What causes a traction control light to come on?

In most cars, the traction control light signals that the system is either actively managing wheel spin on a slick surface or signaling a fault in the traction control/ABS system that needs attention.

Traction control systems help keep a vehicle from slipping by applying brakes to individual wheels or reducing engine power. The light can blink when the system is intervening and stay lit if a fault is detected or the system has been disabled. Understanding the common causes can help drivers decide whether to continue cautiously or seek service.

Common reasons the light comes on

The following are typical situations that trigger or accompany the traction control light, ranging from everyday driving conditions to component failures.

• Slippery or uneven road conditions causing wheelspin on ice, rain, snow, or wet surfaces. The system may flash the light as it works to regain traction.


• Worn, damaged, or mismatched tires, including differences in tread depth or diameter between tires, which can confuse wheel-speed sensors.


• Faulty or dirty wheel speed sensors or damaged reluctor rings, which feed data to the ABS/ESC/TCS module.


• ABS/ESC/TCS control module or wiring faults, including blown fuses or corroded connectors, that can disable traction control.


• Low brake fluid level or a brake-system fault that affects braking balance and traction control operation.


• Sensor or calibration issues for steering angle or yaw rate, which can cause the stability-control system to malfunction or disengage.


• Recent collision or airbag deployment requiring sensor recalibration, which can temporarily affect traction control systems.

In many vehicles, the light is a signal that the system is either actively working to prevent wheelspin or that a fault exists that needs inspection by a technician.

Symptoms and behavior to watch for

Look for whether the light blinks during acceleration (a normal sign of active intervention) or stays solid (a potential fault). If it remains on after normal driving conditions have passed, it’s typically a sign that service may be needed.

What to do if the light stays on or blinks

These steps help you diagnose and respond to a traction control warning, whether you’re on city streets or a highway.

• Check tires for wear, proper inflation, and even tread across all four corners; replace or rotate as needed to restore sensor reliability.


• Inspect wheel-speed sensors and wiring for damage, dirt, or loose connectors; clean or repair as necessary.


• Check brake fluid level and overall brake health; address any brakes that feel soft, spongy, or grabby.


• Scan for fault codes with an OBD-II reader or have a professional perform a diagnostic to identify specific sensor or module faults.


• If the light is flashing during acceleration on a wet or icy surface, avoid hard acceleration and drive gently; the system may be doing its job.


• If the light remains on after addressing obvious issues, schedule service with a qualified technician to test ABS, ESC, steering sensors, yaw rate sensors, and related components.

Professional diagnosis may involve checking the ABS/ESC control module, steering sensors, wheel-speed circuits, and potential software updates or recalibrations.

Bottom line and guidance

Traction control lighting matters because it can indicate either proactive grip management or an underlying fault. Drivers should treat a persistent light as a sign to have the system checked, especially if the vehicle shows braking instability, unusual handling, or diminished performance on slick surfaces. Prompt checks of tires, fluids, and sensors can prevent more serious failures and keep the car handling safely.

Summary

The traction control light signals the system’s intervention to prevent wheel spin or a fault in the traction control/ABS/stability network. Common causes include slippery conditions, tire issues, sensor problems, and electrical or module faults. When the light behaves unusually or stays illuminated, a diagnostic check by a professional is advised, with attention to tire condition, brakes, and wheel-speed sensors.

What is the most common reason for the traction control light?

The most common reason for a traction control light to come on is a faulty or dirty wheel speed sensor. Other frequent causes include problems with the ABS system, damaged wiring, low brake fluid, or uneven tire wear. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the causes of traction control light issues: 54sStudent LessonYouTube · May 13, 2024
Common causes for the traction control light

• Faulty or dirty wheel speed sensor: Each wheel has a sensor that monitors its speed. If a sensor is damaged by debris or wears out, it can send incorrect data to the computer, triggering the light. This is a very common cause, especially since the traction control and ABS systems share these sensors. 
• Damaged wiring or connectors: Wires or connectors near the wheels can be exposed to road grime, corrosion, or damage, which can interrupt the signal between the sensor and the control module. 
• Issues with the ABS system: Since the traction control system relies on the ABS, a problem with the ABS control module or other components can activate the traction control light. 
• Low brake fluid: The traction control system is connected to the brake system. If the brake fluid level is too low, the system may disable itself as a safety precaution, illuminating the light. 
• Tire problems: Uneven tire wear, a flat tire, or mismatched tire sizes/pressures can confuse the system, making it think a wheel is slipping when it is not. 

