Traction / Stability Control Light

What it means

Shown in amber as a car with two wavy skid lines under it, this light belongs to the stability and traction control system. Flashing while driving means the system is working right now because the wheels are slipping on a slippery or sandy surface; a steady light means the system is faulty or switched off by a fault. It is normal for it to glow for a few seconds at key-on and then go out.

Related lights: Stability Control Off LightABS Warning LightTire Pressure Warning LightBrake System Warning LightCheck Engine Light

Symptoms4

• Brief flashing when accelerating on sand, water or in turns, with a short loss of power.
• A steady light after start-up and the system no longer intervenes.
• The ABS light also on in many cars.
• A stability message or reduced engine power with some faults.

Possible causes6

• The system working normally on a slippery surface, which is not a fault if the light only flashes.
• Faulty wheel speed sensor or its wire, which also affects the ABS.
• Steering angle sensor needing calibration after an alignment, a battery disconnect or steering work.
• Mismatched tire sizes or pressures between wheels.
• An engine fault logged by the check engine light, which disables the system on some cars.
• Faulty yaw rate sensor or ABS module (less common).

How to diagnose6

1. Note whether the light only flashes when slipping or stays on steadily.
2. Make sure the system off button was not pressed, and restart the car.
3. Check tire pressures and that tire sizes match.
4. Note whether the ABS or check engine light is also on.
5. Read the ABS and stability codes with a scan tool that supports them, and watch wheel speeds and steering angle.
6. The workshop calibrates the steering angle sensor or tests the sensors and module as the codes indicate.

How to fix6

1. If it flashes on a slippery surface, ease off the accelerator and drive gently; no repair is needed.
2. Correct tire pressures and fit matching tire sizes.
3. Calibrate the steering angle sensor with a scan tool.
4. Repair the wheel sensor wire or replace the faulty sensor.
5. Fix the logged engine fault, or repair the ABS module or yaw sensor if confirmed faulty.
6. Clear the codes and drive to confirm the light stays off.

The cost starts with a calibration or a sensor wire repair, and reaches the upper end when the ABS and stability module must be replaced and programmed.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions