Check Engine, VSC Trac Off Warning Light On – How To Fix?

“Check engine,” “VSC,” and “TRAC OFF” are all warning lights that appear on your car’s dashboard. They indicate that there might be an issue with your vehicle.

Several problems may turn on the warning lights in your vehicle. Diagnosing and troubleshooting the issues are crucial since the problems could be severe. 

Whatever problems you might be facing with your warning lights, stick to the end to know how to identify them and what the easy fixes are. 

What Does Check Engine, VSC Trac Off Warning Light Mean?

The “check engine,” “VSC” (Vehicle Stability Control), and “TRAC” (traction control) lights are warning lights. These will illuminate your vehicle’s dashboard to indicate problems or issues within the engine, sensors, converter, and other vehicle parts. 

If the check engine light is on, it can indicate the following issues-

• A loose or missing gas cap
• Faulty oxygen sensor
• A malfunctioning catalytic converter
• Problem with the ignition system, such as a failing ignition coil
• Faulty mass airflow sensor

And each problem will have a specific code which your vehicle’s system can read. 

If the VSC lights are illuminated, it can indicate- 

• Malfunction within brake switch components
• Low brake fluid levels
• Wiring issues
• Malfunctioning ABS system

At the same time, when the TRAC OFF light comes on, it usually denotes-

• Failing ABS sensor
• Worn-out brake pads
• Faulty wheel speed sensor
• Defects in steering angle

How Do I Fix If My Check Engine, VSC Trac Off Warning Lights Become On?

Check Engine Light: Problems And Fixes

If you notice your check engine light is illuminated, scan your vehicle’s computer for trouble codes to identify the problem. You can view these codes in an odometer readout. 

You can also read trouble codes by purchasing a code reader (Our recommendation). It connects to the vehicle’s computer, analyzes the codes, and shows it directly on your phone. It’ll also have many benefits, like tracking battery health maintenance and oil levels. 

Here’s a chart with specific trouble codes along with their problems, symptoms, and fixes.

Code	Problem	Possible Causes	Fixes
P0130	Faulty oxygen sensor	Worn-out or damaged oxygen sensor	Replace oxygen sensor
P0100	Damaged mass airflow sensor	Dirty or damaged mass airflow sensor	Clean or replace mass airflow sensor
P0350	Failing ignition coil	Damaged or failing ignition coil	Replace ignition coil
P0441	Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow	Leaky or loose gas caps	Tighten and clean gas caps

Note: Learn more about checking engine lights and what they mean from this video.

VSC Lights: Problems And Solutions

VSC light is an indicator that alerts to a potential issue with the stability control system. When this light comes on, it means that your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD) has detected a problem that controls its stability and traction.

Now, let’s get into the details of all possible causes and fixes for why a VSC light can go on.

Malfunctioning Brake Switch Component

A malfunctioning brake system component can cause the VSC light to turn on because the stability control system relies on it to help maintain control of your automobile. 

Solution

Inspect the brake system thoroughly, and replace damaged or worn-out components.

Read Also: Electronic Throttle Control Red Lightning Bolt-On Dash Meaning

Low Brake Fluid Level

A low brake fluid level can cause VSC lights to come on because the system may not be able to function properly. 

Solution

Inspect the brake system for leaks and replace any damaged or worn-out components.

Wiring Issue

Loose or damaged electrical connections can cause the VSC light to come on because they may interfere with the stability control system’s ability to function properly. 

Solution

Inspect the electrical connection and repair or replace damaged wires accordingly. 

Malfunctioning ABS System

A malfunctioning ABS system can cause the VSC light to come on because it may not be able to provide the necessary assistance. 

Solution

ABS systems should be diagnosed, and any damaged or malfunctioning components should be replaced.

TRAC OFF Light: Causes And Fixes

As mentioned earlier, there are a few reasons why the TRAC OFF light comes on. Let’s take a deeper look into those issues.

Faulty ABS Sensor

ABS system works in conjunction with the TRAC system to maintain control in slippery conditions. A faulty ABS sensor can cause the TRAC system to malfunction. 

Solution

Replace the faulty ABS sensor.

Related Post: Can Abs Cause Brake Pedal To Go To The Floor

Worn-Out Brake Pads

Worn-out brake pads or rotors can also cause TRAC OFF lights to come on as they rely on the brakes for vehicle control and support.

Solution

Change worn-out brake pads and rotors. 

Related Post: Brakes Locked Up While Parked

Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

The rotational speed of each wheel is measured by wheel speed sensors installed in your vehicle. If one of these sensors fails, the system may receive incorrect data, which can be potentially unsafe.

Solution

Replacing a wheel speed sensor can be done by a certified mechanic or by someone with experience working on cars. 

Read Also: Why Car Shakes When Pressing Gas Pedal?

Malfunctioning Steering Angle Sensor

The steering angle sensor is a component of your car’s safety system and is responsible for detecting the steering wheel’s position and movement. If it’s malfunctioning, the TRAC system will turn off, resulting in TRAC OFF lights coming on. 

A malfunctioning steering angle sensor can be caused by various factors, including damage to the sensor, electrical problems, or a fault in the sensor’s calibration.

Solution

Replace the malfunctioning steering angle sensor component or the whole sensor altogether.

Note: Check out this video for a better understanding of check engine, TRAC, and VSC lights and how to reset them. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some most frequently asked questions from people that you might want to know. 

Final Words

In conclusion, when the check engine, VSC, and TRAC OFF warning lights come on, diagnose and address the issue promptly. These warning lights are designed to alert you of potential issues that could affect your car’s performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. 

Ignoring these warning lights leads to further damage and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or dealership for diagnosis and repair to ensure it’s safe to operate and run at peak performance. 

Related Posts:

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• Why Car Shakes When Pressing Gas Pedal?
• Why Does My Mpg Keep Going Up And Down?
• Electronic Throttle Control Red Lightning Bolt-On Dash Meaning