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Today’s vehicles are equipped with more than a dozen warning indicator lights. These lights serve to inform drivers about the status of various systems—indicating which are active, which are inactive, and flagging any fault codes that may have been recorded. Systems such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control (VSC), brake assist (BA), tire pressure monitoring (TPMS), downhill assist control (DAC), and traction control (TCS) enhance the safety and performance of our cars. Many drivers report instances when the traction control light activates; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean there is an issue with the system. In this article, we will explore the details of the traction control system, including potential repair costs should a problem arise.
What Is Traction Control On A Car?
Traction control is a system that helps prevent the loss of traction and assists in regaining it when one wheel slips. A slip occurs when one wheel turns faster than the others, which can happen when it fails to maintain grip.
Traction control operates alongside ABS, utilizing the ABS module and wheel speed sensors for its function. Each wheel is equipped with a speed sensor that relays its speed to the control module. When one wheel begins to slip, the control module adjusts the braking to moderate the slipping wheel’s speed, thereby helping it to regain traction.
When Should The Traction Control System Be Active?
The traction control system is set to automatically engage upon vehicle start, provided that no fault codes are present. Generally, it is advisable to keep traction control enabled, as it enhances vehicle safety. The system activates in situations involving loose surfaces like gravel or dirt, slick conditions such as rain or snow, or during circumstances where wheel slip is detected, like rapid acceleration or high-speed cornering. There are only three situations in which you might consider turning off traction control.
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Spare Tire Installed
Temporary spare tires, while smaller in diameter than standard tires, can trigger the traction control system to activate erroneously due to the differing rotational speeds detected by the control module. In essence, the module cannot recognize that a spare tire has been added, so it will assume the tire is slipping once it notices the speed discrepancy.
Faulty Traction Control System
Faults within the traction control system usually disable its operation. However, some issues related to the wheel speed sensor may not trigger a fault code, leaving the system active. In these cases, the traction control system could hinder your vehicle’s acceleration, which can pose a safety risk.
On The Track
For those planning to race their Porsche 911 or Honda Civic Type R, disabling traction control might be beneficial for achieving faster lap times or for drifting. The system intervenes by applying brakes to a spinning wheel, which may be unwanted if wheel spin is desirable for better control in certain situations. Additionally, traction control can prevent burnouts, which racers perform to warm up tires for improved grip. If you intend to make several runs down the dragstrip, turning off traction control is advisable.
Why Is The Traction Control Light On?
If your traction control light comes on, it indicates that the system is either disabled, being engaged, or there’s a fault present. Typically, the light will flash when the system is activated, and remain solid when disabled or when a fault code has been triggered. Common reasons for an illuminated traction control light include:
- Faulty wheel speed sensors
- Incorrect tire sizes
- Improper tire pressure
- Malfunctioning brake module
Traction Control Vs. Stability Control Vs. ABS
Traction control focuses on preventing wheel slip (excessive wheel rotation), while ABS is aimed at avoiding wheel lock-up (reduced rotation). Meanwhile, stability control combines sensors for ABS, TCS, yaw rate, and steering angles to provide comprehensive assistance to the driver. The objective of stability control is to aid in redirecting the vehicle’s trajectory in cases of excessive oversteer.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Faulty Traction Control System?
Most traction control issues stem from faulty wheel speed sensors, incorrect tire sizes, and improper tire pressure. According to RepairPal, replacing a wheel speed sensor typically costs between $200 and $300. If the brake module fails, repairs can become significantly more expensive. RepairPal estimates that replacing a brake module may cost around $1,000, with some parts alone priced between $900 and $1,200. In addition, some traction control errors can be fixed with software updates, often covered under warranty or warranty extensions.
The traction control system is a crucial safety feature in your vehicle. By ensuring proper tire-road contact, it enhances stopping, accelerating, and handling. If the traction control light on your dashboard is illuminated, it is advisable to seek repairs promptly, even if the vehicle remains operational.
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