Traction Control
These are all Traction and Active Traction Control Indicator symbols. They indicate that the system has been activated and doing its job to maintain traction in slippery conditions, hence the green color. Like other text indicators, they intend to inform more directly than diagrams.
- But first, is one of these truly your symbol?? If yes, continue on below.
- Otherwise return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!
Color is important. A yellow/amber indicator that remains lit and has not been turned off, particularly if it is accompanied by the Master Warning light, indicates a problem with the system that your dealer or authorized service center should address. If the Check Engine light is on, these systems will likely be turned off as well, turning the light on.
Many More Versions
These symbols indicate Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Traction Control System (TCS) Precision Control System (PCS) Warnings, simply variants in the name. Again, green or yellow/amber indicates the system is on and functioning or that the system has a malfunction, respectively.
The text OFF symbols
(below) will also be illuminated if any of these system variants is turned off using its control switch. If an OFF symbol is not used by the manufacturer, one of the symbols shown will simply remain lit. Again, if the system has not been turned off, have the system serviced as soon as possible.
One of these lights will be active when the traction control system is switched off and is generally yellow/amber. If the switch is on, a malfunction is indicated. Note that traction control systems use the vehicle’s brakes and throttle in their operations and the malfunctions may be in the antilock brakes or the engine. The ABS or Check Engine light(s) may be on as well.
This indicator, TRAC. MODE, means that the Stability Control System has been turned off and that a Traction Control Mode may be chosen to suit the driver or the conditions. This is usually an off-road or racing option.
These symbols indicate a malfunction in the traction control or a related Stability Control system. Separate warning lights are generally the rule, but some of the first vehicles that employed the systems had their warning lights combined. The vehicle should be taken to the dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible for repair.
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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