The traction control warning light is a common symbol that might be displayed on your car dashboard. It usually comes on for a couple of seconds when the engine is switched on. Any longer than that and you may have a problem. Read on to find out more about the traction control system, the warning light, and what to do if you see it come on.
Why is My Traction Control Warning Light On?
Most cars are fitted with traction control. It will either be a dedicated traction control system or integrated into a utility that combines both stability and safety aids. A warning light will show on the dashboard when this system is activated. This can happen when the traction between one or more tires and the road surface has been lost.
What is the Traction Control Warning Light?
There are several lights that can show up with the traction control system. They are usually amber in color. A light displaying ‘TC’ with a line through it will turn on when the traction control system has a fault or has been manually switched off.
If you see a light that looks like a car with some wavy lines, this is the stability control system. It is used commonly in many makes and models of cars and usually shows up if the car skids or loses traction with the road. If the symbol has a triangle around it, this means that there is a fault with the safety and stability program, or it has been switched off.
‘ESP’ in a circle refers to a combination of stability and safety systems. This might show up on the dashboard due to a fault. If you see a car with some wavy lines with ‘off’ underneath it, this is to inform the driver that the stability control program has been switched off manually.
What Does it Mean When the Traction Control Warning Light is Flashing?
If you notice a flashing traction control light on your dashboard, this means that the system is in operation. A flashing light indicates that the system is attempting to increase the traction between the road surface and the car’s tires. On the other hand, if the traction control light is steady without flashing, this indicates a fault with the traction control system.
How Does the Traction Control Warning Light Work?
All new cars built in the EU have ABS as standard. This uses wheel speed sensors that are located in each wheel to measure the rotation speed. These sensors are used in the traction control system. It uses many other components of the anti-lock braking system including sharing the same wheel speed sensors, control module, pump, and high-pressure accumulator. Since the sensors are located on wheels, they are subject to potential corrosion and damage, even though they are highly reliable.
What are the Common Reasons the Traction Control Warning Light Will Come On?
There are three possible reasons why you might be seeing a traction control warning light on your car dashboard. These include:
- The traction control system has been switched off manually
- The traction between the road surface and one or more tires has been lost, which will actively engage the traction control system.
- There is a fault with the traction control system. This will usually occur if there is no loss of traction, but the warning light is switched on.
There is also a warning light that will come on to inform you that traction control has been turned off. If you are driving in normal conditions, it’s not advisable to disable the traction control system. This is because the system is in place for a very good reason. Even the best drivers can’t get back in control of the car as fast as a traction control system will do when it is lost.
However, it might be worth disabling the traction control system if you are driving in certain conditions such as mud, snow, or ice. This is because the grip of the tires is restricted when you are driving in these conditions, which means that they may not be able to work as well and will continue losing traction. If the traction system keeps detecting this, it will continue reducing the power, leaving the car with less momentum which can actually make it harder to drive in these conditions. However, you should always drive carefully and vigilantly.
Is it Dangerous to Drive with the Traction Control Warning Light On?
Although the traction control system will be switched on by default when you start your engine, the system will not be in operation until it detects that there is a loss of traction between the tires and the road. The majority of times, when you are driving under normal circumstances, traction control will not be in operation. If the traction control fault light is on, it should be safe to drive as long as you do so carefully and within the limits of your car.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix the Traction Control Warning Light?
If your traction control warning light is on when your car loses traction with the road surface, it will usually be switched off automatically when the traction is regained, without you needing to do anything further. However, if your traction control light is on indicating a fault, you will need to have your car inspected and a diagnostic test runs to find and fix the problem. How much you will expect to pay can depend on the nature of the fault and if any parts in the traction control system need to be replaced.
Will My Car Fail its MOT if the Traction Control Warning Light is On?
The UK MOT test includes a dashboard warning light visual check. The MOT examiner will observe any warning lights or the absence of any traction control warning light during the test. If the traction control fault light is on, then your car will fail the MOT. This could be due to the light indicating a fault, not illuminating when it should, or the light being missing.
About Fixter
Fixter is revolutionising the car maintenance industry, one repair at a time. Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Digital, transparent and stress-free, with world-class customer service. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 towns and cities across the UK and provided thousands of car owners with honest, convenient and affordable car repair services.