The traction control light on your 2015 Hyundai Sonata can mean one of two things. If it turns on and off briefly while you're driving in bad weather, that means your traction control system is working to keep your car stable—but if it stays on, it may mean the traction control system is malfunctioning.
Noticing a new warning light popping up on your dash is never enjoyable. However, not every light means you need to rush to the car repair
shop. Today, we'll explain your 2015 Hyundai Sonata traction control light and what to do if yours appears. Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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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 2015 Hyundai Sonata traction control light turns on
Your 2015 Hyundai Sonata's Electronic Stability Control (ECS) system light—also known as the traction control light
—appears on your instrument panel under a couple of different circumstances. The light's primary function is to indicate when the traction control system is active. Its secondary function is a warning light that notifies you of a malfunction in the ECS system. The ECS system in your Sonata uses a series of sensors to monitor your speed, travel direction, and steering wheel direction. This information is relayed to a control module, which helps you maintain stability and traction by automatically adjusting the engine power output and applying the brakes to individual wheels.
The traction control light that appears on your dash looks like a car with skid marks below it. You might also encounter the "ECS OFF" light, which looks identical but with the addition of the word "OFF" beneath the car's skid marks. You can view pictures of these warning lights and others, as well as read more detailed information regarding their meaning in your vehicle owner's manual
. Your Hyundai's traction control light can appear for various reasons, many of which are related to ECS system component failures. The light is often accompanied by other warning lights, like the check engine and ABS lights, which can sometimes help you narrow down the source of the problem. Let's explore some of the most common causes of a traction control malfunction
in your 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Temporary loss of traction
It's totally normal for your Sonata's traction control light to appear during regular vehicle operation—if you're driving in unfavorable weather conditions, that is. Foul weather, like rain, sleet, snow
, and mud, can cause your Hyundai to lose traction, which may trigger the ECS system. If your ECS light turns on while driving in these conditions, don't freak out—it means the system is working as intended to help you maintain vehicle stability. But if the light flips on and remains lit, or if other warning lights turn on with it, you should take your car to a mechanic for an inspection
. Faulty wheel speed sensors
Faulty wheel speed sensors are one of the most common causes of traction system malfunctions. These devices are mounted near your Sonata's brake rotors and are continually subject to harsh and destructive conditions. As a result, they wear out over time—and when they fail, the ECS light often appears as a result.
Because of this, your wheel speed sensors should be one of the first things you inspect when your traction control light appears. You can hire a mechanic to check your sensors, visually inspect them yourself, or use an OBDII scan tool to check for error codes
related to the wheel speed sensors. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction
Another common cause of traction control system problems is an anti-lock brake system
malfunction. The ABS and ECS systems are so closely related that they share the same control module. When this module fails, it's common for both the ABS and ECS lights to appear on your instrument panel. If you notice both the ABS and traction control lights on your Hyundai dash, take your car to a professional technician as soon as possible.
Low tire pressure
Low tire pressure
can cause your traction control light to appear because your Sonata's ECS control module can misinterpret the low air pressure as a loss of traction. A similar problem may occur if you have a faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).Because checking your tire pressure is quick and easy, it should be one of the first things you do if you notice your ECS light is illuminated on your dash.
MORE: How low can your tire pressure go?
Broken ESC/ABS control module
As we mentioned previously, the ABS and ECS systems share a control module. If that module fails, it's common for both the ABS and ECS lights to appear. And often, a check engine light will turn on at the same time.
If you encounter these lights in your 2015 Sonata, you should take your car to the dealership or an independent mechanic for diagnosis.
The traction control system was turned off
Normally, your 2015 Hyundai Sonata traction control system should be running at all times—unless you turn it off
by hitting the button to the left of your steering wheel. It's easy to hit this button on accident, and you should check to make sure you didn't do so inadvertently before taking your car to a mechanic for the ECS light.
Can you drive your 2015 Hyundai Sonata with the traction control light on?
Yes—you can drive your 2015 Hyundai Sonata with the traction control light on, but you should be especially careful driving in harsh weather conditions.
Remember, the light is supposed to flash on and off when you're driving in adverse weather. But if it turns on and stays on, it indicates a traction control system malfunction, which means there's a greater risk of losing control of your Sonata when driving in rough weather. The smartest thing to do if you notice this light in your car is to take a trip to your local mechanic as soon as possible.
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