What causes the TC light to come on in a car?
2 Answers
Reasons for the TC light coming on in a car: 1. Solenoid valve failure; 2. Dirty engine oil clogging the solenoid valve filter screen; 3. Wear on the actuator gear and impeller causing oil pressure leakage and triggering the warning; 4. Dirty throttle body with opening reaching 20%, leading the engine computer to misjudge a TC fault. TC stands for Traction Control System, whose function is to enable the car to obtain optimal traction under various driving conditions. The working principle of TC involves replacing the mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle with an electronic throttle control device. Sensors transmit the accelerator pedal's information to the ECU, which then generates control voltage signals based on the received signals. The servo motor adjusts the throttle according to these signals, reducing the throttle opening and controlling tire slip. For vehicle owners driving in rainy or snowy conditions, this can help reduce occurrences of vehicle slippage or loss of control.
During a weekend road trip, the TC light suddenly came on, giving me quite a scare. It's the warning light for the Traction Control System, which normally only flashes when slipping occurs. I consulted a mechanic friend who taught me a few checks: first, see if the system was accidentally turned off by the switch, usually located near the steering wheel; if not, it might be a dirty or faulty wheel speed sensor, which easily gets covered in mud and water, affecting the signal; or it could be an ABS module failure. At the time, my light was steady, not flashing. After my friend helped clean the sensor connector and reset it, the light went off. He advised against driving hastily to get it checked, as the light indicates system failure, making slipping more likely in wet conditions. With over a decade of driving experience, these minor issues are common, and simple fixes can save a lot of money.
