How do I turn my traction control back on?

To re-enable traction control, locate the control labeled TC, TCS, ESC, or a car with skid marks icon and press it. In many vehicles the system re-engages automatically once you start driving, or after a brief drive cycle. If it doesn’t come back on, there may be a fault that needs professional attention.

Traction control is part of a broader stability-control system that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting braking force and engine output. The exact steps to re-enable traction control vary by make and model: some cars use a physical button, others rely on a settings menu in the dashboard or infotainment system, and in some cases the system will re-engage after a restart or once you reach a certain speed. If you frequently find the system won’t re-engage, it could indicate a sensor, wiring, or software issue that warrants a closer look.

Common methods to re-enable traction control

Below are the typical ways drivers regain traction control in a wide range of vehicles. The exact method can vary by brand and model.

• Physical button on the dash or center console: Look for a button labeled TC, TCS, ESC, or a car with skewed wheels icon. Press it once to turn the system back on; a corresponding light or message on the dash usually indicates status.


• Button hold or sequence: In some models you must press and hold the button for several seconds (often 3–5) to toggle the system back on.


• Infotainment or instrument-cluster menu: If there’s no obvious button, navigate to the vehicle’s settings (often under Driver Assist, Vehicle, or Stability Control) and re-enable Traction Control or ESC from there.


• Drive cycle or restart: In certain cases a brief drive or restarting the engine is needed for the system to re-engage after it has been turned off or after a fault is cleared.

When following these steps, watch for indicators on the dash. If the traction control light stops flashing and the indicator shows that the system is active, you’ve likely re-engaged it. If the light remains on or the system won’t re-engage, proceed to troubleshooting or service.

Troubleshooting if traction control won’t turn back on

If re-engaging via the button or menu doesn’t work, consider these common causes and next steps to diagnose the issue.

• Check warning lights and messages: Look for a persistent TC OFF or ESC OFF indicator. If the light remains on after attempting to re-enable, there may be a fault.


• Wheel-speed and other sensors: Faulty wheel-speed sensors, ABS sensors, or yaw-rate sensors can prevent traction control from functioning. A drive with a detected sensor fault may cause the system to stay disabled.


• Tire issues or mismatches: Uneven or mismatched tires, or a recently replaced tire with a different circumference, can confuse the system’s sensors and trigger a fault.


• Fuses and wiring: A blown fuse or damaged wiring in the traction control/ABS circuit can disable the system.


• Software or calibration issues: Some vehicles require dealer software updates or a reset after maintenance or component replacement.

Concluding note: If the system cannot be re-engaged after trying the above, or if the warning light persists, schedule a service appointment with your dealership or a trusted mechanic. Driving with a potentially failed traction control system can be riskier in wet or slippery conditions.

Knowing when to seek professional help

Traction control is tied to the vehicle’s safety systems. If you notice frequent or unexplained failures to re-engage, or if the system has recently been involved in a collision, tire change, or sensor replacement, a professional inspection is warranted to ensure ABS, stability control, and related components are functioning correctly.

Bottom line and practical tips

In most cars, you’ll re-enable traction control by pressing a dedicated button or by selecting the option in the vehicle’s settings. If the system won’t come back on or the warning lights stay lit, it’s a sign to check sensors, fuses, and software, and likely consult a professional. Regular maintenance and ensuring tire balance and size consistency can help prevent these issues from occurring.

Summary: Traction control can usually be reactivated with a dash button or through settings, but persistent inability to re-engage points to potential sensor, wiring, or software faults that should be inspected by a qualified technician.

What happens if your traction control is off?

If you turn off traction control, your car will not have the system's help to limit wheel spin during acceleration, making it easier to lose grip on slippery surfaces like rain, snow, or ice. While this can be problematic for normal driving, it can be beneficial when stuck in deep mud, sand, or snow, as it allows the wheels to spin and dig for traction, or to "rock" the vehicle to get unstuck. 
What happens on a slippery surface

• Increased risk of skidding: Without traction control, your car's wheels can slip more easily, increasing the risk of skidding, spinning out, or oversteering, especially during cornering. 
• Reduced stability: Traction control is designed to keep the car in its intended path, so turning it off makes the car less stable in challenging conditions. 

When it can be helpful to turn traction control off

• Getting unstuck: If your car is stuck in deep snow, mud, or sand, a small amount of controlled wheel spin is necessary to get out. 
• Rocking the car: When you need to rock your vehicle back and forth to free it from a slippery spot, you'll need to disengage traction control to allow the wheels to spin. 
• Performance driving: For certain performance driving situations, such as those on a track or in off-roading, turning off traction control can be intentional to allow for more power to the wheels. 

Important considerations

• Traction control is not stability control: Most systems allow you to turn off only traction control, which prevents wheel spin, while stability control (which prevents skidding) remains active. Some vehicles have a separate button or require a long press to disable both. 
• Turn it back on: Be sure to turn the system back on once you are out of the difficult situation, as it is a crucial safety feature for normal driving. 
• A dashboard warning light will appear: to indicate that the system is off. 

