How do you manually turn off traction control?
Most cars let you disable traction control with a dedicated button (often labeled TCS or ESC OFF) or through the vehicle’s settings; the exact steps vary by model and the owner's manual is the best reference.
What traction control does and why you might disable it
Traction control helps prevent wheel spin by applying brakes to individual wheels and/or trimming engine power. It can be useful in rain or on slick surfaces, but some drivers may want it off for off-road conditions, deep snow, sand, mud, or controlled sport driving on a track. In many cars, the system automatically re-engages when you restart the engine or reach certain speeds.
How to manually disable traction control
Here are the common methods used across many vehicles. The exact steps depend on the make and model.
- Physical TCS/ESC off button: Look for a dash or console button labeled Traction Control, TCS, or ESC OFF. Press to toggle off; in some models you must press and hold for a few seconds to deactivate. The indicator light may show OFF or blink to confirm.
- Infotainment or driver-assist settings: Some vehicles let you disable traction control from a vehicle menu in the instrument cluster or touchscreen. Navigate to Drive or Safety settings, then toggle Traction Control Off and confirm if prompted.
- Sport or track driving modes: Selecting a sport or track mode often reduces traction control activity or allows it to be turned off. Note that the system may automatically re-enable in certain conditions or when you exit the mode.
- Stability control toggle: In some cars, turning off the stability control (ESC) also disables traction control since the two systems are related. If there is a dedicated TCS OFF option, use that to disable only traction control if available.
- Temporary re-engagement: In most vehicles, the system will re-engage when you lift off the throttle, brake, or reach a certain speed; or it may require a full ignition cycle to reset to ON.
Important note: Turning off traction control can reduce stability on slick surfaces and during abrupt maneuvers. It should be done only in safe, controlled environments and often only for off-road or performance driving. Re-enable TCS when normal driving resumes.
Safety considerations and best practices
Disabling traction control removes a layer of safety designed to curb wheel spin and loss of control. Only disable it in situations where you understand the vehicle’s behavior and have space to recover. Practice in a controlled area if you’re learning how the car handles with TCS off, and keep the system re-enabled during everyday driving.
Model-specific notes
Because steps vary by make and model, consider these general pointers and consult the user manual for precise instructions.
Passenger cars and SUVs with a physical TCS/ESC button
Look on the center console or dash for a button labeled Traction Control, TCS, or ESC OFF. A single press may toggle off, while a hold for a few seconds may be required on some models. An indicator light often shows OFF when disabled.
Cars with on-screen menus
Some vehicles require you to disable traction control inside the instrument cluster or infotainment system. Follow the path Drive > Driver Assistance or Vehicle > Traction Control to turn it off.
Performance-focused models
On performance variants, TCS is frequently designed to be easily toggled, but always be mindful that re-engagement can occur at certain speeds or when power is reduced.
EVs and some luxury cars may place the option differently or tie it to drive modes; again, refer to the owner’s manual for exact steps.
Summary
Manual control of traction control is possible in most modern vehicles through a dedicated button, the vehicle’s settings menu, or a drive mode. Use this feature only in appropriate scenarios to maintain safety, and remember to re-enable traction control after use.
How do I manually turn off traction control?
To manually turn off traction control, press the traction control button, which often has an icon of a car with squiggly lines, and check the dashboard for a confirmation message. On some vehicles, you may need to press and hold the button for a few seconds to disable the system completely, especially to turn off the related Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The exact method and button location vary by car model, so consulting your owner's manual is recommended if you can't find it.
This video demonstrates how to turn off traction control on a specific car model: 43sAutoJeff ReviewsYouTube · Mar 19, 2023
Steps to turn off traction control
- Locate the button: Look for a button with a symbol of a car on top of two squiggly lines (often labeled TC, TCS, or ESC). It can be on the dashboard, center console, or near the steering wheel.
- Press the button: Press the button once to turn off the traction control system.
- Confirm the change: Check your dashboard for a warning light or message indicating that traction control is now off.
- Hold for full deactivation (if needed): If the system still seems to be interfering, try pressing and holding the button for several seconds. This often turns off both the traction control and the stability control for a full shutdown. Be aware that this may disable other safety features as well.
- Consult your owner's manual: If you have trouble finding the button or the system doesn't turn off as expected, refer to your car's owner's manual for specific instructions for your model.
You can watch this video to learn a method for turning off traction control without a button: 1mTareqYouTube · Jul 19, 2021
Will unplugging the battery reset StabiliTrak?
Will disconnecting the battery reset the StabiliTrak warning? Sometimes. It clears temporary glitches but won't fix mechanical failures.
Where is the traction control system located?
Traction control can be found both as an external button on the dashboard or console, and as an internal electronic control module under the hood that works with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). The button is used to manually turn the system on or off, while the control module is the hardware that performs the actual function when a wheel loses traction.
This video shows the location of the traction control button on different car models: 38sFred Anderson ToyotaYouTube · Jul 10, 2020
Traction control button
- Location: This is the most common place to look for traction control. The button is typically located on the center console or on the dashboard, often to the left or right of the steering wheel. In some vehicles, it might be on the roof.
- Appearance: The button usually has an icon of a car with curved lines under it, and may say "TCS" or "ESC".
- Function: Pressing this button will toggle the system on or off. You can usually tell if it's off when a light or message appears on your dashboard.
Traction control module
- Location: The electronic control unit (ECU) is located under the hood. It is usually integrated with the ABS control module.
- Appearance: It is not a visible part that a driver can interact with, but it includes extra valving in the hydraulic control unit.
- Function: This is the system that constantly monitors wheel speed using sensors and intervenes by reducing engine power or applying the brakes to the spinning wheel if it detects a loss of traction.
Is there a way to bypass traction control?
How to Disable Traction Control without the Button
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Switch on your car battery and press on the gas pedal 5 times.
- Turn on your engine and switch off your hazard lights.
- Turn off your car and restart it to reset your TC.
