How to Reset a Traction Control Light? What you Need to Do

Do you worry when a yellow light stays on your car’s dashboard? You might think, what is it? But you’re not alone. Many drivers see this warning every year. It can mean something small or something serious.

The traction control light is meant to keep an eye on your brakes and tires. However, it’s not clear if it stays on longer than it should. So, is it something to worry about or just a minor hiccup in the car’s computer?

Studies show that electronic stability control (which includes traction control) reduces fatal single-vehicle crashes by 49%. 

In this guide, I’ll explain what traction control does and how to reset a Traction Control Light easily!

What is the Traction Control Warning Light?

The Traction Control alerts you when your car’s traction control system finds errors like wheel slip or a malfunction.

It has two forms:

• A car icon with swerving tire marks behind it
• An icon featuring the letters TC.

TCS prevents car instability and slippage, especially on slick road surfaces like ice, snow, or rain.

The warning light will either tell you that the traction control system is turned off or has malfunctioned, in which case the system will not be able to prevent wheel spin or loss of control.

How Does the TCS System Work?

The Traction Control prevents your vehicle from rolling downhill uncontrollably and enhances its stability by stopping wheels from losing traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.

• Wheel-slip Detection: TCS is constantly monitoring the speeds of all wheels in a car. Loss of grip on one (or both) wheels, for instance, during acceleration on a wet road, is promptly detected by TCS since traction loss is immediately sensed.
• Engaging brakes: TCS identifies it and immediately activates the brakes on the spin wheel to slow it down and regain control.
• Control Regained: The dashboard light will blink to indicate the system’s operation. That momentary flash indicates that the system is actively restoring traction.

TCS – ABS Connectivity

This entire TCS mechanism ultimately compounds the antilock brake system (ABS). These two systems are intended to provide increased stability in automotive:

The brakes apply pressure, not allowing the wheel to lock when the vehicle is at an emergency stop.

The wheels spin during acceleration, but slip wheels have brakes applied to counter this.

This is why we commonly see TCS and ABS lighting up simultaneously whenever either has a fault.

Why is my traction control warning light on?

The Traction Control System (TCS) light appears on your dashboard and indicates that there may be a problem with the TCS.

Common reasons why TCS illumination could result from:

1: The traction control system is turned off

Accidentally turning off the traction control system might be the case here. To check, you can click the TCS button once. Usually, this button has an icon with a car picture, tire skidding lines coming from that car, and the word “off.”

So, if this is true, the light should go away once the system is turned on again. For the button’s location, check your vehicle manual; usually, it is near your turn signal or in the lower half of your dashboard.

2: Bad Road Conditions

Driving conditions such as snow, ice, or heavy rain will activate the TCS and ABS light because when these conditions are detected, the system engages to keep the vehicle under control.

During such situations, it is advisable to slow down a little to gain better control of the vehicle, thus turning off the light as conditions improve.

3: Wiring Damage

Wiring damage or corrosion between the wheel speed sensors and the vehicle computer can activate the traction control light. TCS activates for speed difference on the wheels. Check and replace these wires to fix the problem. For DIY lovers, jack up your vehicle and disassemble the wheels, exposing the wires to the sensors.

4: Defective Wheel Speed Sensors

The wheel speed sensors themselves could also be defective. These sensors deliver data about the speed of the wheels to the vehicle’s onboard computer.

If they give the wrong readings to the computer or fail, it may trigger engaging the TCS system. This problem is not DIY at all: the calibration of the sensors is quite delicate. It should only be handled by a mechanic.

5: Antilock Braking System (ABS) Malfunctions

The two systems (ABS and TCS) are closely related. If the ABS fails or has problems, it can trigger the traction control light. Therefore, if both the ABS and TCS lights turn on, a mechanic must diagnose and repair the issue, as it is difficult to find the cause without professional tools.

6: Defective Steering Rack

A damaged steering rack may also cause the TCS light to switch on. However, it can be related to other symptoms, such as broken steering, acceleration issues, or other lights flicking. When you notice such issues, you should always check the component for damage and repair or replace it as necessary.

7: New Battery

The TCS light will be on immediately after the battery is changed. This is mainly caused by the vehicle’s computer needing to be reset. Drive the car for a few minutes, and the light should automatically turn off.

8: Computer Programming Errors

The TCS light may occasionally illuminate because of an error or glitch in computer programming. Most of the time, resetting the system solves this issue.