This video explains what to do when you see the traction control light on: 57sMechanic BaseYouTube · May 12, 2024
What to do if the light comes on

• Check for normal operation: If the light blinks or comes on in slippery conditions, it could simply mean the system is working as intended. 
• Inspect and clean sensors: If the light is on continuously, check the wheel speed sensors for dirt or debris, especially after driving in rough conditions. Gentle cleaning may resolve the issue. 
• Check brake fluid: Look at your brake fluid reservoir and top it off if it's low. 
• Inspect tires: Make sure all your tires are properly inflated and show even wear. 
• Get a professional diagnosis: If these simple checks don't resolve the problem, it's best to have a mechanic diagnose the issue, as it could be a more serious electronic or mechanical problem. 

Can worn brake pads cause traction control light to come on?

Yes, worn brake pads can indirectly cause the traction control light to come on because they can cause low brake fluid, which in turn triggers the ABS and traction control systems. As brake pads wear down, the brake caliper pistons extend further, which lowers the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid drops too low, the system may detect a fault and activate the warning lights. 
How worn brake pads affect the traction control light

• Low brake fluid: The most common link is through the brake fluid level. As pads wear, the fluid recedes into the extended caliper pistons, causing the level in the reservoir to drop. 
• System sensor activation: Many vehicles use the same sensors for the ABS and traction control systems. When the brake fluid is low, a sensor may trigger the ABS warning light, which often disables the traction control system as a result. 
• Traction control function: Traction control works by detecting when one wheel is spinning faster than the others. If the system is disabled due to low fluid, it cannot function correctly, and the light will stay on. 

Other potential causes
While worn brake pads can be the cause, other issues can also trigger the traction control light. It is important to have a mechanic diagnose the specific problem. Some other possibilities include: 

• Faulty wheel speed sensors
• Low brake fluid level
• Issues with the ABS module or hydraulic pump
• Problems with the car's software or a bad brake light switch
• A damaged wheel bearing
• Incorrect tire pressure or size

How do I fix the traction control warning light?

To fix a traction control warning light, first check for simple issues like the traction control button being accidentally pressed, low brake fluid, or improper tire pressure. If those are not the cause, a common fix is to clean the wheel speed sensors, which can become dirty after driving in bad conditions. If the problem persists, you may need to have a professional use an OBD2 scanner to read fault codes and diagnose more complex issues like a faulty sensor, steering angle sensor, or a problem with the ABS module.
 
This video demonstrates how to clean wheel speed sensors and check for other common causes of traction control light issues: 1mDashboard warning lights YouTube · May 19, 2025
Simple checks

• Check the traction control button: Ensure the system hasn't been manually turned off. Press the button, which may be labeled "TRAC," "TCS," or show a swerving car icon, to turn it back on. 
• Inspect tires: Make sure all tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread. Improper pressure can trigger the light. 
• Check brake fluid: Low brake fluid can cause the light to come on. If the level is low, there may be a leak, so have it checked. 

Intermediate fixes

• Clean wheel speed sensors: These sensors can become covered in dirt or rust, leading to a false reading.
  • Locate the sensors, which are typically on the wheel hubs and secured by a single bolt.
  • Remove the sensor and clean it of any dirt or debris.
  • Reinstall the sensor and take a test drive to see if the light turns off. 

You can watch this video to see how to locate and clean the wheel speed sensors: 1mAliMECHYouTube · Jun 1, 2024
When to seek professional help

• Use an OBD2 scanner: If cleaning the sensors doesn't work, an OBD2 scanner can read the specific fault codes from the car's computer, which helps pinpoint the problem. 
• Diagnose complex issues: If the scanner indicates a more serious issue, it might be a faulty steering angle sensor, yaw sensor, or ABS control module, which requires a professional diagnosis and repair. 
• Consult a professional: If you are uncomfortable with any of these steps, a mechanic can perform a full diagnostic check and make the necessary repairs. 

This video explains how to use an OBD2 scanner to diagnose the problem and the importance of professional help for complex issues: 56s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 27, 2025

Can I drive with the traction control light on?

Yes, you can usually drive with the traction control light on, especially in dry, normal conditions, but you should drive with extra caution and get it checked soon. Driving without an active traction control system is like driving an older car, and it can be unsafe in slippery conditions like rain, snow, or ice because the car cannot correct for wheel slip. 
If the light is solid (stays on)

• Means: The system is off or there is a malfunction. 
• Action: Drive cautiously. Avoid driving in poor weather conditions if possible. Get the system inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. 
• Why: Your car will not have the safety net that prevents wheel spin, making it more difficult to maintain control in low-traction situations. 

If the light is flashing (blinking) 

• Means: The system is actively working to prevent wheel slip.
• Action: Drive carefully, as the light is telling you that conditions are slippery. You don't need to take immediate action, but be aware of the conditions and don't rely on the system to correct for aggressive driving. 

What to do next

• Check your other lights: If other warning lights, like the anti-lock brake (ABS) light, are on, it is a more serious issue that needs immediate attention. 
• Get the system inspected: A solid light indicates a problem, and it's important to have a mechanic check for issues with components like wheel-speed sensors or the electronic control unit.