What does TC with a line through it mean on a Chevy Cruze?

The TC symbol with a diagonal line through it on a Chevy Cruze indicates Traction Control has been turned off or is not active.

What the symbol means

In GM vehicles, TC stands for Traction Control, a component of the car’s stability system. A line through the letters typically denotes that the Traction Control function is deactivated by the driver or is otherwise unavailable at that moment. When Traction Control is active, you usually won’t see the line through the symbol, and the system may intervene by applying brakes or reducing engine power to prevent wheel spin.

Common interpretations of the line-through TC symbol include:

• Traction Control Off: The feature has been manually disabled by pressing the Traction Control Off button.


• Temporary or mode-based deactivation: Some drive modes or conditions may temporarily reduce TC intervention, though the slash generally marks a deliberate off state.


• Possible fault: If the symbol appears unexpectedly or stays on despite attempts to re-enable TC, a fault in the TC/ESC system may be present and warrants inspection.

When you see the line-through TC, treat the situation as a cue to drive with extra caution, especially on wet, icy, or uneven surfaces, until you confirm the system status or re-enable Traction Control.

How to respond when you see it on the road

To restore traction control, you typically re-enable it manually if you’ve intentionally turned it off. The Cruze’s control is usually a dedicated button on the center console or dash, sometimes labeled “TC,” “Off,” or with a car icon and skid marks.

Steps to take:

• Press the Traction Control Off button again to re-enable traction control. If the light remains on, proceed to the next steps.


• Check that all tires are properly inflated and that you’re not running a problematic tire size or type that could affect traction control.


• Note any accompanying warning lights or messages (for example, “StabiliTrak Off” or “ESC Off”) and consult the owner’s manual for model-specific guidance.


• If the TC light stays illuminated or you cannot re-engage it, schedule service with a Chevrolet dealer or qualified mechanic to diagnose a potential fault in the TC/ESC system.

Reactivating Traction Control often restores normal operation, but any persistent illumination or handling concerns should not be ignored, especially in adverse driving conditions.

When to seek service

A persistent line-through TC light, particularly if it’s accompanied by other warning indicators or sporadic behavior, should be checked by a professional. Modern Cruze models rely on an integrated network of sensors, ABS components, and the traction/stability control module; a fault can affect vehicle handling and safety.

• The symbol stays illuminated after attempting to re-enable TC.


• You notice unusual wheel spin, slipping, or reduced stability in rain, snow, or ice.


• You hear unusual noises from the wheel area or see related warning messages in the instrument cluster.

In these cases, contact a Chevrolet service center to diagnose and repair any fault in the traction control system.

Summary

For Chevy Cruze owners, a TC symbol with a line through it means Traction Control is off or unavailable. Re-enable the system if possible, monitor driving conditions, and seek service if the light remains on or you detect handling concerns. Keeping tires properly inflated and following dealership guidance helps maintain safety until the system can be inspected.

What does TC with a slash through it mean?

A "TC" with a slash through it indicates that the traction control system is either manually switched off or has a fault. If it's because of a manual switch, pressing the corresponding button will turn the system back on, and the light will go off for normal driving. If the light remains on, it signals a potential issue with the system that needs professional diagnosis.
 
Meaning of the light

• Traction control is off: The light appears when you manually turn the system off. The symbol is often visible on a button on your center console. 
• Traction control system fault: The light is on because the system has detected a problem and disabled itself for your safety. This could be due to a faulty wheel speed sensor, a problem with the control module, or other related electrical issues. 

What to do

• Check for a manual switch: First, look for a button on your dashboard or center console with the same "TC" symbol and press it. If the light goes off, the system was simply turned off. It's best to have traction control on for most driving conditions. 
• If the light stays on: This indicates a fault, and it's important to have it professionally diagnosed. A mechanic can scan the vehicle for error codes and identify the specific problem, which could range from a faulty sensor to a more complex computer issue. 

Can I drive with my TC light on?

It is safe to drive with the traction control light on in dry conditions, but you should get it checked by a mechanic soon because the system may not be working correctly. If the light stays on during slippery conditions like rain, snow, or ice, it is unsafe to drive because the system is likely disabled and you will have reduced traction and stability. 
When you can likely drive

• Dry roads: If the light came on for a moment and then turned off, or if the roads are dry and the car is driving normally, it's generally safe to continue driving. The light may have been triggered by a minor, temporary glitch. 
• Get it checked: Even if you can drive, you should still take the car to a mechanic for a diagnosis as soon as you can, as a persistent light indicates a system failure. 

