Why Is My Traction Control Light On?

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Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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Your car's computer monitors all its components and runs them properly to ensure they are working correctly. The computer will notify you via your dashboard lights when something goes awry. Your mechanic will then check the codes generated by the computer to identify the parts that need attention.

A light on the dashboard is the traction control light. It can be different from your vehicle's model, and it usually has the letters TC or an image of a car with lines bent away from the tires. The reason why your TCL turns on can be different, depending on the issue.

Now, if you have questions like: why is my traction control light on? How do I get the traction control light off? Why is my traction control light on and won't go off?

Let’s dive in and answer all these questions.

Why Is My Traction Control Light On?

The light on the dashboard indicates that your traction control is working correctly to keep the wheels in contact with the road. If it's on during inclement weather, the system is working correctly.

However, if the light on the dashboard continues to turn on while driving in good weather, this could mean that the system is not working correctly.

For example, a faulty wheel-speed sensor could cause intermittent light blinking, or it could be a problem with the computer.

If the traction control light on the dashboard keeps blinking, this could mean that the system is not working correctly. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of this condition in poor weather.

If the light on the dashboard stays on, this could mean that the system is not activated. In addition, it means the computer will not be able to sense when the wheels lose traction.

Re-activating traction control can be safely used in normal conditions, but it's essential to have it re-activated if you're dealing with slippery roads.

Why Is My Traction Control Light on and Won't Go Off?

There are several reasons why the traction control light won't go off. These are some of the reasons:

1. Faulty Wheel Sensors

The wheels are equipped with speed sensors connected to the engine control unit and the traction control system. These devices measure the speed of each rotation and are affixed to the wheels.

If there's a sudden change in the speed, these sensors will notify the control system. However, if the sensors are faulty, the system will not be able to inform the driver. This could mean that the vehicle has lost traction.

2. Bad Road Conditions

The weather conditions can affect the system's performance. For instance, if the road conditions are not ideal, the traction control might not be able to go off.

Getting traction control in these conditions can be very challenging, especially if the road conditions are not ideal. The light on the dashboard indicates that the system might be experiencing issues.

If you cannot get traction control in these conditions, you must pull over to a safe place to wait for the road conditions to improve. Doing so will allow you to drive safely to your destination.

3. Bad Steering Rack

The power steering system is also equipped with a steering rack, which allows it to function correctly.

The hydraulic fluid delivered to the steering wheel can be used to turn or rotate the wheel. In addition, having excellent traction can help smooth the steering.

A poorly equipped steering rack can result in the vehicle not being able to get traction control. This issue could also cause the light on the dashboard to turn on.

4. Car Programming Issues

Despite the advancements that have been made in technology, cars still need to be repaired, just like other computers.

Faulty programming can cause the light on the dashboard to come on. Reprogramming is required for the vehicle to function correctly.

Faulty programming can happen due to various factors. For example, it can be caused by a lack of knowledge about the vehicle's programming or a system glitch. Having a knowledgeable mechanic can help you resolve these issues.

Although a faulty traction control system might not cause any damage to the car, it's still considered unsafe to use it.

5. Faulty Anti-Lock Brake System

The traction control system is designed to maintain the vehicle's stability by working with the anti-lock brake system.

Sometimes, the two components share a diagnostic module. This means that the light on the dashboard might illuminate when the ABS is not working correctly.

If you notice that the brake system is not working correctly, you must take your vehicle to a mechanic for a check-up. Having the proper equipment and proper functioning of the brake system can help keep the car running smoothly.

Why Is My Traction Control Light Coming on After Putting on New Tires?

The issue could be caused by the wrong tire size or a faulty sensor. It could also be caused by either a component failure or poor installation of the tires.

Before you take your vehicle to a mechanic, ensure all tires are the same size. Doing so will allow the technician to inspect the car for possible issues related to the traction control system.

How To Fix a Bad Traction Control Light

If the traffic control light comes on during good weather, it's not a big deal. First, make sure you find a safe place to park and start the vehicle. If an anomaly triggers the light, it should turn off once you have started the car.

If the light fails to go off after restarting the car, you must take it to a mechanic to have it checked out. They can identify possible issues related to the vehicle's computer. In addition, caution should be taken while driving to avoid skidding.

If a red brake-warning light accompanies the light, this could mean that the entire braking system has been compromised.

Having your vehicle towed to a repair shop can be a better option. The best way to fix a faulty traction control light is by taking the vehicle to a knowledgeable mechanic.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Traction Control Light Warnings

The computer that controls all of the vehicle's systems is constantly monitoring the condition of the components and systems of the car.

These issues are communicated to the driver through the vehicle's dashboard lights. Some of these include the oil-change light and the check engine light.

When you take your vehicle to a mechanic, the technician will check the computer and identify the issue that needs immediate attention. They will then be able to fix or replace the vehicle's damaged parts.

One of the easiest ways to save money and time is by regularly bringing your vehicle to a mechanic when one of its dashboard lights illuminates.

Doing so will allow you to address minor problems while they are still small and avoid turning them into major ones. It's also essential to avoid driving a vehicle that has brake or engine issues, as accidents could result from either the lack of brake or engine power.

The traction-control light is helpful when maintaining traction on a slippery surface, but it can also signal that something is wrong with the car. Having your vehicle fixed at the first sign of trouble can help keep you and your passengers safe.

How To Turn Off the Traction Control Light

When your vehicle loses traction, the traction control light comes on. However, if the car is in normal condition, it should be able to turn off. Here are some things you should try if the light won't go away.

1. Turn the Traction Control System Off

The stability control can be turned off or on by pressing the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) button. If the system is deactivated, the light will come on. This could be caused by you accidentally pressing the button.

To turn off the stability control, you must locate the switch in the middle of the instrument cluster. You can find an inscription that says "ESC," "DSC," or "ESP." Hold the switch for around three to five seconds to confirm that the light is off.

2. You Could Drive the Car for a Few Minutes

If you have recently changed the battery in your car, the traction control light might come on. This is normal, and it doesn't require you to be alarmed.

The stability control will automatically switch off after driving for a short while, and the system has checked the vehicle's stability.

3. Ensure the Tires Are the Same Type and Have the Same Size

The wheels' speed sensors are designed to detect the rotation rate of the vehicle's rotating components. They can also adjust the tire sizes and types depending on the driving conditions.

If the button on the stability control is not working correctly, it might be caused by the presence of a different tire size at the front and back. You must take the vehicle to an authorized repair shop to reset the light.

4. Do a System Scan

A faulty traction control system might also prevent the light from working correctly. Repairing the issue completely can be the best solution. Having your vehicle thoroughly checked by a professional auto repair shop can help rectify the issue.