Question: I recently replaced the battery in my Toyota Camry. Once the new one was hooked up, my ABS warning light came on and now won’t go off. A friend said I need to reset the ABS light to get it to go off, but I don’t know how to do that. How do you turn off the ABS light in a Toyota?
Answer: Your ABS light typically comes on to indicate a major problem in your anti-lock braking system. Because brake issues can be so dangerous for both you and other motorists, it’s always a good idea to get your brakes checked by a professional if your Toyota’s ABS light comes on.
But if you’re sure your brakes are fine, we have a couple of solutions for how to reset the ABS light in your Toyota.
Method 1: Disconnect the battery
Sometimes you can reset an ABS warning code by disconnecting the battery. Open your hood and remove the negative battery cable with a socket wrench. Wait at least ten minutes, then reconnect the negative cable to your car battery. Start the car and check whether the light is still on.
Method 2: Start the car and turn the steering wheel
This method is most effective if your ABS light appears after you disconnect or replace the battery. Sometimes when your vehicle loses battery power, the position of the steering wheel will need to be recalibrated for the ABS module.
To clear the ABS warning light, start your Toyota and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, then all the way to the right. Repeat that two more times, then drive your car for at least two minutes. The light should reset.
If this doesn’t work, use an OBD scanner to check what trouble codes your car is sending. You may need to replace a sensor or even the ABS module.
Method 3: Use a scan tool and press the brakes eight times
If you’ve replaced the fuse, sensor, or module associated with your trouble code but the ABS light is still on, try using a scan tool to reset the ABS module.
Make sure the ignition is off, then attach the code reader to your OBD-II port. If you don’t have access to one, you may have success using a paperclip to connect ports 4 and 13 on your OBD-II socket.
Put the key in the ignition and turn it to “On” or “Accessories” mode— but don’t start the car. Rapidly tap the brake pedal eight times, then turn the vehicle on. Turn the vehicle off, then back on, and the ABS light should be cleared.
If the light comes back on after using any of these methods, there’s likely an underlying problem with your anti-lock brake system. Avoid driving your vehicle until you’re able to take it in for servicing.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Joshua Levy is an insurance writer with a background in academic writing and web content development spanning a range of subjects and platforms. Joshua creates comprehensive content that car owners can use to make effective and economical decisions about car-related expenses. Joshua has written over 700 articles for Jerry on subjects ranging from car technology and vehicle specs to car insurance-related topics.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