Quick TCS Light Reset with an OBD2 Scanner

If you want to reset the traction control light quickly, you can use an OBD2 scanner. It is one of the easiest ways and here are simple steps on how to reset it:

Step 1: Buy or Rent an OBD2 Scanner

• OBD2 Scanner: The device is required to carry out the diagnostics and reset warning lights, such as those of the TCS or the ABS. OBD2 scanners can be bought online or from auto parts shops or rented out from any auto supply store.
• Price: An OBD2 scanner can be bought for anything in the range of $30 to $50 for its base models; however, costs run several hundred dollars for its advanced ones.
• Important: All cars constructed before 1996 need a regular scanner instead of an OBD2 scanner. It has been used for vehicles since 1996.

Step 2: Plug the OBD2 Scanner into the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC)

OBD2 scanner is plugged into the DLC port. It is usually found under the steering wheel, often on the left side.

A cover or panel typically protects the DLC from view, requiring removal to gain access. Once exposed, plug the OBD2 scanner into the port.

Step 3: Erase and Reset the Warning Lights

1. Switch on the OBD2 scanner and select your car model.
2. To access other settings, select the option “systems,” “control units,” or similar.
3. Search the list for the TCS/ABS and select it to erase or reset the codes.
4. The warning light will be turned off, and your TCS system will reset.
5. Check the dashboard to make sure you have reset it. If the reset has been successful, the TCS light should be off.

Note: Some OBD2 scanners may also possess an auto-scan function that automatically checks for any issues with the vehicle, including TCS and ABS codes. This function can detect and clear the codes.

How to Reset a Traction Control Lights (TCS)

If your traction control light comes on, the methods to reset it can vary depending on your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Below are the specific reset instructions for several major car brands:

1: Toyota

Toyota mixes both ABS and TCS systems into a single VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system. To reset:

1. Park your car and make sure it’s in Park mode.
2. Press and hold the VSC button for 5 seconds and the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF lights should appear.
3. That’s it; press the VSC button once more, and it will reset the traction control system

Note: If the lights remain on, it’s wise to consult a mechanic

2: GM (GMC, Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac)

GM does not have an official reset method for the traction control light. However, you can try this:

1. Turn the key to the ON position without starting the engine.
2. Tap the gas pedal 3 times in quick succession.
3. Start your engine.

Note: If the lights return, take your vehicle to a mechanic for a diagnosis.

3: Ford/Lincoln

Ford refers to their traction control system as AdvanceTrac, and to reset it, follow these steps:

1. Turn the vehicle on and open the hood.
2. Unhook the negative battery terminal and leave it disconnected for 5 minutes.
3. Reconnect the battery terminal and start your car.

Note: If the light comes back on, you should take your car to a mechanic.

4: Hyundai-Kia

For Hyundai and Kia cars having TCS and ABS combined in an ESC system:

1. Turn the key to the ON position without starting the vehicle.
2. Press the gas pedal 3 times quickly.
3. Start the engine and let it run for 1 minute. The TCS and ABS lights should reset.

Note: If the lights reappear, consult a mechanic.

5: Honda/Acura

To reset the TCS/ABS lights on Honda/Acura models:

1. Release the brake pedal and have the lights blink continuously for nearly a minute.
2. Turn the key to the ON position with the engine off.
3. Use a paperclip to bridge two pins in the OBD connector: the top right opening and the fourth pin from the left on the bottom.
4. Release the brake pedal and let the lights blink repeatedly for about 1 minute.
5. Cut off the ignition, remove the paper clip, and start your car.

Note: If the lights come back on, visit a mechanic. Start your car and let it park for a minute. This method works for issues caused by low battery voltage.

6: Volkswagen/Audi

Turn off the ignition and restart by pressing the accelerator to its full extent for 1 to 2 seconds.

Volkswagen and Audi combine the TCS and ABS systems into a single EPC (Electronic Power Control) system.

To reset:

1. Start your car and let it run in the Park for 1 minute.
2. Turn off the ignition and restart by pressing the accelerator to its full extent for 1 to 2 seconds.

Note: If the EPC light comes on again, visit a mechanic.

7: Tesla

For a Tesla:

1. Press both scroll wheels on the steering wheel with the vehicle on until the display turns off.
2. Wait 2-3 minutes for the unit to restart, which should clear the TCS warning.
3. If it doesn’t reset, go into the Controls menu, select Safety & Security, and tap Power Off. The vehicle will reboot and recheck its electrical systems.

Note: If the warning remains, it’s best to take your Tesla to a dealership for inspection.

Conclusion

Not to say, reckless driving and driving under severe conditions can cause horrible accidents because TCS is a safety feature in our cars to ensure our safety.

Hopefully, this guide clears the steps of resetting the traction control light and will help you identify in the future whether it’s a faulty system or your driving that causes your dashboard light to come on.