Traction control and ABS lights on together

Symptoms

• Both ABS and traction control lights on at once
• Possible warning message about stability or traction system
• Normal braking feel with no other symptoms
• Light may have appeared after driving through deep water, snow, or hitting a curb

Likely causes

• CommonFaulty or dirty wheel speed sensorSince both systems use the same sensors, one bad sensor can trigger both lights simultaneously.
• CommonDamaged wiring to a wheel speed sensorRoad debris or curb strikes can damage the wiring near a wheel.
• PossibleDirty or damaged tone ring on the wheel hubThe toothed ring the sensor reads can get damaged or covered in debris.
• Less commonFaulty ABS/traction control moduleThe shared control module for both systems can develop an internal fault.

What to do

1. Have the system scanned with a code reader capable of reading ABS and traction control codes.
2. Check each wheel's speed sensor and its wiring for visible damage, especially if the light appeared after an impact.
3. Look at the tone ring near each wheel hub (visible with the wheel off) for damage or heavy debris buildup.
4. Note any recent driving through deep water, mud, or snow, which can affect sensor readings.
5. Avoid disconnecting the battery hoping to reset it, since the underlying issue will likely trigger the light again.
6. Have a shop clean or replace the specific sensor identified by the scan code.
7. Get the tone ring inspected and cleaned or replaced if it's damaged or heavily corroded.
8. Have the module tested only after sensors and wiring are ruled out, since it's a less common cause.

Tools and parts

• OBD-II code reader (ABS capable)

When to call a pro

A shop with an ABS-capable scanner can quickly identify which sensor is at fault rather than guessing and replacing parts.

Safety