The function of the Traction Control System (TCS) is to provide driving assistance in unfavorable conditions such as slippery surfaces, rainy days, and rough roads. However, many drivers do not know why the traction control light stays on. This appears as a safety issue because it indicates a problem with the system.
What is Traction Control?
Traction control is the car component that uses wheel speed sensors to detect if a wheel is spinning faster than the others. If this happens, the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) activates on the slipping wheel, slowing it down to maintain speed. Sometimes, the ECU will help reduce engine torque for the ABS to apply the brakes in time. Once it slows down and the car can grip the road, the brake in that area will be released.
Drivers may have rolling tires or slipping tires. Some car owners even have both. However, few of them know that a rolling tire has more grip than a slipping tire. If the front tires slip, the driver’s steering will be difficult. Sometimes, they may not even be able to steer. In this situation, the traction control system detects the problem and corrects it immediately.
Some automobiles are equipped with a stability control system. Like other cars, this control system relies on ABS application: it keeps the car in the intended direction, regardless of weather and terrain conditions. Working together, these two systems help drivers continue their journey even when the road is slippery.
The traction control light, the main focus of this article in our car, flashes as soon as wheel slip is detected. Even though this flashing is harmless, drivers should take note and drive more slowly. So, if you’re wondering what causes the traction control light to come on, this article is for you.
What is the Traction Control System Used For?
In modern vehicles, the TCS monitors stability and steering performance. It activates when the car is about to lose its grip on the road. The TCS light only comes on if there is a problem with the system that affects its operation.
When your vehicle does not have stable traction on the road, the TCS light is likely to illuminate on the dashboard. It may be a flashing TC symbol or an illustration showing a car losing control. It is possible that the traction control light stays on until the problem is resolved.
Why My Traction Control Light Stays On
In most cases, the TC light comes on when you accelerate. Amateur drivers may panic in this situation, but keeping a cool head will help you avoid any accidents.
Be cautious and focus on stabilizing the steering wheel as much as possible. The safety measure to take is to slow down the car and take it to a repair shop to fix the problem.
Here are some of the most common reasons why the traction control light comes on:
1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
The most common reason why the traction control light stays on is the wheel speed sensor. Wheel speed sensors work with the TCS and the engine control unit, so there is a balance between wheel speed and traction. The sensors monitor the rotational speed of the wheels and send signals to the TCS if something is wrong.
Each wheel is equipped with a sensor that alerts the TCS to any changes so it can correct the error. The car will lose traction when the sensors cannot send the correct signals to the system. The light will come on when something like this happens.
2. Faulty Steering Angle Sensor
The steering angle sensor is an essential system for measuring the position of the steering wheel and the speed at which it returns to its initial position. You will find the sensor inside the steering column. This location allows for accurate measurement of the steering position and angle.
A faulty wheel speed sensor or defective wiring affects the connections between the TCS computer and the wheel. When this happens, the TCS cannot operate on the wheel, causing the light to stay on until the problem is resolved.
When the sensor is faulty, it cannot calculate and process information correctly. A set of wheel speed sensors on each wheel controls the TCS and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to tell your traction control computer whether each wheel is rolling correctly or slipping in some way. If the sensor detects slip, it activates the TCS to reduce power to the affected wheel to allow it to regain traction, causing the light to come on for a short period.
It is not safe to know if the steering angle sensor is having problems. Since the light is on, car owners should go to another place where a light inspection can be performed. However, a mechanic should check the traction control system immediately. To be more precise, the flashing light tells us that the TCS is not working properly. This means the system will not activate in poor road conditions, and drivers will face potential damage.
3. Poor Road Conditions and Bad Weather
Sometimes, bad weather and unfavorable road conditions can also be responsible for the traction control light coming on. The TCS may not effectively manage traction during heavy rain, storms, snow or ice, or when the road is muddy or rough with potholes. In these situations, the light may come on, indicating a problem with the system.
In these conditions, there is nothing to do except slow down the car or park somewhere, waiting for the weather to improve. The light will turn off automatically when the road or weather conditions change.
4. Computer Issues with the TCS System
Modern vehicles are equipped with a central computer system that monitors and controls many internal systems. The Traction Control System (TCS) is part of it. The TCS computer plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of traction control by taking control of the system itself. If you find no apparent external cause that could affect the TCS, the computer system itself could be the cause. Sometimes, the program has errors or needs to be reprogrammed due to current programming issues.
A faulty computer system can significantly affect a vehicle’s performance, as it communicates with almost all other parts of the vehicle. The problem may be minor, and the system may simply need reprogramming. So, if car owners have their vehicle’s traction control light permanently on, the traction control system may have issues that need to be checked. But you must take the car to a certified professional for proper diagnosis and resolution, as this is a difficult problem.
Some drivers may wonder if it is safe to drive in a situation where the traction control light does not turn off? Our answer is no. A faulty traction control computer (TCS) prevents the use of wheel traction information. In other words, it has the same effects as a failing wheel speed sensor. This leads to the problem that the system will not work properly when it should.
5. Faulty Anti-lock Braking System
A problem with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) can cause the light to come on only if the TCS shares the same control module and diagnostic system with it. Since they are interconnected, a problem with the ABS will cause the TCS light to come on.
When you take your vehicle to a mechanic to fix the TCS light issue, they should also check the ABS. This system is an integral part of car safety, so any problem must be resolved immediately. The ABS locks the wheels when you press the brake pedal and also prevents the wheels from slipping.
6. Faulty Steering Rack
The steering rack is one of the most well-known car components. It is connected to the steering wheel and also plays a crucial role in powering the steering system. By receiving high-pressure hydraulic fluid, the steering rack will help car owners control the steering wheel easily.
For this reason, if you have a faulty steering rack, drivers will have difficulty steering your automobile, especially on a rough road.
In conclusion, if you’re wondering why the traction control light stays on, car owners should consider the steering rack as a place to check.
7. Manual Control
Many cars are equipped with a button that allows the driver to disable stability control systems, as well as traction control. Sports cars are designed with the ability to disable stability and traction control systems, which can offer more control to drivers regarding the vehicle’s driving dynamics.
If automobiles are stuck in mud or deep snow, it is recommended to disable traction control to get out better. Sometimes, drivers even need a bit of wheel slip. However, if the traction control light does not turn off, traction control will likely reactivate when the car is restarted.
8. Limp Mode
Finally, limp mode is one of the main answers to the question: “Why does the traction control light stay on?” If car owners put their vehicle in limp mode, the dashboard lights up, and one of them is the traction control light. This mode also helps protect the powertrain while the car can be taken to the garage.
The Bottom Line
The traction control light stays on and turns off automatically if it happens due to an external cause like bad weather or unfavorable road conditions. Otherwise, you must take it to a repair shop to determine the main problem. A problem with the TCS will not affect any other car components or the engine. But it is likely to create safety risks and make driving risky in bad weather or poor road conditions.