# Traction control light on? What it means and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Colour:** Amber - **Urgency:** This week - **Most common cause:** System switched off - **Can I reset it?:** Yes, once fixed ## Quick answer A flashing traction control light is normal: it means the system is cutting power or braking a wheel to stop it from spinning on a slippery surface. A light that stays on means traction or stability control is turned off or has a fault, often a wheel speed sensor that also triggers the ABS light. The car drives normally, but it is easier to skid. ## What does the traction control light mean? The traction control light covers two related systems. Traction control stops the drive wheels from spinning when you accelerate on slippery roads, by cutting engine power and braking the wheel that spins. Electronic stability control, required on new US passenger vehicles since the 2012 model year, goes further: it compares where you are steering with where the car is actually going, and brakes individual wheels to stop a skid or slide. Both rely on the ABS wheel speed sensors and hydraulic unit, plus a steering angle sensor and a yaw rate sensor that measures how the car is rotating. When either system steps in, the light flashes. When you switch the system off, or the module finds a fault in one of those sensors, in the ABS or in engine power control, the light stays on, sometimes with an OFF label, and the system stays disabled until the fault is cleared. ## What does the traction control light look like? A car with two wavy skid lines behind it, sometimes with the word OFF below; some cars use the letters TCS, ESC or ESP. | If the light is... | It means | | --- | --- | | Steady | Traction and stability control are switched off or disabled because of a fault. Drive more carefully, especially in rain or snow. | | Flashing | The system is actively controlling wheel spin. Ease off the gas and drive more gently for the conditions. | ## Why is the traction control light on? 1. **System switched off** (common). Most cars have a button with the skidding car symbol that turns traction control off, and it is easy to press by accident with a knee or while reaching for another switch. The light usually stays on with an OFF label. Pressing the button again or restarting the car normally turns the system back on. 2. **Failed wheel speed sensor** (common). Traction and stability control use the same wheel speed sensors as ABS, so when one fails from rust, road salt or a damaged wire, the ABS and traction lights usually come on together. It is more common on older cars in snowbelt states. The light may appear only after the car passes a certain speed. 3. **Engine fault disabling the system** (common). Many cars turn off traction control when the check engine light is on, because the system needs reliable control of engine power and throttle to work. A misfire, throttle body fault or sensor fault can switch it off. Fix the engine fault and clear the code, and the traction light usually goes off with it. 4. **Steering angle sensor needs calibration** (less common). The steering angle sensor tells stability control which way you are steering. After an alignment, steering repair, suspension work or a battery disconnect, it may lose its center point and need recalibration with a scan tool. Until then, the light may stay on, or the system may brake a wheel when it should not. 5. **Mismatched tire sizes or a low tire** (less common). Different tire sizes, a new tire paired with a worn one, a compact spare or one low tire makes one wheel turn at a different speed from the others. The system can read that as wheel spin or a sensor fault. It is common after replacing a single tire, or when running a temporary spare on an all-wheel-drive car. ## What to do right now 1. If the light is flashing, ease off the gas, avoid sudden steering, and slow down for the road conditions. 2. If it is steady, press the traction control button once or restart the car to see if it was simply turned off. 3. Check whether the ABS or check engine light is also on, which tells you where the fault is. 4. Check that all four tires are the same size and at the correct pressure. 5. Have the codes read with a scan tool that reads ABS and chassis codes if the light stays on. ## How do you reset the traction control light? If the system was switched off, pressing the button again or restarting turns it back on. If there is a fault, the light goes off after the repair, and sometimes after a steering angle sensor calibration or code clearing. ## Is it safe to drive with the traction control light on? > **Drive to a shop this week.** Yes, a car with a steady traction control light is safe to drive with extra care, since your normal brakes and steering still work. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon if the ABS or red brake light is also on. ## What to tell your mechanic Tell the shop whether the light flashes or stays on, whether the ABS or check engine light is on with it, and whether it started after tire, alignment, battery or suspension work. Mention if it only happens in turns or at certain speeds. They will scan the ABS, chassis and engine modules, check live wheel speed and steering angle data, and compare tire sizes and pressures. ## How to keep the traction control light off - Keep all four tires the same size and similar in wear, and replace them in matched pairs or sets. - Check tire pressures monthly so one low tire does not spin at a different speed from the rest. - Ask for a steering angle sensor calibration after alignments or steering and suspension work. - Make sure wheel speed sensors and their wiring are cleaned and secured during brake and hub work. - Fix check engine faults promptly, since many cars disable traction control until the engine fault is cleared. ## Traction control light by model Owner complaints to NHTSA that mention this light, by model. Each page shows complaints by model year and related recalls. - [Ram 1500](/warning-lights/traction-control/ram-1500): 372 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-silverado): 337 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints - [GMC Sierra](/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints - [Chevrolet Traverse](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-traverse): 133 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints - [Chevrolet Colorado](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-malibu): 110 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints - [Ford Explorer](/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-explorer): 81 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-tahoe): 80 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-sonata): 74 complaints - [Honda Accord](/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-accord): 67 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](/warning-lights/traction-control/chrysler-pacifica): 66 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-equinox): 58 complaints - [Ford Escape](/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-escape): 57 complaints - [Jeep Compass](/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-compass): 55 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-santa-fe): 51 complaints - [Toyota RAV4](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-rav4): 46 complaints - [Kia K5](/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-k5): 36 complaints - [Kia Sorento](/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-sorento): 34 complaints - [Toyota Highlander](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-highlander): 32 complaints - [Toyota Tacoma](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-tacoma): 