What does the TC slash on the dashboard mean?
4 Answers
The TC slash displayed on the dashboard indicates that the car's traction control system is turned off. The traction control system in a vehicle is designed to enhance the stability of the car body, primarily to improve the passability of the car tires and maintain the vehicle's driving trajectory. When the tires slip, the traction control system sends a signal to the car's computer, which then applies brakes to the slipping wheels to prevent driving accidents. The working principle of the traction control system 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 generates a control voltage signal based on this information. The servo motor then adjusts the throttle according to the signal, thereby reducing the throttle opening and controlling tire slip. For drivers navigating rainy or snowy conditions, this system can help reduce occurrences of vehicle slip or loss of control.
Driving for ten years, I often see new drivers asking about this indicator. When the TC with a slash lights up on the dashboard, it means the traction control system is turned off. This function is like having a nanny for the wheels, reducing engine output when it detects a wheel slipping. The button is near the steering wheel, marked with a car icon and skid marks. Accidentally pressing it will trigger the display. If the light comes on without touching the button, it's advisable to drive to a shop for inspection. It might just be the wheel speed sensor covered in mud or water, or there could be an electronic system malfunction. When this light is on, hard braking or sharp turns can easily cause the car to skid, especially on wet roads after rain. For safety, it's best to get it checked as soon as you see the warning.
Once after washing my car, the dashboard suddenly displayed a TC with a slash symbol. A friend taught me a three-step troubleshooting method: first, check if there's a car slip button near the handbrake that might have been accidentally pressed—press it again for three seconds if so; second, turn off and restart the engine twice; finally, inspect the tire gaps for any stones or mud blocks obstructing the wheel speed sensor. The electronic stability system is very sensitive, and even uneven tire wear can trigger false alarms. Last week, my neighbor's car had a loose ABS sensor connector that caused the light to come on, and it returned to normal after being firmly reconnected. If these steps don't work, there's a 90% chance the wheel speed sensor is faulty and needs replacement.
This alert is most common during snowy days in the north. Actually, the TC/slash light indicates that the traction control is turned off. There's a button on the left side of the steering wheel with an icon of a skidding car tail—accidentally pressing it or holding it down for three seconds will deactivate the system. Intentionally turning it off in snow can help with better starts, but it's safer to keep it on normally. I've also encountered situations where the anti-slip protection was triggered during full-lock turns, causing the light to come on, which disappeared after straightening the wheel. If the yellow light stays on constantly, there's a high probability it's due to the rear wheel sensor, as short circuits caused by snow and water corrosion are particularly common.
