ABS light on after replacing brake pads — did I break something?

You probably didn't break anything. A few common causes after a brake job: **1. ABS sensor wire** — When you removed the caliper, the ABS sensor wire might have gotten stretched or pulled from its bracket. Inspect both front sensors — the wire runs from the sensor on the knuckle up to the harness clip on the strut. Make sure it's properly routed and clipped. A wire rubbing on the tire will set a code real quick. **2. Air in the ABS module** — When you pushed the caliper pistons back, you pushed fluid back through the system. If air got into the ABS hydraulic unit, it'll throw a light. Some cars need an ABS bleed procedure (requires a scan tool) vs just a regular brake bleed. **3. Sensor gap** — If you disturbed the ABS tone ring or the sensor moved, the air gap might be off. The sensor should be close to the tone ring but not touching. **4. Low brake fluid** — Did you top off the reservoir after compressing the pistons? Some cars set an ABS code for low fluid level. Get the code read (free at AutoZone) and it'll tell you exactly which sensor/circuit is the issue. The [2014 Civic wiring diagrams](/wiring/2014/Honda/Civic) can help trace whatever circuit the code points to.

Most likely the sensor connector. On the 9th gen Civic, the ABS sensor connector is right next to where the caliper bracket bolts are. Super easy to accidentally bump it loose. Push it in until it clicks and clear the code.

Also — when you pushed the piston back in, did you open the bleeder first? Best practice is to crack the bleeder and push old fluid OUT instead of back through the ABS module. That's how air gets in. If you didn't, you might need to bleed the ABS module with a scan tool that can activate the ABS pump.