What does Trac off engine light mean?

A "Trac Off" indicator usually means the Traction Control system has been turned off, either by the driver or due to a fault in the system. The indicator is meant to inform you that electronic stability/traction intervention is not active. This article explains what the light signals, why it may appear, and what you should do if it stays on or comes on unexpectedly.

What Trac Off indicates

The Trac Off light signals that the vehicle’s traction control (and often its related electronic stability control) is not actively intervening to prevent wheel spin. In many models, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control work together to help maintain grip, especially during acceleration on slippery surfaces. When Trac Off is illuminated, the car may respond more like a traditional vehicle without these electronic aids. The light is separate from the Check Engine light, but in some faults it can accompany other warnings such as ABS or ESC indicators.

Traction control, stability control, and related indicators

Traction control (TC) reduces wheel spin, while electronic stability control (ESC) uses TC data along with steering input to keep the vehicle on its intended path. ABS prevents wheel lock during braking. Dashboard indicators vary by model, so you might see a text label like "Trac Off" or a symbol of a car with wavy lines. When a fault occurs, you may also see ABS or Check Engine lights appear alongside or instead of the Trac Off indicator.

Why the light may come on

Several scenarios can trigger or display the Trac Off light. Understanding these can help you decide whether to drive cautiously or seek service.

• You pressed the Traction Control Off button and left the system disabled.


• There is a fault in the traction control, ESC, wheel-speed sensors, yaw sensor, or the control module.


• You are in a sport or performance mode that temporarily disables traction control for a more engaging drive.


• Low battery voltage or a temporary loss of power to the TC/ESC subsystem can cause a glitch.


• A temporary diagnostic fault from recent service or a transient condition that may clear after restarting the engine.

In general, a standard, non-sport drive with no obvious faults should still be drivable, but traction control will not assist you until you re-enable the system or the fault is repaired. If the light remains on, it indicates an issue that warrants diagnosing the vehicle.

What to do if the light stays on or appears unexpectedly

If you notice the Trac Off light staying on, or it comes on without you knowingly turning the system off, follow these practical steps to determine the cause and protect safety.

• Check whether the Traction Control Off button has been pressed or if sport/track driving modes are active. Repress the button or switch to a normal mode to re-enable TC.


• Consult your vehicle’s owner's manual to understand how your specific model displays Trac Off and what other indicators may accompany it.


• Look for other warning lights (ABS, Check Engine) and note any symptoms such as unexpected wheel spin, irregular braking, or steering feel changes.


• If the light remains on after re-enabling TC or you notice handling issues, schedule a diagnostic with a qualified technician or dealership to read fault codes and test wheel-speed sensors, ESC components, and the ABS system.


• Until the issue is diagnosed, drive cautiously, especially in wet, icy, or uneven surfaces; avoid rapid acceleration, sharp turns, or heavy braking if you notice instability.

A persistent Trac Off indicator should be diagnosed promptly. While some conditions may be benign, ongoing loss of traction control can compromise stability in adverse driving conditions and may affect braking performance.

Summary

The Trac Off light indicates that traction control and related stability systems are not actively assisting the vehicle, either because you turned them off or because the system detected a fault. It may be harmless in some cases but can signal a problem that needs diagnosis. Check for manual off switches, review model-specific indicators, and if the light persists or you notice handling changes, have the vehicle scanned by a professional to ensure safe driving conditions.

Why is my check engine and trac off light on?

The most likely reason for both the check engine and TRAC OFF lights to be on is a malfunction in the powertrain or a related system, such as a faulty wheel speed sensor, an EVAP system leak (often from a loose gas cap), or an engine misfire. The TRAC OFF light comes on because modern cars often disable traction control automatically when a problem is detected in the engine or stability control systems to prevent damage. 
You can watch this video to learn about the check engine light and traction control light coming on together: 59sVehicle FreakYouTube · Nov 1, 2023
Common causes and solutions