Why is my traction control deactivated?

Your traction control likely turned off due to a manual deactivation, a fault in a component like a wheel speed sensor, or a problem with the electrical system. The most common causes are a loose or damaged wheel speed sensor, an issue with electrical connections or wiring, or a blown fuse. Other possibilities include a faulty steering angle sensor, a problem with the ABS control module, or even a weak battery. 
This video explains the common causes for traction control light being on, and how to fix it: 56sMechanic BaseYouTube · May 12, 2024
Common reasons for traction control to turn off

• Accidental manual deactivation: You may have accidentally pressed the traction control button on your dashboard. 
• Faulty wheel speed sensors: These sensors, located at each wheel, can become dirty, damaged, or disconnected due to impacts like hitting a pothole or curb. A faulty sensor sends incorrect information to the control module, causing the system to malfunction. 
• Electrical issues: Problems with wiring, loose connections, or blown fuses are common, especially in the harsh environment around the wheels. 
• Steering angle sensor failure: This sensor tells the system how the wheels are turned. If it malfunctions, it can confuse the traction control system. 
• Other system failures: Issues with the ABS control module, the ABS pump, or a weak battery can prevent the traction control system from operating correctly. 

This video shows how to manually turn off traction control: 1mToyotaJeff ReviewsYouTube · Oct 31, 2018
What to do next

• Check for manual deactivation: Ensure you haven't accidentally turned the system off. Check your owner's manual for how to re-enable it. 
• Inspect sensors and wiring: Look for any obvious damage to the sensors and their wiring, particularly around the wheels. 
• Check the fuse: A blown fuse for the traction control system can cause it to shut down. 
• Scan for trouble codes: Using an OBD-II scanner can reveal specific codes from the car's computer, which can help diagnose the problem. 
• Seek professional diagnosis: If the problem persists, it's best to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. They can use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause, such as a faulty computer module or a persistent sensor issue. 

How do I turn traction control back on?

To turn traction control back on, press the traction control button again or turn the vehicle off and then on again. For vehicles with electronic stability control (ESC) or other advanced systems, you may need to press the button again or use the infotainment system's menu to re-enable it.
 
Method 1: Use the button

• Locate the traction control button, which often has a car icon with wavy lines behind it. It's typically on the dashboard or center console. 
• Press the button once to turn the system back on. A warning light or message on the instrument cluster will typically disappear to confirm it's active. 
• If your vehicle has both traction control and stability control (VSC), you may need to press the button again to turn both systems back on, or use the menu for the ESC system. 

This video demonstrates how to locate and press the traction control button on a car's dashboard: 57sFred Anderson ToyotaYouTube · Jul 10, 2020
Method 2: Restart the vehicle

• If you disabled traction control without using a button, or if the system doesn't respond to the button press, turn the vehicle off completely and then start it again. 
• Traction control should automatically re-engage when the vehicle is restarted. 

This video shows a demonstration of restarting the vehicle to reset the traction control system: 52sTareqYouTube · Jul 19, 2021
If the problem persists

• If the traction control light remains on after trying these steps, the system may have a malfunction. 
• Check for other issues like a loose fuse or relay, as described in this forum post. 
• If the light still won't go off, consult your owner's manual or a mechanic. 

Why is my traction control not turning on?

Your traction control may not turn on due to a faulty wheel speed sensor, which can be caused by dirt or rust, a problem with the ABS or traction control module, or issues with the wiring and electrical connections. Other less common causes include a low battery, a malfunctioning steering angle sensor, or low brake fluid. 
Common causes

• Faulty wheel speed sensors: These sensors detect if a wheel is spinning faster than the others. If a sensor is dirty, corroded, or broken, it can send incorrect information, disabling the system. An illuminated ABS light often accompanies this issue. 
• Wiring or electrical problems: Loose connections, corroded wires, or blown fuses can prevent the system from receiving proper signals, even if the sensors are working. 
• Module or computer issues: The ABS or traction control module can malfunction, or there may be programming issues or errors within the vehicle's control modules. 
• Other sensor problems: A faulty steering angle sensor can confuse the system, while issues with gyroscopes or accelerometers can also cause malfunction. 

Other potential reasons

• Low battery: A weak or failing battery may not provide stable voltage to the traction control system, causing it to shut down. 
• Low brake fluid: Low brake fluid levels can affect the hydraulic pressure needed for some traction control systems to function correctly. 
• Accidental disabling: It's possible the traction control was manually turned off, especially if there is a specific button for it. 

What to do

1. Check your dashboard: See if the traction control or ABS warning lights are on. This is a key indicator that something is wrong. 
2. Inspect the tires and battery: Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Also, have your battery checked to ensure it's providing stable power to the vehicle's systems. 
3. Try a system reset: Turn your car off and on again. If the problem is minor, like a temporary glitch, this may resolve it. However, if the light comes back on, there is an underlying issue. 
4. Consult a professional: If a simple reset doesn't work, the best course of action is to have a mechanic diagnose the problem. They can check for error codes and perform a more thorough inspection of the sensors, wiring, and modules.