Why Is My Traction Control And Check Engine Light On?

The check engine light might be a sign of a serious issue that must be addressed right away. But this is a very common phenomenon for vehicle owners. 

What if your car has both the traction control light and the check engine light on? Your heart may skip a beat to find out “why is my traction control and check engine light on?”

No worries, you will get all your answers here.

Why Is My Traction Control And Check Engine Light On?

Malfunction in the traction control system is the most common cause of the traction control light and check engine light is on at the same time.

Sometimes both the lights may illuminate simultaneously for other causes. This may lead to damaging consequences as well if proper care isn’t taken timely.

Causes of the lights being on:

It is hard to list down a complete list of causes for these lights being on. But the most common causes include:

Traction control system malfunction:

Due to road condition, the dirt or other buildup disrupt the proper functioning of the traction control sensors. This may cause other engine issues. So, you may see both the lights on at the same time for this reason.

Loss of traction:

You will not always lose traction if the traction system malfunctions. Rather it happens in serious cases. On icy or fully muddy roads, you are more likely to lose traction. When this happens, you may see both the lights on.

Malfunctioning wheel movement Sensors:

If the wheel speed sensors cannot function well, this may also illuminate both the lights. Eventually, it causes the traction control system to fall.

Losing control:

Due to the traction system malfunction, other serious harms to the engine are a big possibility. So, you may even lose control of the wheels. So, this situation is very likely to illuminate both the traction control light and check engine light on.

System failure:

These lights will essentially come on simultaneously if either the system is failing or it has been hardcoded. Both the situation may be the result of the traction control system failure.

Harsh transmission shift or badly misfiring engine:

There is a wide range of problems that can cause the engine to misfire badly. The transmission or gearbox is also at stake if the engine mounts aren’t good. So, in such a situation you are very likely to see both the lights on at a time.

So, many things can be going on to illuminate these lights at the same time. 

It’s important to remember that these lights are there for a reason, and you shouldn’t disregard them. Before driving with passengers in the car, you should have a mechanic check out the vehicle to determine the source of the problem.

Know your traction control light:

• If the light comes on when you’re traveling in bad weather, your system is working hard to maintain your wheels in contact with the road.
• You may see the lights flickering or glimmering from time to time. It refers to the filling in of the framework while driving on a risky roadway.
• If the light is on in normal conditions and road, the traction system is in trouble, and the check engine light should accompany.
• When the framework is “hardcoded” or is beginning to disintegrate, you will see an erratic flickering light.
• A flickering light might also indicate that the system has a problem. Therefore it’s important to be careful in a vulnerable environment.
• A non-flickering signal is most likely the result of a disabled framework. If that’s the case, your car’s computer won’t be able to tell when your wheels begin to lose traction. So, not paying attention can be very dangerous in cases.

Does the traction control light always make the check engine light come on?

There is no direct answer to this question. It may or may not make the check engine light come on. To find out, you have to read the instruction papers by the manufacturers.

These manuals include all the guidelines and instructions necessary. They explain the system’s operations for its traction control system. So, specific models have specific traction control features.

For instance, if you have a BMW, check the instruction manual. You will get specific directions as to the traction control light and check engine light. It will tell you when these two lights will illuminate.

The manuals will also explain what these lights mean when they stay on or blink without stopping.

Interestingly, the check engine and other warning lights are now standard on newer types of cars. They will light up at the same time to let drivers know if there is a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

So, always check out the manufacturer’s manual for the most efficient knowledge about your car and what its lights imply.

FAQs about traction light and check engine light flashes:

Can traction control make the check engine light come on?

Yes, the traction control can make the check engine light come on. When there is a problem with the traction control system, you may even start losing traction.  So, eventually, the check engine light comes on as a sign of a more severe problem.

Is it safe to drive with a traction control light on?

It’s dangerous to drive without traction control. In this condition, your car is more likely to spin out. You will lose traction. Then you will not be able to stop it from sliding around

What causes traction control to malfunction?

Rough road condition causes traction control system malfunctions. Dirt on the roads or any other types of buildup may mess with the traction control sensors. Thus, this leads to the malfunctioning of the traction control system.

Why does my car not accelerate when the traction control light comes on?

A malfunctioning steering angle sensor, malfunctioning wheel speeds sensors, steering rack problems, or even a malfunctioning rotational speed sensor- all can cause this dashboard danger indicator light to illuminate. So, you may not able to accelerate.

How much does it cost to fix traction control?

You will roughly need $110-120 to have the traction control switch replaced. The labor cost here matters the most ranging from $47-55. However, based on your car model, the cost may vary as well.

Final Thoughts:

Most of the time it is not a big deal if the traction control and check engine light are on at the same time. 

But as there is a chance of severe engine damage, you should always keep your eyes wide open for the lights. 

Whenever they are, or even if one of them, is on, get a vehicle diagnosis by a professional. Thus, you can ensure both your and your car’s safety efficiently.