What does it mean when the car's traction fault light comes on?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why the car's traction fault light may come on: 1. Fuel system malfunction: Issues in the fuel system leading to reduced fuel injection, such as clogged injectors, low fuel pressure, or impurities in the gasoline. 2. Inaccurate air measurement: Inaccurate air measurement causing a discrepancy between detected and actual air intake. If the detected air intake is lower than the actual intake, the PCM-calculated fuel injection will be less than the actual demand, resulting in a lean oxygen sensor signal and the PCM increasing fuel injection with a higher positive fuel trim value. 3. Inaccurate closed-loop feedback signal: Issues like a faulty oxygen sensor causing inaccurate closed-loop feedback signals.
The traction control warning light typically indicates that the system has detected wheel slippage. The most common cause is sensors being covered by dust or mud, especially after rainy weather or off-road driving, where dirt blocks the probes and interferes with signals. Another possibility is a malfunction in the ABS module or braking system, such as loose wiring or even wear and tear leading to broken connections, causing the system to misjudge. Software errors could also be a factor, such as when the vehicle's electronic system requires a reset or update to fix bugs. When I encounter this issue, I first pull over safely, check if the tire pressure is balanced, and try wiping the sensor area with a cloth. If the light remains on, it's best not to continue driving, especially on slippery roads where loss of control is more likely, and instead head to a professional repair shop to read the fault codes with diagnostic equipment. During regular maintenance, remember to clean these sensor areas to prevent issues before they arise.
