Seeing the traction control light pop up on your dashboard can be confusing, especially if your vehicle seems to be driving normally. While this warning doesn’t always mean there’s an immediate danger, it’s still important to understand why the light comes on and what steps you should take to keep your car safe and reliable.
What the Traction Control System Does
Your car’s traction control system is designed to help maintain grip between the tires and the road. It works by monitoring wheel speed and automatically adjusting power when it detects a wheel losing traction. In slippery conditions like rain, snow, or ice, this feature prevents the tires from spinning excessively and helps you maintain control.
When the traction control light turns on, it usually means one of two things: the system is actively working, or there’s a fault preventing it from doing its job.
Normal Operation and Warning Signs
It’s normal for the traction control light to blink while driving on slick or uneven surfaces. In this case, the system is functioning as it should, reducing power or applying braking force to specific wheels to keep you steady.
However, if the light stays on continuously, it’s a sign of a potential problem. In this case, the system may be disabled, meaning your vehicle won’t have traction assistance when you need it most.
Common Reasons the Light Stays On
Several issues can trigger the traction control light to remain on. Some are minor, while others require prompt attention to avoid unsafe driving conditions.
Wheel Speed Sensor Malfunctions
Wheel speed sensors provide the data your traction control system relies on. If one of these sensors fails or gets dirty, the system can’t accurately detect wheel slip, causing the warning light to stay on.
Faulty ABS Components
In many vehicles, the traction control system works hand-in-hand with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). A failing ABS sensor, module, or wiring connection can trigger both the ABS and traction control lights simultaneously.
Damaged Tone Rings
Tone rings, located near the wheel hub or axle, help measure wheel speed. If one cracks or becomes misaligned, your traction control system may interpret the incorrect readings as a problem, causing the light to illuminate.
Worn or Mismatched Tires
When tires have uneven tread depth or are mismatched in size, the system can detect inconsistent wheel speeds, which can confuse the traction control module and keep the light on.
System Deactivation
Some vehicles allow drivers to manually turn traction control off, typically via a dashboard button. If you accidentally switch it off, the warning light will stay illuminated until it’s reactivated.
What to Do When the Light Comes On
If the traction control light flashes briefly during acceleration or while driving on slippery roads, you don’t need to worry. That’s the system doing its job. But if the light stays on constantly, it’s worth having the vehicle inspected.
Our technicians start by scanning the vehicle’s onboard computer for diagnostic trouble codes. From there, we test the sensors, wiring, and related components to find out exactly what’s wrong. Ignoring the issue could reduce your vehicle’s stability and make driving dangerous in poor weather.
Can You Keep Driving With the Light On
In many cases, you can still drive safely when the traction control light is on, especially in dry conditions. However, without traction assistance, your vehicle may not handle as well on wet, icy, or uneven roads. It’s always best to address the issue quickly so your safety systems work when you need them.
Keep Your Vehicle Safe With Admiral Tire and Auto of Edgewater
At Admiral Tire and Auto of Edgewater, serving Delaware and Maryland, our technicians diagnose and repair traction control and ABS system problems with precision. Whether it’s a faulty sensor, damaged wiring, or worn tires, we ensure your vehicle’s safety systems are functioning properly. If your traction control light stays on, schedule a diagnostic inspection today and drive with confidence, no matter the conditions.
Schedule an appointment in one of our locations today:
- 3420 Pike Ridge Road, Edgewater, MD
- 2325 D Crain Highway, Mitchellville, MD
- 1115 Industrial Park Way, Denton, MD
- 1929 Kirkwood Highway, Newark, DE
- 15204 B Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD