How to reset Subaru traction control light?
The traction control light on a Subaru isn’t reset by a secret button or fuse pull. In most cases it clears on its own once the underlying issue is resolved or after restarting the engine and re-engaging the system. If the light persists, it signals a fault that should be diagnosed with a scan tool or by a Subaru technician.
What the light means
The traction control light—often paired with the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) indicator—signals the system’s activity or a detected fault in the ABS/TC/VDC network. A brief flash can occur during deliberate tire slip on slippery surfaces, while a steady light generally points to a fault that may require service.
Common causes of a Subaru TCS/ABS light
Before attempting a reset, review these common causes that can trip the light on Subarus:
- Low, uneven, or recently changed tire pressures or mismatched tires
- Worn tires or damaged tread affecting traction sensors
- Faulty wheel speed sensors or damaged wiring in the ABS/VDC network
- ABS or Vehicle Dynamics Control system fault detected by the computer
- Recent use of the TCS OFF button or a temporary slip condition in snow/ice
Note that certain driving conditions, like driving on ice or snow, can trigger the light temporarily. If tire issues are corrected and driving conditions improve, the system may re-engage and the light may go out on its own.
How to reset safely
Follow these steps to attempt a soft reset. Remember: a reset does not fix a hardware fault; it simply clears the warning if the fault is no longer detected.
- Park in a safe location and turn off the engine. Wait about 60 seconds for the system to reset.
- Restart the engine and drive normally to see if the light stays off or reappears. If it remains off, the issue may be resolved.
- If the light returns, stop and check for obvious causes (tire pressure, tire condition, rough road surface, or recent repairs).
- If the light was previously off but the TCS had been disabled, locate the TCS/Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF button and press it once to re-enable traction control. The indicator should extinguish as the system re-engages.
After performing these steps, if the light persists or appears during driving, do not continue to drive aggressively and schedule diagnostic service promptly.
When to seek professional help
If the traction control light stays on or flashes continuously, or you notice symptoms such as reduced braking performance or abnormal ABS activity, have the vehicle scanned by a Subaru dealer or a qualified mechanic with a scan tool capable of reading ABS/TC codes. They can check wheel-speed sensors, the ABS module, wiring, fuses, and software, and perform necessary repairs or software updates.
Summary
Resetting the Subaru traction control light is not a guaranteed fix; it depends on clearing the fault or re-engaging the system. Start by checking tire pressures and basic conditions, try a soft restart, and toggle the TCS OFF switch if needed. If the light persists, seek professional diagnostics to ensure safe operation of the vehicle's traction control and braking systems.
How do you reset the traction control light on a Subaru?
In such cases, turning traction control on and off may be enough to solve the problem. If your Subaru model has a separate VSC button, you can also try to re-engage the system by holding the button down. If this does not work, then you may have to explore further to find what could be the problem.
How do I clear my traction control light?
Use an on-board diagnostic (OBD2) scan tool to reset your TCS/ABS light by plugging it into the diagnostic link connector (DLC) and clearing the code. Driving your vehicle for a few minutes after reconnecting or installing a new battery may get the light to turn off.
What would cause the traction control light to stay on?
A traction control light that stays on is usually caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor, but can also be due to the system being manually disabled, low tire pressure, a problem with the ABS system, or an issue with the steering angle sensor. A simple fix might be to press the traction control button to turn it back on or to restart the car, but if the light remains on, a mechanic needs to diagnose and fix the underlying issue.
This video explains how to turn off the traction control light by manually disabling it and also covers faulty components: 59s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 27, 2025
Common causes
- Manually disabled: The system may have been turned off with the button on your dashboard and simply needs to be turned back on.
- Faulty wheel speed sensor: This is a very common reason. Each wheel has a sensor that monitors its rotation. If one fails, the system can't work properly.
- Dirt or debris: Dirt, mud, or brake dust can cover a wheel speed sensor, preventing it from reading correctly. Cleaning the sensor might fix the problem.
- Low tire pressure: Incorrect tire pressure can cause the system to misinterpret readings and trigger the light.
- ABS system issues: Traction control is closely linked to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). A problem with the ABS module, pump, or a related component can cause the traction control light to come on.
- Steering angle sensor: This sensor tells the system which way the car is turning. If it's malfunctioning, it can confuse the traction control system.
- Electrical issues: Problems with wiring, corroded connectors, or even low voltage from a weak battery can trigger the light.
- Low brake fluid: In some cases, low brake fluid can affect the ABS and, consequently, the traction control system.
What to do
- Restart your car: Pull over in a safe place, turn the car off, and then start it again. The light may reset itself if the issue was a temporary glitch.
- Check for a manual override: Look for a button with an icon of a car with squiggly lines and press it to see if it turns off the light.
- Check tire pressure: Ensure all your tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
- Inspect sensors: If you are comfortable, check the wheel speed sensors for obvious dirt or debris and clean them.
- Seek professional help: If the light stays on after these steps, take the vehicle to a mechanic. The problem requires professional diagnosis, often with an OBD-II scanner, to read specific trouble codes and identify the faulty component.
How to reset StabiliTrak light?
To reset the StabiliTrak light, try a simple safe reset by shutting off the engine for at least 15-25 seconds and then restarting the vehicle. If that doesn't work, disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes and then reconnect it, as this can clear residual electrical charges and reset the system. If the light persists after these steps, there is an underlying issue that requires professional diagnosis.
Simple and safe reset
- Pull over safely: to the side of the road.
- Turn the engine off: and wait for about 15–25 seconds.
- Restart the vehicle . The light may go off on its own if the issue was a temporary glitch.
DIY battery reset
- Caution: Only attempt this if you are comfortable with basic vehicle maintenance. You should disconnect the negative terminal first to avoid electrical mishaps.
- Turn off the engine: and locate the battery.
- Disconnect the negative terminal: from the battery using a wrench or pliers.
- Wait for 10 minutes: to allow any residual electrical charge to dissipate.
- Reconnect the negative terminal: securely.
- Start the vehicle: and let it run for a few minutes. The system will perform a self-check, and the light should turn off if the problem has been resolved.
If the light remains on
- Check fuses: Sometimes loose fuses can trigger the warning. Check the fuse box for any loose fuses and secure them firmly.
- Professional diagnosis: If the light is still on, the system has likely detected a persistent problem. The next step is to have a shop scan the OBD-II codes to pinpoint the exact cause, which could be anything from a bad sensor to a problem with your tires.
