Anti-Lock Warning Lamp

GENERAL INFORMATION

Both the amber ANTI-LOCK light and red BRAKE light are located on the instrument cluster. Each lamp warns the operator of a possible fault in the respective system. A fault in one system may cause the other lamp to illuminate depending on the nature and severity of the problem. The operation or behavior of the amber warning lamp is one of the prime diagnostic tools for the system.

When the system is operating correctly, the ANTI-LOCK warning lamp will flash either twice (FWD) or 4 times (AWD) vehicles, in about 1 second with the ignition switch ON, then the lamp will turn OFF. During the lamp illumination the control unit checks the valve relays for proper function. When the ignition is turned to START, power to the ABS controller is interrupted and the warning lamp stays ON. Once the ignition returns to the ON position, power is restored and the system re-checks itself. This self test again yields either the two or four blinks. The warning lamp goes out and should stay off during operation of the vehicle.

Perform the following procedure to determine if the warning lamp and the ABS system is functioning properly:

FWD Vehicles

1. Turn the ignition switch ON and verify the ABS light flashes twice in about 1 second; then goes OFF. During this time the valve relay is being tested.

   Fig. 1: ABS warning lamp location — 1991–94 FWD and AWD vehicles shown

2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The light should remain ON.
3. When the ignition switch is returned from the START position to the ON position the light should flash twice again and then go OFF. Once again the valve relay is tested.
4. If the light does not illuminate as specified, inspection of the ABS system is required.

AWD Vehicles

1. Turn the ignition switch ON and verify the ABS light flashes 4 times in about 1 second; then goes OFF. During this time the valve relay is being tested.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The light should remain ON.
3. When the ignition switch is returned from the START position to the ON position the light should flash 4 times again and then go OFF. Once again the valve relay is tested.
4. If the light does not illuminate as specified, inspection of the ABS system is required.