How to handle the TC slash displayed on a Buick car?
3 Answers
It indicates that the vehicle's traction control system is either turned off or malfunctioning. The solution is to turn on the traction control system. If the system cannot be activated, it is necessary to check whether the sensors of the traction control system or the vehicle's onboard computer have issues in order to clear the fault light. The following are the possible causes for the TC light to illuminate: 1. Solenoid valve failure; 2. Dirty engine oil clogging the solenoid valve filter; 3. Wear of the actuator gear and impeller leading to oil pressure leakage and triggering the alarm; 4. Dirty throttle with an opening reaching 20%, causing the engine computer to mistakenly judge a TC fault.
That day when I was driving my Buick around a curve on a slippery road, suddenly a small yellow light popped up on the dashboard with a slashed TC symbol, and I immediately knew the traction control system had engaged. I gradually slowed down, turned on the hazard lights, and pulled over. After turning off the engine and waiting for two minutes before restarting, everything returned to normal. This situation usually occurs when the tires hit a puddle or slide on ice/snow causing wheel spin, triggering the system's automatic protection. Daily maintenance should include checking that tire pressure isn't too low, especially during rain or snow, and avoiding sharp turns. If the light remains on after restarting, it might be due to the wheel speed sensor being clogged with mud—simply rinse the inner side of the wheels with water before rushing to spend unnecessary money at a repair shop.
The yellow TC indicator with a slash on the dashboard indicates the traction control system is temporarily deactivated. I've encountered this multiple times, mostly triggered by front wheel spin during hard acceleration. Buick's system is highly sensitive - it activates protection immediately when it detects even slight tire slippage. The solution is straightforward: ease off the accelerator, gently apply brakes to reduce speed below 30 mph, then safely pull over to restart the engine. Remember to check if all four tires have uniform tread depth and maintain proper tire pressure balance. If the light stays on persistently, have the wheel speed sensors inspected - repair shops can pinpoint the problematic wheel by reading fault codes, and sensor replacement typically costs just a couple hundred dollars.
