These systems work by applying brake action to individual wheels when a loss of steering control is detected. Braking may be applied to an outer front wheel to counter oversteer, or an inner rear wheel to counter understeer. Its important to note that some systems, depending on the manufacturer, may reduce engine power until control is reestablished.
If the same light remains lit or flashes for an extended period when starting your vehicle, it indicates a fault in the stability control system. The vehicle will operate normally, but without the advanced control system. You may continue driving, but do so with caution, particularly in poor weather.
Note that Traction Control evolved to Active Traction Control, finally evolving to Stability Control Systems. Warning lights for these systems are more commonly seen as variations of the image of a car with skid marks behind it, but all of them are doing essentially the same job.
Unfortunately, the symbol is more commonly seen in red as the Master Warning symbol. It is used to get a driver’s attention so that he or she would take notice of a message in the instrument panel’s information center. Learn more here.
Due to a lack of standardization, stability control systems go by names chosen by individual vehicle manufacturer. It may be:
But the lights and the words mean exactly the same thing.
When illuminated, this text indicator, DSTC SPORT, does not indicate a problem. Rather it says that the Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system’s Sport Mode has been selected by the driver. The manufacturer states that the actual function is to provide maximum traction in sand, snow or while driving with snow chains, which would seem completely counter to a “Sport Mode”.
DSTC includes a number of functions: Traction Control (TC), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Spin Control (SC), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), all of which sound too much like an attempt at winning an acronym competition. The end game is helping you keep your vehicle safely on the road.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
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