Can I drive with the traction control light on?

Yes, you can usually keep driving, but treat the traction control light as a warning. A rapidly flashing light indicates the system is actively working to prevent wheelspin, while a steady light can mean the system is off or there’s a fault that needs diagnosis. Exercise extra caution in wet, snowy, or icy conditions and have the vehicle checked promptly.

Understanding what the light means

The traction control system (TCS) and its related stability control functions are designed to help the wheels grip the road. On many modern vehicles, the TCS is integrated with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC). The light patterns and colors can vary by make and model, but some general rules apply across most cars.

Flashing light: active intervention

A flashing traction control light usually signals that the system has detected wheelspin and is actively applying braking force to individual wheels and/or reducing engine power to regain traction. This is common during sudden accelerations on slippery surfaces or when exiting a turn on a slick road. The light should stop flashing once grip is restored or the situation changes.

Steady light: off or fault

A continuously lit traction control light can mean the system has been turned off (whether by a driver using a TC off switch or due to a stored fault). In some vehicles, a steady light may also indicate a malfunction in the TCS/ESC or related components, such as wheel-speed sensors or the ABS module. In both cases, you may notice reduced traction protection and should seek a diagnostic check, especially if the light remains on after starting the car.

What to do if the light is on

If you see the traction control light on, consider the following steps to assess and address the issue:

• Consult your owner’s manual for model-specific meaning and guidance on the light pattern.


• Inspect your tires for proper tread depth, uniform wear, and correct inflation as underinflated or mismatched tires can affect traction control performance.


• Check whether the TC/ESC or traction control switch has been turned off accidentally or intentionally; if so, re-enable it and observe whether the light goes away.


• Look for other warning lights (such as the ABS or Check Engine lights). If multiple systems show warnings, a diagnostic scan is advised.


• If the light remains on after addressing obvious causes, or if you notice unusual handling, braking feels different, or the car drifts, schedule a professional diagnostic to check wheel-speed sensors, ABS components, and related electronics.

Understanding the difference between a momentary, expected interaction (flashing) and a persistent warning (steady or accompanied by other lights) helps you decide when to drive cautiously and when to seek service. In any case, do not assume the system is operating perfectly if you notice changes in handling or braking.

When to seek immediate service

In some scenarios, a persistent traction control warning can indicate a safety-critical fault. If you experience any of the following, stop safely and arrange service as soon as possible:

• The light stays on steady after you start the engine and does not go off.


• The car feels unstable, pulls to one side, or drifts excessively, particularly in rain, snow, or ice.


• Other warning lights (ABS, Check Engine) illuminate or there are unusual braking noises or reduced braking performance.


• You recently had tire or suspension work, or the vehicle has symptoms suggesting sensor or wiring issues.

In many vehicles, driving with a confirmed traction control fault is still possible, but safety features will be limited. A professional diagnostic can confirm whether the issue is a simple switch or tire condition, or a deeper electrical or sensor problem requiring repair.

Summary

The traction control light serves as a warning about the vehicle’s stability protection. You can usually continue driving, but you should proceed with caution, especially in adverse weather. A flashing light means the system is actively stabilizing the car, while a steady light may indicate that the system is off or faulty. Check tires and switches first, consult the manual, and seek service if the light persists or if you notice changes in handling. Prompt inspection helps maintain safety on the road.

How serious is a traction control light?

Driving with the TCS light on
Issues related to the TCS or ABS can lead to the failure of brakes. So if the TCS and ABS lights come on, you should immediately have your mechanic inspect them.

What happens if you drive with traction control off?

Driving with traction control off means you lose a safety feature that prevents wheel slip, increasing the risk of skidding or losing control, especially on slippery surfaces like wet or icy roads. Without traction control, you will need to manually manage wheel spin by easing off the accelerator, and the car can become unstable if a wheel loses grip suddenly. However, there are specific, limited situations where turning it off can be beneficial, such as trying to get unstuck from mud or snow by allowing the wheels to spin to gain momentum.
 
This video explains what traction control is and when you might want to turn it off: 1mToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Oct 31, 2018
Risks of driving with traction control off

• Increased risk of skidding: Traction control prevents wheelspin, so with it off, your tires can easily slip, leading to a loss of control, particularly when cornering. 
• Unpredictable behavior: The system's automatic interventions can sometimes be overly sensitive, and removing them can lead to more abrupt and unpredictable wheel spin, especially on very slick surfaces. 
• Loss of stability control: On many cars, turning off traction control also disables the related Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. ESC is crucial for preventing spins and maintaining stability, especially during emergency maneuvers. 

