Is there a light that stays on the dashboard? If your traction control system (TCS) or anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light stays on, you can reset it to turn it off. This article will explain why this problem occurs, and if it’s just a simple computer error, you can fix it by resetting it.
How the Tcs System Works
Traction Control System (TCS) prevents wheel spin. When it senses that one or more wheels have lost grip, it starts flashing and automatically applies the brakes to the slipping wheels to prevent the car from losing control.
- This system is interconnected with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). The latter controls the brakes and prevents the wheels from locking. Therefore, usually, after the TCS light comes on, the ABS light will also come on.
The Reason Why the Tcs Light Turns On
The Traction Control System (TCS) turns off. TCS can be turned on and off manually. Press the TCS button once and see if the light goes out. Maybe you accidentally turned it off before, causing the light to come on.
- The TCS system is always on unless turned off manually.
- The icon of the TCS button is a snaking car. The button will also usually say “off”.
- Check your car’s manual to find the TCS button in your car. It’s usually located on one of the turn signals, or in the lower half of the dashboard.
When the road conditions are very bad and you are driving in heavy snow or rain, the TCS or ABS light will come on to notify you that these systems are operating. Slow down slightly to gain better control of the car and the warning light should go off.
Wire Damage The wheel speed sensors in each wheel are connected by wires to the car’s main computer. If the wires are damaged or corroded, the computer may mistakenly think that each wheel’s wheel speed is inconsistent and activate the traction control system. Replacing these wires will solve the problem.
- If you’re a do-it-yourself car enthusiast, you can use a jack to lift the car, remove the wheels, and check the wires connected to the wheel speed sensor. Wrap the exposed wires with electrical tape and see if that solves the problem.
Broken wheel speed sensor If the wires are not damaged, there may be a problem with the wheel speed sensor itself. When you speed up or slow down, the wheel speed sensors send a signal to the car’s computers, notifying them that your vehicle’s speed is changing. If the signal sent is inconsistent with the vehicle speed, TCS will activate. Replacing the wheel speed sensor may solve the problem.
- The older the vehicle, the more susceptible these sensors are to failure.
- You cannot repair high-precision sensors with complex wiring connections by yourself. It is recommended to leave it to a professional technician.
If the anti-lock braking system (ABS) fails, TCS and ABS work together to automatically keep the car stable. They are controlled by the same wires and sensors, so if the ABS fails or breaks, the TCS will fail as well.
- If the ABS and TCS lights come on at the same time, have your car checked by a mechanic. It is difficult for non-experts to determine which system has the problem.
The steering gear is broken. If in addition to the ABS and TCS lights, other warning lights are on, the steering wheel becomes heavy, or the car speeds up slowly, the steering gear may be broken. Take your car to a repair shop and have the steering gear inspected and repaired by a professional mechanic.
- The steering gear is a very important high-precision component, and it is best to leave it to professionals for replacement or repair.
- If the steering gear is broken, the check engine light will also come on.
It is normal for the TCS light to light up after installing a new battery and replacing it with a new one. Continue driving the car for a few minutes and once the computer has completely reset, the TCS light should turn off on its own.
A computer programming error resetting the TCS should solve the problem. System errors or malfunctions can easily break away from the TCS system settings, causing the TCS light on the dashboard to illuminate.
- To reset your car’s computer, first turn off the car and locate the fuse box. Disconnect the fuses labeled “back up” and “ECU”. Reattach them after 10 minutes. Put the lid on the fuse box and take the car for a quick test drive.
Quickly Reset Tcs Lights with OBD2 Scan Tool
Buy or rent an automotive diagnostic (OBD2) scan tool. This tool is useful for basic car maintenance and can be purchased online or at your local auto repair shop. You can also rent one at an auto supply store. Plug the OBD2 scan tool into the car, scan the car system for errors and trouble codes, and then reset the TCS or ABS light.
- A high-quality OBD2 scanning tool costs about a few hundred yuan, but you can also buy a cheaper model for a few hundred yuan.
- Cars produced before 1996 require the original OBD scan tool. Cars produced after 1996 can use the OBD2 scan tool.
Plug the scan tool into the diagnostic link connector (DLC) on the dashboard. Check your car’s manual to find out where the OBD2 scan tool’s connection port is. It’s usually located on the lower left side of the steering wheel, and you may need to remove a panel or cover from the dashboard to access it. Directly plug the OBD2 scan tool into the DLC port.
