Q: TCS (Traction Control System) light is sometimes on

asked by on October 25, 2016

when i drive a while, the TCS light will tunr on.

My car has 196000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement $123.10 - $666.75 Get a Quote
ABS Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello, most often this problem is due to a dirty or faulty wheel speed sensor. Wheel speed sensors provide critical information to both the ABS and traction control systems (TCS). To determine which wheel speed sensor is bad (or other component problem) will require a diagnostic tool capable of reading ABS codes - not just an OBD (engine) code reader.

I would recommend having a ABS Light inspection completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose this problem, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Can you tell me how the tachcometer numbers correspond to how many miles one is driving? Thank you.
Hello. There are problems with trying to do this type of estimating of speed by a tachometer. The tachometer changes with gear and road speed. You could have someone cruise at certain speeds next to you or match speeds with...
Put wrong key in ignition and anti light start blinking car completely shut off - 2003 Lincoln Aviator
Hey there. You more than likely won't be able to bypass the system. You can try to disconnect the battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-shut-off-the-anti-theft-device-in-your-car-by-jason-unrau) for 10-15 minutes to reset the computer. However, it still may not work this way. You will probably have...
The key won't turn in the ignition
There are several things that may be causing these issues. One place to start is the shift lever. There is a sensor that only allows the vehicle to be started if it is in park or neutral. Try shifting the...
Can you drive on 3 lug nuts
Hey there, thanks for writing in. All of the lug nuts are necessary (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-missing-lug-nut). Leaving even one off could result in warping of the brake rotors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-rotor-disc-replacement) or drums (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-drum-replacement), necessitating their replacement. If two are left off that puts...
I have a 2000 Buick Century and the gas gauge goes up and down
You're guess of the fuel sending unit is a good one. The sending unit is a variable resistor, that changes its internal resistance according to fuel level. This information is then sent as an input to the powertrain control module...
Somewhat over heating. White greyish smoke coming out of exhaust. No heat
Hi there. From the description you have provided, leads me to believe, there may be air trapped in the cooling system. Bleeding the cooling system can be difficult. A cooling system flush (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-system-flush) could resolve this issue. The white-greyish smoke...
Check engine light on
The Check Engine Light (CEL) could have illuminated for many reasons of course inasmuch as there are thousands of Diagnostic Trouble codes that could set the CEL. You can borrow a Code Scanner from Autozone and manually force the reset....
What kind of generic oil can I buy for my car?
Hi There, As you may know, there are a multitude of engine oils on the market all claiming to be the "best" and prolonging the life of your car's engine. One of the main questions you will be asked when...
use by date for motor oil?
The shelf life (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-is-the-shelf-life-of-motor-oil) of most conventional and synthetic motor oils is 5 years at most. The main constraint is the chemical change in, or deterioration of, the various synthesized compounds that make up the "additive package" in motor oil....

Related articles

4 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light turns on when there's an engine problem. A bad oxygen sensor or failed spark plug are common causes for the Check Engine Light.
Is It Safe to Drive With the Glow Plug Light On?
Your diesel vehicle is equipped with glow plugs, and also with a Glow Plug Light that will either come on and stay...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Connecticut in 2012
Connecticut Connecticut offers plenty of rain and its fair share of snow during the winter months, which means drivers need vehicles that can handle these conditions. Top selling vehicles in previous years have included the Toyota Camry, Corolla and the...