BYD ABS and braking system warning lights: what they mean
What the ABS fault warning light and the braking system warning light mean together and separately on BYD models, and when braking becomes unsafe.
Safety and service note
What this means
The ABS (anti-lock braking system) fault warning light comes on when the ignition is on and should go out within a few seconds if the system is working properly. If the system then fails, the light comes back on. According to the official handbook, when the ABS light is on by itself (with the parking/braking-system warning light off), the braking system continues to work but the ABS itself does not -- meaning the wheels can lock under emergency braking or on a slippery road.
What causes it
If the ABS fault warning light stays on while the braking-system warning light is also on, this indicates a more serious combined fault. According to the handbook, in that case the front and rear brake-force distribution system has also failed, braking can render the vehicle extremely unstable, and the anti-lock system will not work at all.
What to do
If only the ABS light is on, the handbook still recommends contacting a BYD authorised dealer or service provider for inspection as soon as possible, since emergency braking will behave differently without ABS. If both the ABS and braking-system warning lights are on together, immediately park the vehicle in a safe place and contact a BYD authorised dealer or service provider or roadside assistance rather than continuing to drive.
Important
If only the ABS light is on, the handbook still recommends contacting a BYD authorised dealer or service provider for inspection as soon as possible, since emergency braking will behave differently without ABS. If both the ABS and braking-system warning lights are on together, immediately park the vehicle in a safe place and contact a BYD authorised dealer or service provider or roadside assistance rather than continuing to drive.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if only the ABS light is on?
The regular braking system still works, but the anti-lock function does not -- wheels can lock during emergency braking or on slippery roads, so have it checked by BYD service as soon as possible.
What does it mean if the ABS light and the braking-system light are both on?
This is a serious combined fault: per the handbook, the front/rear brake-force distribution has also failed, and the vehicle can become extremely unstable if you brake -- stop safely and contact BYD service or roadside assistance immediately.
Should the ABS light stay on after starting the car?
No -- it should go out within a few seconds if the system is working properly; if it stays on or comes back on, there is a fault.
Can I keep driving normally with just the ABS light on?
You can drive to have it checked, but avoid emergency braking situations where possible and have a BYD authorised dealer or service provider inspect it as soon as possible.
Is it ever safe to keep driving with both lights on?
No -- the handbook treats this combination as serious enough that you should stop in a safe place and get help rather than continue driving.
Does this apply to BYD's full range, not just one model?
Yes -- ABS and braking-system warning-light behaviour is described the same way across BYD's current owner handbooks.
Sources for this guide
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult an authorised service centre for safety-critical repairs. AutoTechHelp is not liable for any damage resulting from the use of this information.