Why is the trac off and check engine light on?
Seeing the "TRAC OFF" and "Check Engine" lights illuminated on your dashboard can be alarming. These warning lights are indicators that something may be wrong with your vehicle, and addressing the issue promptly can save you from costly repairs down the road. At Kevin's Autos, we’ve seen this issue countless times, and here’s what you need to know about it.
What Does the "TRAC OFF" Light Mean?
The "TRAC OFF" light indicates that your vehicle's traction control system (TCS) has been disabled. The TCS is designed to prevent wheel slippage during acceleration by reducing engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels. When this light is on, it means the system is either turned off manually or has been disabled due to a fault.
Why Is the "Check Engine" Light On?
The "Check Engine" light is a general warning that your car's onboard diagnostics system has detected an issue. This could range from minor problems, like a loose gas cap, to more serious issues, such as engine misfires or sensor failures.
Common Reasons Both Lights Are On
When the "TRAC OFF" and "Check Engine" lights are on simultaneously, it often indicates a connection between the two systems. Here are some common causes:
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can trigger the "Check Engine" light and may also affect the traction control system.
- Mass Airflow Sensor Issues: Problems with the mass airflow sensor can disrupt engine performance and disable traction control.
- Wheel Speed Sensor Failure: The traction control system relies on wheel speed sensors. If one fails, it can disable the system and trigger the warning lights.
- Loose or Damaged Gas Cap: A loose gas cap can cause a vacuum leak, triggering the "Check Engine" light. In some cases, this can also affect traction control.
- Engine Misfires: Misfires can cause the engine to run inefficiently, which may disable the traction control system as a precaution.
Understanding the root cause of these warning lights is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's safety and performance. Ignoring them could lead to more severe issues over time.
Steps to Address the Issue
If you notice both lights on, follow these steps to address the problem:
- Check the Gas Cap: Ensure the gas cap is tightly secured. If it’s loose, tighten it and see if the lights turn off after driving for a while.
- Inspect for Obvious Issues: Look for visible signs of damage, such as worn tires or disconnected wires near the wheels.
- Use an OBD-II Scanner: Plug in an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes can help pinpoint the issue.
- Visit a Professional Mechanic: If you’re unable to resolve the issue, bring your car to a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin's Autos for a thorough inspection and repair.
By following these steps, you can identify and address the problem efficiently, ensuring your car remains safe and reliable.
Conclusion
The "TRAC OFF" and "Check Engine" lights are not something to ignore. While they may indicate minor issues, they can also signal more significant problems that require immediate attention. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing these types of issues. If you’re in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice and service. Your car’s health and your safety are our top priorities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive with the trac off light on?
While your car is typically safe to drive with the traction control light on, you should not drive it under certain conditions. If the traction control light, anti-lock braking system light, and red brake-warning light illuminate, your entire braking system may be affected.
What causes check engine light and trac off light to come on?
The most common cause of both the check engine light and traction control light coming on is problems related to a faulty traction control system and its malfunction due to road conditions.
How to fix trac off Toyota?
How do you reset the Trac Off light on a Toyota Corolla? Push and hold the switch while the vehicle is stopped to turn off TRAC and VSC. The TRAC OFF indicator light and VSC off indicator light should come on. Push the switch again to turn the system back on.
How long can you drive with check engine light on VSC trac off light on?
If the engine is running normally, not overheating and the transmission is shifting then should be ok to drive 10 miles, the trac/vsc lights will turn on when the computer has detected a malfunction, this is normal and they will turn off when the check engine light problem is fixed.
Why did my check engine light come on all of a sudden?
The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
What causes the check engine light to come on in a Toyota?
Other common reasons for a Check Engine Light are damaged oxygen sensor, faulty head gasket, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, dirty mass airflow sensor, faulty emissions control part, or defective spark plugs to name a few.
Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?
If the light comes on and remains on, yet everything seems to be working like normal, you should be able to continue driving. But it is important to schedule an appointment to have the issue diagnosed and fixed. If the light comes on and it is blinking, this is an indication of something more serious.
How do I reset my Trac control?
You can reset the traction control system by turning the engine off and then restarting the vehicle. However, this may not resolve the issue that triggered the light in the first place. If the light persists after restarting the engine, drive to a mechanic for diagnosis and repairs.
How much does it cost to fix traction control?
The average cost for a Traction Control Switch Replacement is between $112 and $124. Labor costs are estimated between $44 and $56 while parts are typically priced around $68. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Can I drive with the check engine light on and the car shaking?
You should not continue to drive when the car is shaking and the check engine light is on. Such a scenario often indicates that your car is suffering from a severe misfire, which could damage the catalytic converter and other costly components.
