What does the TRAC OFF light mean?
Your Toyota dashboard has a series of warning lights that alert you when something is wrong. When the TRAC OFF light comes on, it may or may not sound an alarm. In many cases, nothing unusual happens.
In this article, we’ll explain what the TRAC OFF light means and show you what causes it. We’ll also discuss some solutions you can try and explain when you should turn the system off manually.
What does the TRAC OFF light mean?
The TRAC OFF light indicates that your Toyota’s traction control system has been turned off. In some cases, the light indicates that you’ve manually turned the system off, but it could also indicate a traction control malfunction.
If you press the traction control button, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) light may also appear. On the other hand, when a breakdown occurs, the Check Engine Light or other MIL on the dashboard will often illuminate, which may be another sign of the problem.
The TRAC OFF light may vary in appearance depending on the model. In some cases, the letters “TC” will be displayed on the dashboard. In other cases, you may see an image of the vehicle with lines bending in the opposite direction to the tires.
What causes the TRAC OFF light to come on?
The most common reason for the TRAC OFF light to come on is accidentally pressing the TRAC OFF button on your Toyota. If the TRAC OFF light comes on along with the check engine light or other warning lights, there may be an issue with your traction control system.
Here’s more information on what causes the TRAC OFF light:
1. Powering it off
The main reason the TRAC OFF light comes on is because you accidentally turned off the system. You can turn the traction system on or off with the push of a button. If it’s off, it will show on your dashboard so you know it needs to be reactivated. To turn it on again, just push the switch.
In many cases, physically turning off the traction control system will also turn off the vehicle stability control. You might also see the VSC light on your dashboard or an image of a vehicle skidding down the road with the word “OFF” on it. This is usually the only reason the TRAC OFF light is on.
If you see the Trac Off light on your dashboard along with the Check Engine Light, it could indicate a problem with your traction control or engine control system. This could be caused by any of the following issues:
2. Poor Traction
If the traction control light on your dashboard is flashing, it could be that you’re driving on a slippery road and your car is skidding. In this case, the light will only come on temporarily until road conditions improve.
The most common cause of this symptom is snow or ice. But heavy rain can also reduce traction and cause a temporary failure.
3. Wheel Sensor Failure
Your car is equipped with wheel speed sensors that send data to the engine control unit and traction control system. These sensors are responsible for measuring the rotational speed of each wheel.
If the sensors are defective, the system will receive inaccurate data. For safety reasons, the traction control system is switched off to avoid malfunctions.
4. Defective rack and pinion system
Hydraulic fluid is pumped into the steering rack to allow the wheels to turn easily while driving. Controlled steering is essential to maintaining traction. Modern steering systems use a variety of sensors to ensure the system functions properly.
In the case of steering racks and sensors such as… A fault in a component such as the steering angle sensor can result in loss of traction control function. Until the problem is resolved, the traction control system will remain disabled for safety reasons.
5. ABS failure
The anti-lock braking system also plays a major role in your driving behavior on the road. If the ABS fails, the traction system may also turn off. This problem may be related to the ABS controller. However, the wheel speed sensors are also part of the ABS system, which we have already discussed.
6. Computer Failure
Modern cars have many different computers that perform different operations. If a computer fails, it can cause the traction control system to fail and shut down automatically.
When a computer fails, it usually affects multiple systems. Because of this, it’s one of the least likely options on the list, but it’s also the most noticeable as it will cause several other symptoms at the same time.
How do I fix my TRAC OFF light?
To fix the TRAC OFF light, in most cases you will simply need to press the TRAC OFF button again to start the system. Sometimes restarting the vehicle by turning the ignition off and on again will help. If these steps don’t work, you will need to use a scanner to read the error codes.
For more information on how to resolve your Trac Off warning light, see below.
1. Switch it on
If you accidentally turn off your traction control system, the problem is easy to solve. Just press the traction control button to turn the system back on.
Typically, on most Toyota models, the TRAC OFF button is located to the left of the steering wheel. Press the button again to see if that resolves the issue. This is probably the easiest solution.
2. Restart your vehicle
A simple restart can solve many problems. Just like if the computer had died, you can turn the vehicle off and restart the engine.
If the traction light stays off, the problem is solved and there’s no need to worry. If not, you’ll need to move on to the next step to figure out what’s going on.
3. Read the DTCs
If the other suggestions didn’t work, or if any other lights came on on the dashboard, you’ll need to use a scan tool to read the diagnostic trouble codes. This step is a must if the check engine light is on and the TRAC OFF light is on.
Using a code scanner should give you a better idea of ​​the error. Before you get too worried about the TRAC OFF light, it’s a good idea to fix any issues you may have. A repair may solve your traction control system problems.
4. Visit a mechanic
If you’re not sure what the error code means or can’t find the problem, contact a professional. You may have a more advanced problem that you don’t know how to solve. You can have this diagnosis done by an independent mechanic, or you can pay a little more and visit your local dealer.
When should I turn off TRAC?
You should turn off your traction control system when driving off-road or in mud or snow. When the system is activated, it reduces power from the engine to the wheels, making the problem worse. Turning off the TRAC system will free your car, truck or SUV from its position. Press the button and look for the sign on your dashboard. Once you’re out of the situation, you can press the button again to reactivate the system.
The reason the button to turn off the TRAC system is there is in case you need to disable the TRAC system. In normal driving situations, it’s best to leave the system engaged. Can I drive my car with the Trac Off light on? You can still drive your car with the Trac Off light on, but the traction control function will be unavailable.
Why does my Toyota have the Trac Off and Check Engine lights?If your Toyota has the TRAC OFF light on along with the check engine light, and possibly the VSC light as well, it means that there is a problem with the traction control system. To find out what’s wrong with the system, you need to read the error codes with a scanner.
How do I turn off the Check Engine Light and TRAC-Off Light?To turn off the Check Engine Light and TRAC Off Light, you need to fix the problem that caused them and reset the codes using a code scanner. You can also cycle the ignition by pressing the TRAC-Off button, but in most cases this won’t help.
How much does it cost to repair a TRAC-Off light? If the TRAC OFF light comes on because you accidentally pressed the TRAC OFF button, the repair is free. However, if there is a problem with the traction control system, repairing the TRAC OFF light can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000.
Having a TRAC OFF light on your dashboard may seem like a big problem, but in most cases, there is actually a very simple solution if you check it yourself. If this light appears along with other warning lights such as the check engine light or VSC light, there may be a more serious problem.
We hope you enjoyed this article and that it gave you all the knowledge you need to fix the TRAC OFF light on your dashboard.
