When equipped with Anti-lock Braking System, what happens to the ABS light at startup?

When a vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the ABS light is designed to illuminate for a few seconds during the startup process. This brief illumination serves a critical function: it indicates that the ABS system is performing a self-check. If everything is functioning properly, the light will turn off after a few seconds. This self-test confirms that the ABS is ready to engage when needed, ensuring the driver that the system is operational.

The behavior of the ABS light at startup is a standard feature in modern vehicles, allowing drivers to easily understand the status of their braking systems. If the light were to stay on, flash, or not activate at all, it could indicate a problem with the ABS, meaning that the system may not be functioning correctly or is not detected by the vehicle’s computer, which could potentially compromise the vehicle’s braking performance in critical situations.