This video demonstrates how traction control helps you maintain stability on the road: 55sToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Apr 14, 2023
When it can be helpful to turn it off

• Getting unstuck: If your car is stuck in snow, mud, or gravel, traction control may cut engine power, preventing you from moving. Turning it off allows the wheels to spin more freely, which can help you "rock" the car back and forth to regain momentum and get out. 
• Driving on steep, slippery hills: In some situations, traction control's power reduction can make it harder to get up a slippery hill. Disabling it can give the engine more power to keep moving. 
• Specific performance driving: On a race track, drivers may turn off traction control to have more control over the car's handling and to perform maneuvers like drifting. This is an advanced skill and not recommended for public roads. 

You can watch this video to see an example of using traction control to get unstuck from snow: 54sAutoJeff ReviewsYouTube · Mar 19, 2023
Key takeaway
For most daily driving, especially in adverse weather conditions, it is safest to leave traction control on. Turn it off only in specific situations where you are stuck and need to "rock" the vehicle, but be prepared to manually manage the throttle and be aware of the significant increase in risk.

How much to fix traction control?

The cost to fix traction control can range from $100 to $250 for simple issues like a faulty wheel speed sensor, to $300 to over $1,000 for more complex problems like a module replacement. The final price depends on the specific part that needs repair or replacement, your vehicle's make and model, and local labor rates. 
This video explains common reasons for traction control light and how to fix them: 1mMechanic BaseYouTube · May 12, 2024
Common repairs and their cost

• Wheel speed sensor replacement: This is a very common cause of traction control issues. 
  • Cost: ~$150 to $900, including parts and labor. 
  • Note: Aftermarket parts can be cheaper, while luxury or high-performance vehicles may have higher costs. 
• ABS/Traction Control Module replacement: This is a more expensive repair, as the module is a complex and costly component. 
  • Cost: Up to $1,000 or more. 
  • Note: This price can include parts, labor, and any necessary programming or flushing of the brake system. 
• Other issues: Other potential fixes could involve a software update or addressing issues with the steering wheel angle sensor. 

To get an accurate estimate

1. Run a diagnostic scan: A mechanic needs to perform a diagnostic scan to identify the specific problem. 
2. Consider the source of the problem: The issue could be as simple as a dirty or failed sensor, or it could be a more involved problem with the ABS module. 
3. Compare parts and labor costs: Get a detailed quote that includes both the cost of the parts and the labor, as this will vary by shop and location. 

This video discusses the cost of repairing electronic stability control: 58sTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · May 8, 2025

What should I do if my traction control light comes on?

If the traction control light comes on, first check if you manually turned it off, and then cautiously check your tires and wheel sensors. If the light remains on, avoid hard acceleration and get the vehicle inspected by a professional, as it could indicate a serious issue with the system or a related component. 
Immediate actions

• Check for manual deactivation: Locate the "TCS," "ESC," or "VSC" button, which may have a symbol of a car with a skid mark, and press it to turn the system back on. The light should go off. Most systems will also reactivate automatically when you restart the engine. 
• Observe the light: If the light is flashing, it means the traction control system is actively working. If it is solid and stays on, it means the system is disabled or malfunctioning. 
• Be cautious: If the light stays on, drive with caution, avoid hard acceleration, and be aware that the system is not working. 

This video explains what the traction control light means and what to do when it comes on: 44sStudent LessonYouTube · May 13, 2024
Potential causes

• Tire issues: Low tire pressure or uneven tire wear can trigger the light. 
• Sensor problems: Faulty wheel speed sensors, a common cause, can lead to inaccurate readings and trigger the light. Other sensor-related issues could include a loose bearing or a bad CV joint. 
• Low brake fluid: A leak in the brake system can cause low brake fluid, affecting both the brakes and the traction control system. 
• Weak battery: A weak battery may not provide enough stable voltage for the system to operate correctly. 
• Computer or control module issues: The vehicle's computer or the traction control system's control module can malfunction. 

When to see a mechanic

• Get a diagnostic scan: Use an OBD-II scanner to read any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the system to help pinpoint the problem. 
• Professional inspection is recommended: If the light remains on, it is best to have a professional mechanic or dealership diagnose and fix the problem. 
• Safety is key: If the traction control, anti-lock brake (ABS), and red brake warning lights are all on, your entire braking system could be affected, and it may be unsafe to drive. In this case, have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.