Clear and reset dashboard lights with the OBD2 scan tool. Power on the OBD2 scan tool. Enter your car’s make and model. Then select “Systems” or “Controls” to bring up different car systems. Find your TCS or ABS system and select “Clear Codes” or “Reset Codes” to disarm the warning light and reset the TCS system.
- You can use the AutoScan feature to automatically search your car for potential problems.
- Depending on which OBD2 scanning tool you use, you may need to use the included key to view the code.
Tcs Reset Methods for Various Brands of Cars
Toyota vehicles do not have dedicated TCS lights. Instead, the ABS and TCS systems are merged into the Vehicle Stability Control System (VCS). Park your car in the park. Press and hold the VSC button for 5 seconds, then both the “TRAC OFF” and “VSC OFF” lights will light up. Press the VSC button one more time to reset the TCS system.
- Check the vehicle manual to confirm the location of the VCS button. It’s usually located next to the gear lever.
- If the light does not go out, it is recommended to leave it to a professional technician.
General Motors Turn the key to the “on” position to connect power, do not start the engine. Then, step on the accelerator three times and start the engine again. This may restart the car’s diagnostic computer and reset the TCS and ABS systems.
- GMC, Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac, owned by General Motors, do not have an official method to reset the TCS light. The owner’s manual recommends taking the car to a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair potential problems.
- If the TCS light comes on again, have the problem diagnosed by a professional mechanic.
Ford and Lincoln Ford vehicles call the TCS system “AdvanceTrac.” If your AdvanceTrac light comes on, start the car and open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Let the car run for 5 minutes, then reconnect the battery and start the car again.
- If the AdvanceTrac light comes on again, call a professional technician.
- Theoretically, as long as the car’s alternator is running properly, disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery should not damage the car. However, if your car is not in good condition, there is a small chance that this will damage the car’s computer.
For Hyundai and Kia, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position to apply power, but do not start the car. Press the accelerator three times, then start the car at full speed and let it run for 1 minute. If there are no underlying issues with the system, the TCS and ABS lights should reset and go out.
- In some Hyundai and Kia models, the TCS and ABS systems are combined into Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
- If the ESC, TCS, or ABS light comes on again, take the car to a professional mechanic.
Honda and Acura removed the panel under the car’s steering column to find the 16-pin port that connects the OBD scan tool. Insert the key into the ignition, turn it to the “on” position, turn on the power, and step on the accelerator without starting the car. Break the paper clip into a long piece of wire. Insert one end into the rightmost pin connector on the upper row, and the other end into the 4th pin connector on the left side of the lower row. Release the brake pedal and let the ABS and TCS lights flash repeatedly.
- Let the light flash for 1 minute, then turn the key to the “off” position to disconnect the power supply and remove the paper clip. The ABS and TCS lights should have reset the next time you start the car.
- It may sound a little strange to use a paper clip inserted into the OBD port to solve the problem, but both the TCS and ABS lights come on when the battery voltage in Honda and Acura vehicles is low. The paper clip clears the low-voltage signal sent to the computer, forcing the computer to read the wheel speed sensor correctly.
- If the ABS or TCS light comes on again, take the car to a professional mechanic.
Volkswagen or Audi cars Volkswagen and Audi cars merge the TCS and ABS systems into the engine electronic power control system (EPC). If the EPC light comes on, you can start the car normally in the park, let the engine run for 1 minute, and then turn off the engine. Then start the car again, this time with the engine running, press the accelerator to the bottom and release it after 1-2 seconds.
- If the EPC light comes on again while driving, it is recommended to take the car to a professional mechanic.
Tesla starts the car and simultaneously presses both sides of the wheel on the steering wheel. until the display turns off. Wait for the display to restart, which will take about 2-3 minutes, and the TCS warning light should disappear. If it’s still on, open the Control menu, select Security, then click the Power Off button. Tesla will do a complete reboot and check all electronic systems again.
- If the TCS light comes on again, take your Tesla back to the dealer for inspection.
Troubleshooting Tcs Light That Comes on Again after Reset
If resetting the TCS light does not help, it is recommended to leave it to a professional. ABS and TCS systems provide very important driving safety guarantees, especially in rainy or snowy weather. If resetting the TCS light doesn’t help, take the car to a professional mechanic for inspection and repair.
- You can still drive with the TCS light on, but you must slow down and avoid driving in harsh conditions.
Tips
- Plug an automotive diagnostic (OBD2) scan tool into the diagnostic link connector (DLC) and clear the code to reset the TCS or ABS light.
- After reconnecting or installing a new battery, driving the car for a few minutes may turn off the TCS light.
- If the TCS light comes on again after resetting, it is recommended to have it handled by a technician.