This article will focus on traction control light. We promise to provide you with all the information you need to know about traction control light.
A computer in your car monitors and controls all of your vehicle’s components, ensuring that they work properly. When something goes wrong, the computer will notify you via dashboard lights. When your check-engine light comes on, for example, your mechanic will read the codes issued by the computer to determine which parts require repair.
The Traction-Control Light is another indicator on your dashboard (TCL). Depending on your vehicle model, it may have the initials “TC” or an image of a car with lines bending away from the tires, but it usually has the letters “TC” or an image of a car with lines bending away from the tires. There are various reasons for your TCL to turn on, and each one indicates a different problem.
Why Does The Traction Control Light Come On?
The following are some of the reasons why the TC light comes on when you accelerate your car:
Bad Wheel Speed Sensors
Your traction control system and engine control unit are both connected to wheel speed sensors. These sensors are in charge of sensing the rotational speed of your wheels. Each wheel is equipped with its own sensor.
The wheel speed sensors will detect and notify the traction control system if the rotation speed of any wheel varies abruptly or strangely when you’re accelerating.
The traction control system, on the other hand, will not be warned if the wheel speed sensors are not operating. When your car loses traction, the traction control light will illuminate. Your ABS or brake light may turn on as a result of a defective wheel speed sensor.
Bad Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor calculates the angle of the steering wheel as well as its rate of rotation. The angle and rate are precisely tracked by the sensor, which is mounted in the steering column.
The stability control system normally uses this sensor to detect the driver’s intended direction of travel. When the sensor fails, the traction control light will illuminate.
With a bad clock spring, you may notice troubles with stability control.
Poor Road Conditions
Your traction control system may not be able to handle the road conditions if they are too harsh. For example, if you reside in an area where there is a lot of snow and ice on the ground, maintaining traction on the roadways will be tough. If traction becomes too problematic, the traction control light on the dashboard may illuminate. There isn’t much you can do except move your car to a safer place with better roads.
If you don’t currently have winter tires, you should consider getting them. Winter tires, as opposed to all-season tires, are far better adapted to slick road conditions. You can buy a second set of wheels and swap them out whenever you need to if you have the space.
Bad Steering Rack
The steering rack is a component of the power steering system that is coupled to your steering wheel. It receives the high-pressure hydraulic fluid required to make turning the steering wheel easier.
Smooth, easy-to-control steering is an important part of having good traction. It will be more difficult to guide your vehicle on a rough road if you have a faulty steering rack. Your traction control light may illuminate as a result of this.
Can You Drive With Traction Control Light On?
If the traction control light is the only light on the dash, the vehicle is probably safe to drive. If it’s raining or slick outdoors, you’ll want to be especially cautious when accelerating or turning. In certain circumstances, the vehicle may act in an unpredictable manner. It can be a terrifying feeling if you’re not used to how a sliding car feels.
It’s important to remember that a rolling tire has more traction than a slipping tire. Smoothly accelerate, steer, and brake to avoid upsetting the vehicle’s equilibrium. Look as far as you can down the road in the direction you want to go. Keep a safe following distance in mind at all times.
Read also: How To Check Transmission Fluid: Easy Steps
How To Fix The Traction Control Light Warning
If the traction control light flashes on and off, there’s a fault that isn’t “hard coded,” which means it isn’t yet a permanent state. A flickering light could potentially indicate that the system isn’t totally functional, so drive with caution in bad weather.
When the system detects a loss of traction, such as in snowy or rainy weather, many traction control systems may display the warning light. When the system intervenes to maintain traction, the light is usually visible. It’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with your vehicle’s traction or stability system by reading the section in the owner’s manual.
If the traction control light illuminates and remains illuminated without blinking, the traction control system has been disengaged, and traction control is no longer functional. The driver information center may even broadcast a message stating that the traction control system has been disabled and that extra caution should be used when driving, especially in wet, icy, or snowy conditions.
The only method to effectively remedy either of the above issues is to have the car diagnosed by a certified mechanic. Always have a comprehensive computer system scan performed by the repair shop. It’s possible that the light isn’t being caused by a problem with the traction control system. A malfunction in the engine management system, such as an intermittently defective throttle position sensor in the electronic throttle control, might sometimes manifest itself first in the traction control system.
The powertrain system’s core mechanical components must also be thoroughly examined. Wheel slip can be caused by anything that causes a jerky or rough application of power, which implies worn drivelines, axles, and constant velocity joints are suspect. Wheel spin can be caused by anything from a violent transmission shift to a significantly misfiring engine, and the traction control indicator will illuminate.
Can you drive with traction control light?
It is only safe to drive with the TCS light on if you are losing traction: this indicates that the system is engaged. When you drive without traction control, your car is more likely to spin out and slide around on the road.
How can I fix traction control light?
Turn off and then on your vehicle. If the traction control warning light remains off, the system had a temporary fault and you should be OK to proceed. However, if the light returns and stays on, you should contact your mechanic immediately to schedule a service appointment.
How much does it cost to fix traction control?
For most makes, models, and years of vehicles, the average cost of a traction control switch repair is between $80 and $90. The overall labor cost for this repair is between $38 and $48, while the parts are typically priced about $43.
Can bad tires cause traction control light?
When one or more tires lose grip and begin spinning, the traction control system detects the problem and takes appropriate action to repair it. When wheel slip is detected and the system kicks in to fix the problem, the traction control light (or TCS light) frequently flashes.
What happens when traction control light is on?
If a tire spins too fast, traction control kicks in and instantly slows it down. This will assist your vehicle in regaining traction. If your wheels lock up, you could lose control of your vehicle. These are the sensors that the traction control system employs to keep you safe on the road.