# Check Engine and ABS lights on in 2001 Mustang

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-and-abs-lights-on-in-2001-mustang/10790>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [February 17, 2008, 8:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-and-abs-lights-on-in-2001-mustang/10790 "2008-02-17T20:11:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![RussMac](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f08c70/32.png) [@RussMac](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RussMac)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2008, 8:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-and-abs-lights-on-in-2001-mustang/10790/1 "2008-02-17T20:11:56Z")

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Trying to figure out why these two lights are constantly on in the recent weeks.

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**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2008, 8:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-and-abs-lights-on-in-2001-mustang/10790/2 "2008-02-17T20:22:43Z")

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Get the codes read. At the very least, it will tell you what the car is trying to say. BTW, with the ABS light on, the system is disabled, and will not kick in. This is a part of the fail-safe system. The brakes will work as normal.

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2008, 9:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-and-abs-lights-on-in-2001-mustang/10790/3 "2008-02-17T21:44:15Z")

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That CEL (check engine light) is just a kid in class waving her hand trying to get you attention because she has the answer. You need to have the codes read. Some places will read them for FREE. Try Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. Get the exact code (like P0123) not just their translation into English and post it back here.

Regarding warning lights:

1. if the coolant temp light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

2. if the oil warning light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

3. if a FLASHING MIL/CEL comes on, shut off the engine ASAP

But if the MIL/CEL is not flashing, then it’s not an urgent indicator.