When a warning light goes up on your dashboard, you may ask: am I in trouble now? There are a lot of systems in the car with other warning lights, and some are more important than others. Do you need to visit the mechanic or can you do something yourself?
Is there a way to reset the control light? The first measure could be to disconnect the positive wire from the battery. Press and hold the gas pedal to drain the car’s electrical system. This will restart the system computer. Reconnect the wire so the system can be powered. If the problem remains, you should visit the mechanic.
There are a lot of reasons that can cause a traction light to turn on. Also, there are many ways to turn it off without going to the mechanic. Stay with us, and maybe you will find a solution that will suit you.
How Does Traction Control Work
The traction control system keeps the car stable on wet and frozen surfaces. Since 2012. all cars made in the USA need to have these safety systems.
The traction control system monitors and controls the speed of every wheel through speed sensors. When a wheel loses traction, the sensor sends that information to the system. The system will limit the power on that wheel or even apply breaks.
Check Out How does Traction Control System work?:
How to Fix Traction Control Light
You can try several ways before you seek help from a professional mechanic. In most cases, the problem can be solved with a good car check.
Conduct a System Scan
Get an OBD2 scanner that can connect to your phone. Most modern cars have ports for connecting these scanners. They are usually under the steering wheel or somewhere under the dashboard. With it, you can scan the vehicle’s computer for errors.
Plug the scanner into the port, and connect it to your phone via Bluetooth. Let the scanner do his job and check for errors. Use your phone to identify the errors. Scanners can detect problems with the ABS control module. Those are the common reasons for turning on the TCS light. It can also detect any other problem with the system. With that info, you can contact a mechanic.
Drive More Carefully
Aggressive driving that leads to many sharp or sliding turns can sometimes trigger turning on the traction control lights. Try driving more carefully to avoid this happening.
Verify Tires are Good
Tires can cause problems with the TCS system in two cases. Tires with different dimensions can grip the surface differently. That, in some situations, leads to the TCS light illuminating. Wrong pressure in the tires is also often the cause of a TCS light appearing on the dashboard. Check if the pressure is too low or high to avoid this problem.
Turn the TCS On
There is a chance that you turned off the traction control system. That will trigger the control light to turn on. Look for a button that controls the TCS, and press it. The button may have a skidding car, or sometimes it is marked with TCS, ETS, DTC, or a similar acronym.
Test Drive Car
If the car was recently in the mechanic shop, that can be why the TCS light is illuminating. Some types of service, like replacing a battery, brakes, suspension, or ECU tuning, are a culprit for a glowing TCS light.
You don’t need to panic if you think this is the case. Drive generally for a few minutes, and do a couple of turns while the system checks everything. When the system checks everything, the light should go off.
TCS Needs To Be Reprogrammed
Sometimes the TCS requires reprogramming. It can happen because of an issue with a TCS or a problem with a sensor. It is not unusual to happen without any real reason. Unfortunately, reprogramming TCS can be done only by a licensed mechanic. Reprogramming the TCS can cost between $150 and $250 anywhere in the region.
Check and Replace the ABS System Control Module
ABS is another safety system that most cars have. ABS and TCS share some of the components and systems. If there is a problem with an ABS control module, that can cause a problem with TCS.
An OBD2 scanner is a tool used to define the problem. If the scanner verifies the problem with the ABS module, seek help from the mechanic. Replacing the module can cost between $1000 and $1200.
What Causes the Traction Control System Light to Come On
Several reasons can trigger a control light to come on. Usually, there is a problem with the system or the driving conditions are bad. Also, the driver can be guilty, so pay attention to your driving.
Bad Road Conditions
Driving in adverse driving conditions will turn the control system light on. That includes driving on frozen surfaces, mud, sand, and water. If the light turns on in these conditions, that is the signal that the system is working fine.
Driving in bad road conditions may impact the car to lose its stability and traction. That is a sure signal to turn the TCS system on. Losing traction is the main reason why the whole system exists.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is one of the most common reasons for turning on the TCS. Starting the car with the pedal to the metal approach can cause a car to lose its balance. Then the TCS is there to provide traction control.
Also, aggressively accelerating in hard driving conditions, such as mud, water, deep snow, or sand is a sure way to turn on the traction control light.
Steering Angle Sensor Problems
The steering angle sensor provides important safety information to the car’s computer system. That information includes the angle of the steering wheel and the rate at which the wheels turn.
If there is a problem with this sensor, usually it is a problem with wiring or other types of damage. In most cases, the sensor requires replacement, costing between $200 and $500.
Anti-Lock Braking System Is Malfunctioning
The traction control system is often sharing the same modules with the ABS. The control light can turn on on the dashboard if there is a problem with an ABS.
Programming Issues
Sometimes the traction control system has problems with the current programming setup. The only way to fix it is to reprogram it. To resolve this issue, contact a certified mechanic.
Wheel Speed Sensor Miscalibration
Every wheel has a speed sensor. It is responsible for controlling how fast the wheels are turning. They are sending that information to the control module. If there is a problem with a wheel speed sensor, it will send a fault code to the control module. Then the system will be turned off, and the traction control light will turn on.
Faulty Sensor Wiring
Wiring is often the main culprit for this problem. They are always in contact with the elements such as water, mud, snow, gravel, and sand. All that can lead to damaged wiring. Also, they are near the wheels and the suspension, so it is not hard to damage them.
Too Much Air Pressure in Tires
If there is too much air in the tires, that can impact loose traction with the surface. That is especially a problem on gravel, sand, and mud surfaces. Regularly control the air pressure in the tires. Having too much or not enough air can be a serious problem.
Limp Mode
If the car goes into limp mode, that can often trigger a traction control light to turn on. The car goes into limp mode when an engine or a control unit has a fault issue. So, in this case, a turned-on TCS light is just the result of some other problems going on with the car.
FAQs
How do you fix TRAC on a Toyota?
The most common reason for the turned-on TRAC signal is that the driver turned it off. Turn it on again, and the signal light will go out. If that is not the problem, try restarting the vehicle.
If that doesn’t do anything, use an OBD2 scanner to check for errors. After that, the only thing you can do is contact the mechanic.
What are three factors that can cause a loss of traction?
Factors that can cause the loss of traction are divided into three groups:
– Conditions of the road – driving on mud, water, snow, gravel, or sand can cause loss of traction. In those conditions, the driver needs to pay special attention so that he can maintain control over the vehicle
– Conditions of the vehicle – brakes, and tires are the main problems that can cause a problem with traction
– Actions of the driver – misuse of the steering wheel, acceleration, brakes, and clutch can result in problems with traction.
Final Considerations
Traction control is one of the safety systems that proved its worth. TCS allowed safer driving in hard conditions such as snow, dirt, mud, and snow. Sometimes a working TCS can be a lifeline. Keeping the system running and working is very important.
If you have problems with the TCS, get an ODB2 scanner to check it yourself regularly. If you are not into DIY, go straight to the mechanic, and don’t waste time. No one knows when they will need a TCS.
