html

--------------

2003 Lexus ES: VSC, TRAC OFF, ABS lights ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2003-lexus-es-vsc-trac-off-abs-lights.html

----------------

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Warning Lights Abs, Vsc & Brake Are On?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2008-toyota-highlander-hybrid-warning.html

-------------

ABS & Brake warning lights remains steady on dash?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/abs-brake-warning-lights-remains-steady.html

------------

Can I drive the car without ABS fuse connected?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/can-i-drive-car-without-abs-fuse.html

-----------

Where is ABS/TCS module located on 2005 Cadillac Deville

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/where-is-abstcs-module-located-on-2005.html

------------------

ABS motor keeps running?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/01/abs-motor-keeps-running.html

------------

When the car stops, abs pump turns ON?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/when-car-stopsabs-pump-turns-on.html

-----------

Replacing ABS unit on Buick Century?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/replacing-abs-unit-on-buick-century.html

----------------

2008 Toyota Tacoma: ABS causes Brake pedal fade?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/2008-toyota-tacoma-abs-causes-brake.html

--------------

Toyota Camry: Premature ABS Actuation?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/toyota-camry-premature-abs-actuation.html

-----------

How to replace ABS Modulator Control Unit on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-replace-abs-modulator-control.html

----------------

How to replace ABS Pump Assembly on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-replace-abs-pump-assembly-on.html

-----------

How to remove ABS Accumulator on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-abs-accumulator-on-acura.html

---------

How to remove ABS Control Unit on Acura Integra?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2011/11/how-to-remove-abs-control-unit-on-acura.html

------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

that is the auto check system, if when you start the car the abs light stays on then you have a problem,

Your abs light is permanent. Most people don't bother to fix this, it is expensive, and your car is getting old. It means that the anti lock brake system has failed and needs repair. But your brakes still work fine, just don't have anti lock. So I'm not saying tape over the light on the dash, but.

A relay controls the ABS motor. You can trace the wires running to it. The next time you shut the engine off unplug the relay. If that shuts it off get a new relay for the old one will not open its circuit to shut off the motor to the ABS motor

I would suggest u take ur vehicle in to a reputable dealer this could be a dangerous situatio should u get into an auto accident.

i serviced my 2004 yukon for abs light came on they told me it was the right front abs speed sensor wire , which is sold sepratly or with wheel hub cost$ 300 or 57$ for just sensor wire, i did all brakes changed sensor and for awhile the stayed off but comes on and at about 20 mph it turns off ?

THE EBCM IS BAD this is the electronic control module that is on abs pump. you can replace seperate I think it is around 500 for part

I have a Mazda Capella (626) 1998 and had similar problem other than it was running on 4 cylinders and the hand brake light was not on and the ANSWER was a speed sensor which is to do with ABS system needed replacing. You can determine which one is broken by putting volt meter over each of them.

The light is on because there is a fault in the ABS system, while the light is on the system is disabled, as soon as the ABS problem that turned the light on is fixed the light will go out, have a self test run of the ABS control module for a trouble code, this will steer you in the right direction to fix the issue.