Why is the traction control off light on on my car?
Photo by Joshua Rondeau on Unsplash
The traction control off light will illuminate on the dashboard when the system is not engaged. The traction control off light on your car may be on for several reasons, including:
1. You Manually Turned It Off
- Some cars have a button (often labeled "TCS" or "ESP") that allows you to disable traction control. Check if you accidentally pressed it.
- You can read in your owner's manual where it is located.
2. System Malfunction
- A faulty wheel speed sensor can prevent the system from detecting wheel slip, causing the light to stay on.
- Issues with the ABS module (since traction control and ABS often share components).
- A bad steering angle sensor can also trigger the light.
3. Bad Road Conditions
- If you’re driving on slippery or loose surfaces (like ice, snow, or gravel), the system might turn off automatically to prevent excessive wheel spin.
4. Low Battery or Electrical Issues
- A weak battery or alternator problem can cause electrical issues, triggering the light.
5. Check Engine Light is Also On
- If both the traction control and check engine light are on, there may be a deeper issue with the engine or transmission affecting traction.
What to Do Next?
- Try turning the car off and back on to see if the light resets.
- Check if the traction control button was pressed.
- Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner or have a mechanic check it.
- If the light remains on, have your wheel speed sensors and ABS system inspected.
