Is the ABS light on the dashboard supposed to be on when the ABS is active?

 

No, just the opposite, it's inactive when the light is on.

 

no. nice optimism tho.

 

By `active', I meant easing off on the brake-fluid pressure to prevent wheel lock, i.e., ABSing, if you wish. I did not mean `is the unit monitoring what is going on?' Sorry.

Anyway, the answer appers to be `no, the light only ever comes on at ignition or if there's a fault; there's no indication of ABSing when it happens other than the physical feedback from the pedal, etc.'

(Right?)

It seems odd that the TRC light should come on when it is actively doing its thing, but that the ABS light should not. I know they are different colours, but really, honestly ...

[EDIT: actually, they are both yellow, go figure ...]

 

Given what is going on when the ABS is doing its thing, the car shouldn't really need to tell you its trying to help. Is your light on constantly?

 

No. It's only on at ignition. I just had the ABS/TRC unit replaced with a used one, and I have a vague recollection of seeing the ABS light when I thought the ABS was helping out in the past, but that's probably wrong. I probably confuse it with the TRC light, which is flashing when the TRC is TRCing.

Bottom line: my brakes and traction are working correctly now, and I have no missing indicators.