Concerned about your traction control light turning on?
This light illuminates briefly when your traction control system engages to keep you safe on the road. But if it’s stuck on, it could point to defective sensors or uneven engine power distribution.
Unsure about what to do next?
We’ve got you covered!
We’ll discuss what triggers the traction control warning light, how to turn it off, and why you should avoid driving with the light on.
This Article Contains:
- What Does the Traction Control Warning Light Mean?
- How Does the Traction Control System Work?
- 7 Concerning Causes of an Illuminated Traction Control Light
- How to Turn the Traction Control Light Off
- 3 FAQs about Traction Control
What Does the Traction Control Warning Light Mean?
Your traction control warning light normally illuminates when the traction control system (TCS) engages to maintain grip on the road surface. It also comes on briefly when you start your car.
It shows a symbol of a swerving car — a vehicle with “wavy lines” underneath. Sometimes, it may be a tire accompanied by “TC” or “TCS” with a line through it.
This usually happens in conditions that compromise traction, such as on a slippery road or uneven surfaces. The light should turn off once the vehicle regains grip on the road.
However, if this dashboard light stays on for an extended period, even on smooth roads, there could be a problem with your traction control system, such as faulty sensors or wiring issues.
Curious about how this system works?
Read on.
How Does the Traction Control System Work?
The traction control system automatically adjusts brake and engine power to maintain control and stability. This safety feature performs two functions:
- Monitoring: Traction control systems use wheel speed sensors to monitor each wheel’s rotational movement. A significant difference in wheel speed indicates a loss of traction (wheel spin).
- Intervention: After detecting wheel spin, the traction control system applies the brake shoes or brake pads and reduces engine power to regain traction.
Note: Keeping the TCS on is the safest option. However, you can deactivate this safety feature when navigating steep inclines with loose surfaces or trying to free your vehicle from mud. More spin helps the wheels dig into the ground and gain traction.
Now that you know how it works, let’s explore some issues that trigger the traction control warning light.
7 Concerning Causes of an Illuminated Traction Control Light
These problems can trigger your vehicle’s traction control warning light:
1. Defective Sensors
Because sensors operate at each wheel, they take damage from potholes, water, and debris. These sensors include:
- Wheel speed sensor: The TCS relies on wheel speed data to correct excessive spinning. A damaged wheel speed sensor relays inaccurate information, preventing the TCS from maintaining traction.
- Steering angle sensor: A defective sensor won’t correctly process information about the wheel’s position, inhibiting the TCS from controlling the wheel.
Once the TCS loses control due to a faulty sensor, the traction control warning light is triggered.
2. Uneven Engine Power Distribution
Several mechanical problems, such as a leaky valve, fuel injector, or compression rings, disrupt the engine’s power output.
This limits the TCS’s control over the wheels, as it uses engine power to generate traction. When this happens, you’ll notice an illuminated check engine light and the TCS dashboard light.
3. Wiring Issues
Faulty wiring affects the connections between the TCS computer and the wheel. This usually prevents a wheel sensor from relaying accurate information.
In such situations, the TCS can’t control the wheel, triggering the TC light and several other dashboard warning lights.
4. Faulty Anti-Locking Braking System
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) and TCS share several components, including the ABS sensor and control module.
Due to this connection, anti-lock braking system issues (like a faulty sensor) can also trigger the traction control light. If there’s an ABS system issue, you’ll likely also notice an illuminated ABS warning light.
5. Broken Steering Rack
The TCS requires accurate steering information to manage wheel traction. A faulty steering rack could interfere with steering angle and wheel position sensors. This results in the TCS receiving inaccurate data, causing the traction warning light to come on.
6. Limp Mode
When a problem affecting the car’s stability or traction triggers limp mode, several dashboard warning lights may illuminate, including the TC light, ABS warning light, and electronic stability control light.
This is because the reduced power from limp mode interferes with the TCS’s ability to effectively manage wheel spin.
7. Faulty Electronic Control Unit
The ECU processes data from the wheel speed sensors and other vehicle sensors to determine when a wheel slip occurs.
A damaged ECU may not process wheel speed data accurately, preventing it from correctly applying the brakes or reducing engine power. If it breaks, you may notice an active check engine light and TC light.
Next, let’s see how to turn this light off.
How to Turn the Traction Control Light Off
To turn off your traction control light, press the TC button if your car has one. If not, you can reset the traction control system by turning off the engine and restarting the vehicle.
However, this may not address the underlying issue behind the illuminated TCS light.
If the traction light persists or returns, you should have a professional mechanic repair the problem immediately to avoid endangering yourself.
Have more questions about traction control?
Swerve into the answers below.
3 FAQs about Traction Control
Let’s look at some other traction control queries.
1. Can You Drive with the Traction Control Light On?
If your TCS light turns on temporarily, you can continue driving, as this indicates that the traction control is engaging the brake system.
However, you shouldn’t drive with a constantly lit TCS warning light, as this could signal a severe underlying issue.
Consequently, you’ll have less grip on the road surface, increasing the chance of wheel slippage and an accident. This is particularly risky on a slippery road with sharp turns where the likelihood of a wheel slip is higher.
2. What’s the Difference Between Traction and Stability Control?
Stability control keeps you driving in the direction you point the steering wheel, while traction control keeps your tires gripped firmly on the road.
The stability control system and electronic control module guide your vehicle in the intended direction rather than the actual direction. If the electronic stability control detects the vehicle’s momentum pulling you off course, it’ll engage the brake system to align the car with the steering wheel input.
3. How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Faulty Traction Control System?
The cost to repair your traction control system depends on the damaged components. Here are some estimates (including parts and labor):
- Steering angle sensor: $100 to $750
- ABS system: $100 to $1000
- Wheel sensor: $215 to $450
- Electronic control unit: $400 to $2200
- Steering rack: $500 to $1500
- Fuel injector: $500 to $2500
- Engine valve: $500 to $2500
Get a Grip on the Road with AutoNation Mobile Service
The TCS warning light briefly turns on when the car activates the TCS to prevent wheel slippage and ensure stability. But if it’s constantly lit, there could be an issue compromising the TCS.
To avoid any danger, have a professional mechanic fix the problem immediately.
Worried about slipping off the road on the way to the mechanic?
AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics can fix your car’s traction control system from your driveway.
We’re a mobile car maintenance solution offering a 12-month | 12,000-mile repair warranty on all services.
Contact us for any problems with your traction and stability control system or other car maintenance needs.