When you should not drive

• Slippery conditions: Driving with the light on in snow, rain, or ice is unsafe because the traction control system is likely not functioning, and you will have reduced stability and be more susceptible to skidding. 
• Other warning lights: If other lights, such as the ABS light, are also on, it's even more critical to avoid driving, as these systems are interconnected and a failure could impact braking efficiency. 

Why it's important to get it fixed

• Safety: Traction control is a vital safety feature that prevents skidding, especially in poor weather. 
• Potential for more serious issues: A persistent light can indicate a problem with sensors or wiring, and ignoring it could lead to more costly repairs. 
• Possible system failure: A continuous light means the system is deactivated, and your car's ability to maintain traction when you need it most will be gone. 

Why is the TC light on?

The "TC" light on, meaning traction control, can indicate either the system is actively working or that there's a fault. The light will often flash briefly during normal operation, such as on a slippery road. If the light stays on continuously, it signals a problem with the system, likely due to a faulty wheel speed sensor, steering sensor, or an issue with the ABS system.
 
You can watch this video to learn what the TC light means and why it might be on: 1mOBD InsightsYouTube · Jul 2, 2024
Normal operation

• Flashing light: The light will typically blink on and off when the traction control system is engaged and is working to prevent wheel slip, such as on icy, snowy, or wet roads. 

System fault

• Solid light: If the light remains steadily illuminated, it means the system has detected a fault and is disabled. Common causes include:
  • Faulty wheel speed sensors: The system relies on these sensors to detect wheel slippage. If one is dirty or failing, it can trigger the light.
  • ABS system issues: Since traction control is linked to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a malfunction in the ABS can also turn off the traction control.
  • Steering angle sensor problem: This sensor helps the system know which way you are turning. A fault can cause the traction control to shut down.
  • Manually disabled: You may have accidentally pressed a button on your dashboard or console to turn off the system. Check for a button labeled "TC" or with a similar symbol to turn it back on.
  • Other electrical issues: Low battery voltage, a failing alternator, or a problem with the brake light switch can sometimes trigger the light. 

This video explains how to check for common issues when the TC light is on: 28sAuto V Fix YouTube · Jul 4, 2025
What to do

• If the light is flashing: This is normal in slippery conditions. Drive carefully and the light should turn off once you regain traction. 
• If the light is solid:
  • Check if you accidentally pressed a button to turn off traction control. 
  • Drive with caution, especially in poor weather, as the safety feature is not working. 
  • Take your car to a qualified mechanic for a diagnosis. They can use a scan tool to read the specific error code and identify the exact problem. 

What does the TC light mean on a Chevy Cruze?

The "TC" light on a Chevy Cruze means the Traction Control system is off, either because it was manually disabled or because there's a fault in the system. A steady light indicates a problem, which could be caused by anything from a faulty sensor to a bad battery ground cable, while a flashing light typically means the system is active and working to maintain traction. If the light stays on, it's recommended to have a mechanic read the diagnostic trouble codes to find the specific issue.
 
What a steady "TC" light means

• The system is off: The most direct meaning is that traction control is not active. 
• There is a problem: A steady "TC" light, especially when combined with a "Service StabiliTrak" message, indicates a fault that requires service. 
• Common causes:
  • A malfunctioning wheel speed sensor 
  • A bad battery ground cable 
  • A problem with the valve cover, a bad spark plug, or coil pack 
  • Issues with the steering angle sensor or yaw rate sensor 

What a flashing "TC" light means

• The system is working correctly to prevent wheel slip.
• This is normal behavior when driving on slippery surfaces. 

How to address a steady "TC" light

• Manually check: First, look for the button to turn traction control on or off and press it to see if the light turns off. 
• Drive cautiously: While it's safe to drive, it's best to have it checked, especially if other warning lights like "Service StabiliTrak" or the check engine light are on. 
• Get the codes read: The best way to diagnose the problem is to have a mechanic use a scan tool that can read traction control codes to find the specific faulty component.