Read the light before changing a setting
- A brief flash on a slippery road can mean traction control is working.
- If the light stays on, check whether your car shows that traction control is OFF.
- A continuous warning calls for fault diagnosis. If TCS and ABS warnings appear together, arrange immediate mechanic inspection; Kia warns that TCS or ABS issues can lead to brake failure.
The timing of the symbol gives you the first useful clue. We’d note whether it flashed, stayed lit or showed OFF before changing a setting, because those states point to different next steps.
On Nissan vehicles, the slip indicator comes on briefly when you turn the ignition on, then goes out if the system is operating. If it never comes on at ignition, have the system checked.
A flash on a slippery road
Traction control responds to a wheel losing grip by braking that wheel or reducing power. A flashing light on a slippery surface can mark that response. On Nissan vehicles, a blinking VDC indicator also warns that the road is slippery and the car is nearing its traction limits.
A different pattern needs a different check: if the light blinks while your car slows on a road that isn’t slippery, arrange an ABS control-unit code check. Kia identifies an ABS sensor issue as one possible explanation for that pattern.
What a steady light can mean
An OFF indication can mean TCS was switched off. A continuous TCS warning can also point to a system problem, so read the exact indication and note any other warning lights before deciding what to check next.
Possible fault paths include an ABS sensor, wiring to a sensor, the magnetic or ABS ring, water in a sensor connector, or the ABS control unit. Those possibilities give a mechanic places to investigate with the ABS control-unit codes; the light alone doesn’t select a part to replace.
If your car shows TCS is off
If your car identifies the indication as TCS being off, use its instructions to find the TCS control. Check the setting, turn TCS back on with that control, and look at the indicator again.
On the Honda V6 models covered by these switch instructions (opens in a new tab), the TCS On/Off switch sits under the side vent. Press it to turn TCS off and light the reminder; press it again to restore TCS. The switch cannot turn TCS off while the indicator is flashing.
With a compact spare installed on those Honda V6 models, turn TCS off once the indicator has stopped flashing, because the spare may activate the system. TCS turns back on at every engine start, even if you switched it off on the previous drive.
If ABS or a brake warning appears too
If TCS and ABS warnings appear together, arrange immediate mechanic inspection; Kia warns that TCS or ABS issues can lead to brake failure. On a Nissan, an ABS warning while the engine runs or the car is moving calls for inspection. Nissan says that if ABS malfunctions, its brake system operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
On a Nissan with the ignition on and the parking brake released, a brake warning can indicate low brake fluid. Check the fluid level under those conditions. Use Nissan’s warning-light descriptions (opens in a new tab) to match the symbol you’re seeing.
If the warning stays on
For a continuous TCS warning, have the ABS control-unit codes read or arrange a mechanic’s inspection. Tell the mechanic whether the indicator flashed or stayed on, whether it showed OFF, and which other warnings appeared. The code reading helps direct the inspection among the possible ABS-related faults.
On the Honda V6 models described above, the TCS indicator may occasionally appear for one or two seconds and then go out; that’s normal. A detected TCS problem can hold the indicator on, and an ABS problem can light both the TCS and ABS indicators.
On those Honda V6 models, if the TCS indicator stays on for more than 10 minutes while driving, pull aside when it’s safe, turn off the engine, restart it and watch the indicator. If it remains on or returns while driving, have a Honda dealer inspect the system. That vehicle can still be driven without TCS, but keep to reasonable speeds and leave a sufficient safety margin: TCS cannot prevent a skid if you enter a corner too fast.
On the same Honda system, brakes that overheat during TCS activity can make the indicator stop flashing and stay on temporarily while TCS turns off. As the brakes cool, usually after about 10 minutes, TCS returns and the indicator goes out.
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