Mike knows what he's talking about. Steve does too. The Anti-Lock
Brake System is an electronic system that "enhances" the normal use of
the mechanically based brakes. If you where to get to the fuse box,
and pull out the fuse for the ABS, the brakes would lock up the wheels
when the brake pedal is stomped hard enough. This would result in a
skid, which many people have no idea how to control. Car manufacturers
created ABS to give drivers the ability to steer and manuver while
still trying to stop as quickly as possible. All ABS really does is
keep the wheels from locking up entirely when the brake is applied
even as hard as possible (note: ABS has nothing to do with the
"emergency" or "parking" brake. If you apply the emergency brake at
even 25 mph, you'll go for a fun ride with the car spinning and
skidding, but don't try this at home). If your "ABS" light is on, take
the vehicle to someplace like AutoZone and ask them if you can get
your "check engine" like checked. No kidding, when it comes to what
the'll do for you, it's the same thing. They will plug thier hand-held
computer into your car underneath the dashboard and turn the key on.
You can watch them do this, it's easy. They will tell you what the
"code" is and probably what it means, too (this is called OBD-II
codes). That will tell you exactly why the light is on, and they
should be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to fix the
problem. In the meantime, just don't slam on the brakes too hard
unless you know how to control a skid. And don't worry. This issue is
not too pressing. If you're tight on money and can't fix it right
away, it's no big deal. ABS is just a luxury thing, really.