30 complaints - [Subaru Forester](/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-forester): 26 complaints - [Honda Civic](/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-civic): 25 complaints - [Honda CR-V](/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-cr-v): 25 complaints - [Dodge Durango](/warning-lights/traction-control/dodge-durango): 24 complaints - [Honda Pilot](/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-pilot): 24 complaints - [Hyundai Elantra](/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-elantra): 24 complaints - [Toyota Prius](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-prius): 24 complaints - [Ford Mustang](/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-mustang): 23 complaints - [Nissan Pathfinder](/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-pathfinder): 23 complaints - [Tesla Model 3](/warning-lights/traction-control/tesla-model-3): 23 complaints - [Ford Edge](/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-edge): 21 complaints - [Toyota Corolla](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-corolla): 21 complaints - [Dodge Charger](/warning-lights/traction-control/dodge-charger): 20 complaints - [Chevrolet Trax](/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-trax): 19 complaints - [Toyota Camry](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-camry): 19 complaints - [Toyota Sienna](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-sienna): 19 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](/warning-lights/traction-control/hyundai-tucson): 18 complaints - [Kia Soul](/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-soul): 17 complaints - [Nissan Sentra](/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-sentra): 17 complaints - [Kia Telluride](/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-telluride): 16 complaints - [Nissan Altima](/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-altima): 16 complaints - [Nissan Rogue](/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-rogue): 15 complaints - [Subaru Outback](/warning-lights/traction-control/subaru-outback): 15 complaints - [Toyota Tundra](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-tundra): 14 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-odyssey): 13 complaints - [Mazda CX-5](/warning-lights/traction-control/mazda-cx-5): 13 complaints - [Nissan Frontier](/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-frontier): 12 complaints - [Toyota 4Runner](/warning-lights/traction-control/toyota-4runner): 12 complaints - [Kia Sportage](/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-sportage): 8 complaints - [Tesla Model Y](/warning-lights/traction-control/tesla-model-y): 7 complaints - [Ford Bronco Sport](/warning-lights/traction-control/ford-bronco-sport): 6 complaints ## Trouble codes behind this light - [P0500](/codes/p0500): Vehicle Speed Sensor "A" ## Frequently asked questions ### Is it safe to drive with the traction control light on? Yes, in normal dry conditions it is generally safe to drive carefully, because your normal brakes and steering still work. Without traction and stability control, the car is more likely to spin a wheel or slide on slippery roads. Slow down in rain, snow or ice, and get it checked soon. ### Why is my traction control light flashing? Because the system is working to stop a wheel from spinning or the car from sliding, usually on wet, icy or loose surfaces. This is normal and means it is doing its job. Ease off the gas, steer smoothly and slow down for the conditions until the light stops flashing. ### Why are my traction control and check engine lights on together? Many cars disable traction control when the engine computer finds a fault, because traction control relies on controlling engine power. Read the engine code and fix that problem first. Once it is repaired and the code clears, the traction light usually goes off too, without any separate traction repair. ### Should I turn off traction control in snow? Usually only if you are stuck. Turning it off can let the wheels spin enough to rock the car out of deep snow or mud. Once you are moving again, turn it back on, since it helps prevent skids. Your owner's manual explains when your car recommends switching it off. ### How much does it cost to fix a traction control light? It depends on the cause. A button pressed by accident costs nothing, a steering angle calibration is usually a modest charge, and a wheel speed sensor usually costs about 150 to 400 dollars at an independent shop in 2026. An ABS module failure is far more expensive, often 800 dollars or more. ### Why are my ABS and traction control lights on at the same time? Because traction and stability control share the ABS wheel speed sensors and hydraulic unit. When the ABS module finds a fault, it switches those systems off too. A failed wheel speed sensor is the most common reason. Fix the ABS fault and both lights usually go off together. ### Why did my traction control light come on after new tires? Usually because the new tires differ in size or tread depth from the others, or a relearn or calibration was needed after the work. A sensor wire disturbed while the wheel was off can also do it. Ask the tire shop to check sizes, pressures and the sensor connections. ### Can I drive in winter without traction control? You can, but with extra care, because the car is more likely to spin its wheels when pulling away and to slide in turns. Slow down, accelerate gently, leave more stopping distance and avoid sudden steering. Getting the fault fixed before snow season is the safer choice. ### What is the difference between traction control and stability control? Traction control stops the wheels from spinning when you accelerate, while stability control stops the whole car from skidding or sliding sideways in turns. Both use the ABS sensors and brakes, and many cars show them with the same light. When that light stays on, usually both are off. ### Will a traction control light fail a state inspection? In some states, yes. Some states with safety inspections fail cars with warning lights for safety systems, which can include ABS and electronic stability control. Rules vary widely, and some states have no safety inspection at all. Check your state's requirements and fix the fault before your appointment. ## Sources - [Car Care Council: Car care guide](https://www.carcare.org/car-care-guide/) - [U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association: Tire care](https://www.ustires.org/tire-care) ## Other warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs) - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag) - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery) - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake) - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine) - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature) - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure) - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering) - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure) ## Symptoms - [Why does my car pull to one side?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-pulls-to-one-side) - [What causes uneven tire wear?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/uneven-tire-wear) ## Repair costs - [Wheel alignment cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/wheel-alignment): $100-$250 - [Tire rotation cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/tire-rotation): $25-$60 ## Terms explained - [What is Traction control?](https://diagxcar.com/glossary/traction-control) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control Updated: 2026-11-03 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.