The traction control light in your 2012 Chrysler 200 can indicate two things. If the light flickers on and off while driving in harsh weather conditions, it means the traction control system is functioning as intended—but if it stays on, it may mean the traction control system has malfunctioned.
Dashboard warning lights can be scary. But not every light that appears on your instrument panel necessitates a trip to the car repair
shop. In this article, we'll break down the potential causes of a traction control light, and we'll explain what to do if the light appears in your 2012 Chrysler 200. 
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Why your 2012 Chrysler 200 traction control light turns on
Your 2012 Chrysler 200 is equipped with an Electronic Stability Control (ECS) system, which, when activated, causes the traction control light
to appear briefly on the instrument panel. The light has two purposes—the first is to notify you that your ECS and traction control systems are working to help you maintain stability. The light's secondary objective is to serve as a warning light, indicating an ECS system malfunction. Your Chrysler's ECS and traction control systems rely on a network of sensors that track your speed, traveling direction, and steering wheel direction. The sensors collect this data and send it to a control module, which uses the data to help you maintain control of your Chrysler by automatically applying the brakes and directing engine power to individual wheels.
The traction control light looks like a car with skid marks beneath it. Besides this light, you may also notice the "ESC OFF" light, which looks the same with the addition of the word "OFF" below the skid marks. Your owner's manual
contains pictures and more information about individual warning lights and their meanings. The traction control light can appear on your dash due to a wide range of reasons, most of which are related to ESC system component failures. Sometimes, the light is accompanied by other warning lights, like the ABS or check engine lights. Let's go ahead and take a look at some of the most common causes of a traction control malfunction
for your 2012 Chrysler 200. Temporary loss of traction
Your Chrysler's traction control light is supposed to turn on during regular vehicle operation—if you're driving in adverse weather conditions. Bad weather, like rain, sleet, snow
, and mud, can cause your car's wheels to lose traction. If you're driving in these conditions, it's normal to see the traction control light flash on and off briefly. If your ECS light turns on because of the driving conditions, you'll most likely hear a buzzing or clicking sound—this is normal, and it indicates that the system is working as intended. Don't panic if your traction control light appears during these conditions.
However, if the light remains on for an extended period, or if other warning lights turn on with it, you should take your Chrysler in for an inspection
. Faulty wheel speed sensors
One of the most common causes of ECS system malfunctions is a faulty wheel speed sensor. These sensors are located near your Chrysler's brake rotors and are constantly exposed to harsh conditions. They're part of the ECS system that monitors your vehicle speed, and when one breaks or malfunctions, the traction control light often turns on as a result.
The wheel speed sensors are some of the first components you should inspect when your traction control light appears. You can visually check the sensors yourself, take your car to a professional mechanic, or use an OBDII scan tool to check for error codes
related to the ECS system. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction
Traction control system malfunctions are also commonly the result of issues with the anti-lock brake system
. The ABS and ECS systems in your Chrysler are closely related—in fact, they share the same control module. Because of this, when there's a problem with the ABS—like low brake fluid or a faulty sensor—the traction control light and ABS light often turn on together. If both of these lights appear in your Chrysler 200, you should take your car to the dealership or an independent repair shop for diagnosis.
Low tire pressure
Your traction control light might appear because of low tire pressure
. It happens when your Chrysler's ESC system accidentally interprets the low pressure as a loss of traction. The light may also appear if you have a faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Checking your tire pressure is simple and quick, and it should be one of the first things you do when you notice your traction control light.
MORE: How low can your tire pressure go?
Broken ESC/ABS control module
Because the ABS and ECS systems share the same control module, a malfunction can result in the appearance of both systems' warning lights. If the ABS and ECS control module fails, the appearance of a check engine light is also common.
If you notice these lights on your dash, you should let a professional mechanic inspect your car as soon as possible.
The traction control system was turned off
Your Chrysler's traction control system should normally be running at all times—unless you turn it off
by pressing the button located beneath your radio controls. It's relatively easy to hit this button accidentally. So, if your traction control light is on—especially if no other lights are present—check to make sure you didn't inadvertently turn the system off before you take a trip to the mechanic.
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Can you drive your 2012 Chrysler 200 with the traction control light on?
Yes—you can drive your 2012 Chrysler 200 with the traction control light on, but you'll need to use an increased level of caution driving in slippery or wet conditions.
While it's normal for the ESC light to turn on and off momentarily when driving in harsh conditions, if the light turns on and stays on, there's a problem. When the traction control system malfunctions, there's a greater risk of losing control of your car. The best thing to do if the light appears is to take your car to a professional as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair.
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