• Loose or faulty gas cap: A loose gas cap can cause an evaporative (EVAP) system leak, triggering both lights. 
  • Solution: Tighten the gas cap until it clicks. If it's old, the O-ring or pressure valve may be worn, and you may need to replace it. 
• Faulty wheel speed sensors: These sensors are crucial for both the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and traction control. If one is dirty, damaged, or has a bad connection, it can cause both warning lights to come on. 
  • Solution: Inspect the sensors and their wiring for dirt, debris, or damage. Cleaning them or replacing a faulty one may fix the problem. 
• Engine misfire: This can be caused by faulty ignition coils or spark plugs. A misfire will trigger the check engine light and automatically disable the traction control system. 
  • Solution: Have a mechanic inspect the ignition system for worn-out parts. 
• Other sensor or system issues: Problems with other sensors, like the mass air flow (MAF) sensor or oxygen (O2) sensor, can cause a lean engine condition or other issues that trigger the lights. A failing alternator or a coolant leak are also possible culprits. 
  • Solution: These issues often require a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the exact cause. You can start by checking the MAF sensor and throttle body, as cleaning them can sometimes resolve the issue. 

This video explains how to fix check engine, VSC, and TRAC OFF lights by checking the gas cap and O2 sensors: 58sDocMack GarageYouTube · Mar 24, 2023
What to do next

• Scan for trouble codes: The most effective first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to read the specific trouble codes stored in the vehicle's computer. This will give you a much better idea of the problem. 
• Do not ignore the problem: While the TRAC OFF light indicates the system is disabled, the check engine light indicates a problem that could affect performance, fuel efficiency, or lead to more significant damage if ignored. 
• Take it to a professional: If you're unable to diagnose the issue with a scan tool or are not comfortable performing the repairs, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. 

How much does it cost to fix trac off issues?

The average cost for a Traction Control Switch Replacement is between $130 and $158. Labor costs are estimated between $60 and $88 while parts are typically priced around $70.

Can I drive with trac off light on?

Yes, you can generally drive with the "TRAC OFF" light on, but you should do so with caution, especially in slippery conditions like rain or snow. The light indicates the traction control system is disabled, meaning your vehicle won't have electronic assistance to prevent wheel spin and loss of traction. If the light comes on along with the check engine light, it suggests a more significant issue, and you should take the vehicle to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired promptly. 
If the light is on because you pushed the button 

• Intentional disabling: You may have pressed the "TRAC OFF" button to get unstuck in snow or mud, and this is a normal function.
• To fix: Simply press the button again to reactivate the system. 

If the light came on by itself

• Dangers: The traction control system will not be operating, which can lead to a loss of control on slippery roads. If the light comes on along with other warning lights like the check engine or ABS light, it indicates a potential malfunction with a more serious underlying problem. 
• What to do:
  • Drive more cautiously and at a slower speed. 
  • Avoid aggressive driving. 
  • Get the vehicle checked by a mechanic to determine the root cause and have it repaired. 
  • If the check engine light is also on, have an auto parts store or mechanic use an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to identify the specific problem. 

What does it mean when engine light and traction control light come on?

Your traction control and check engine lights likely came on at the same time because many vehicles disable traction control when there's an engine fault detected by the check engine light. Common culprits include a faulty wheel speed sensor, an engine misfire from bad spark plugs or ignition coils, or an issue with the ABS/traction control module. 
This video explains common reasons why your traction control light may have come on: 55s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jul 27, 2025
Common causes

• Engine misfire: A problem with spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel delivery can cause the engine to misfire, which the car's computer interprets as a loss of traction. 
• Faulty wheel speed sensor: These sensors are crucial for both the ABS and traction control systems. A dirty, damaged, or failing sensor can trigger both lights. 
• ABS/traction control module: A problem with the control module that manages both systems can cause them both to shut down and illuminate their respective lights. 
• Low tire pressure or alignment issues: If your tires are significantly underinflated or your car's alignment is severely off, it can confuse the traction control system. 
• Other powertrain faults: Problems with the engine, transmission, or fuel system, like a bad oxygen sensor or faulty fuel pressure regulator, can also trigger both lights. 

What you should do

1. Don't panic: Many of these issues are not immediate emergencies. However, you should get it checked out as soon as possible. 
2. Check your gas cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause a "check engine" light to come on, which in turn will often disable traction control. 
3. Scan for trouble codes: This is the most important step. Use an OBD-II scanner to read the specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) your car is storing. This will point you to the specific problem area. 
4. Inspect sensors and wiring: Check for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections on your wheel speed sensors and other engine sensors. 
5. Seek professional help: A mechanic can accurately diagnose the issue using the trouble codes and can perform the necessary repairs, whether it's replacing a sensor, fixing an engine component, or addressing an electrical problem.