When your check engine light turns on while driving, particularly if the traction control light illuminates, it may be unpleasant.
While the simultaneous illumination of both warning lights might indicate major danger, it is not necessarily a reason for concern. We’ll go through some of the more frequent causes. However, there are a few other possibilities.
The most typical causes of the check engine light and the traction control light being illuminated are problems with the traction control system or its failure due to driving circumstances. The traction control light may illuminate with the check engine light due to malfunctioning wheel speed sensors or even low tire pressure.
TCS Light Definition
The traction control (TCS) light comes on when the traction control system has a fault code. The traction control system helps keep you in control of the car if one or more of your tires start to lose traction while driving.
This often happens when the road surface could be more slick, icy, or in some other way subpar.
Additionally, your driving behaviors affect how often you engage your traction control system. You’ll need traction control to protect you more often the rashly you drive.
The TCS light serves several purposes. It firstly shows that the traction control system is engaged. Second, it activates when there is a systemic issue. It may also mean that the system is turned off.
It’s crucial to understand that the TCS light doesn’t always indicate an issue with your car. Periodic illumination of the light while you are driving is very normal.
A repair may be required to fix the problem if the light appears often or continues to illuminate even after you restart the engine.
Check Engine Light Meaning
Before fully appreciating this, we must also comprehend the Check Engine Light (CEL). One of the most perplexing lights on a vehicle is the Check Engine Light. Many people believe the CEL only lights up when there is an engine issue. However, this is only sometimes the case.
The specific problem that the CEL alerts you to may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. By turning on the engine light and utilizing an ECU scanner attached to an OBDII to read the codes that are being generated, you may identify the precise issue.
Other lights, such as the traction control, oil pressure, or battery lights, may appear together with the check engine light. It may sometimes also be accompanied by a “check engine” warning on the instrument panel.
Methods for Problem Diagnosis
This diagnosis may be made far simpler without physically fiddling beneath the hood since most contemporary automobiles are often operated and controlled by a number of computer programs and sensors.
To read and clear the error codes the computer throws, utilize an OBDII scanner. This will help you understand what’s happening and why these lights are on.
Here are two codes that an OBDII scanner could reveal when both the check engine and traction control lights are illuminated:
- PO856: This code indicates a faulty control switch or a connection issue.
- PO858: This code indicates a wiring issue.
Commonly Occurring Reasons for Check Engine and Traction Control Lights
These two lights may turn on for several typical reasons. Here are a few of the most typical:
TCS System Turned Off
We also explained that the light turns on when the system is deactivated when explaining how a TCS operates. The TCS system may sometimes be switched off by accidentally pressing the button or by someone who doesn’t understand how the system operates.
When the TCS is switched off, the check engine light often does not illuminate either.
Consequently, you should utilize an OBDII scanner to identify the issue if the check engine light continues to illuminate even after the TCS light has been turned off.
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensors
A wheel speed sensor is one tachometer that detects the rotational speed of a wheel. The data is subsequently sent to a vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU), which uses it to calculate the vehicle’s speed and distance traveled.
The ECU uses this data to modify the vehicle’s speed and, if required, turn on the traction control system.
The check engine light may illuminate if one of the wheel speed sensors isn’t functioning correctly. This often results in the traction control light turning on as well.
Low Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure is one of the most frequent reasons for illuminating the check engine and traction control lights. This often occurs when one or more tires on an automobile are not inflated to the recommended pressure.
In addition to activating the check engine light, this may result in diminished fuel economy and accelerated tire wear.
Checking the tire pressure is the first thing to do if you think your car’s check engine or traction control lights are on because of a flat. Whether one or more tires need to be inflated, do so, reset the TCS, and then check to see whether the lights turn off.
FAQs
Can You Drive While Wearing a TCS Light?
The TCS light primarily serves as a warning light that illuminates to inform the driver that the traction control system is malfunctioning. Driving with this light on is generally safe if you’re not operating a vehicle in slick conditions.
However, it is advised to get the automobile evaluated if the check engine light is also on. This suggests a more significant issue that requires immediate attention.
Does poor traction control affect the engine in any way?
Since the engine is not directly linked to the traction control system, the engine cannot be harmed by it. However, the engine may also have issues if the TCS has an issue.
For instance, if the TCS is malfunctioning, it may cause the wheels to slide, resulting in traction loss. This may make the engine work harder, reducing fuel economy and higher engine wear and tear.
Conclusion
A failing traction control system often causes the traction control warning and check engine light due to poor driving conditions. Malfunctioning wheel speed sensors or low tire pressure trigger the check engine light.
It’s a good idea to have the automobile examined as soon as you see the check engine or traction control light on. These lights often indicate an issue that must be resolved to prevent additional harm to the vehicle.
