The tire pressure and traction control systems in your Volkswagen are closely linked—and sometimes, one light can trigger another to turn on. Here’s why that happens.
Whether you drive a Jetta
or Beetle
, all Volkswagen warning lights are more or less the same—and it’s important to know what they mean, and when they’re a cause to be concerned. In this article, we’ll be covering the meaning behind your car’s ABS, traction control, and tire pressure lights. 
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Why your Volkswagen traction control and tire pressure lights turn on
If you notice the traction control light (TCS) turn on in your Volkswagen vehicle, it could mean one of two things: either your car’s ABS traction control system is functioning as intended, or there’s a serious problem. As you can imagine, that’s why this light is one of the most confusing dashboard warnings out there.
Basically, your ABS traction control light isn’t always a warning light. Sometimes, it’s activated simply when the system is functioning as intended—which is when it’s maintaining traction between your tires and the road surface. In wet or slippery conditions, you may notice this is happening if the TCS light flashes on and back off, or stays illuminated only for a brief period of time.
When this happens, the TCS light may be accompanied by other lights—including your ABS and tire pressure lights—before turning back off. If, on the other hand, the TCS light turns on and stays illuminated, it could be an indicator that there’s actually a problem.
Your Volkswagen’s ABS traction control system uses sensors in the wheels to monitor tire speed and grip—and, if there’s a loss of traction, to trigger the car’s traction control module to activate your anti-lock braking system. But if any of the components involved in this system (from the sensors to your anti-lock brakes) malfunctions, your car’s TCS light may come on, often alongside the ABS and tire pressure lights. Low tire pressure can also trigger your TCS light to come on.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the most common reasons your Volkswagen’s TCS light turns on.
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Temporary loss of traction
As we’ve mentioned, your traction control light typically turns on during normal operation—that is, whenever you’re driving in conditions without much traction.
If your traction control system is working to maintain your tire’s grip on the road surface (as it should in slippery conditions) then the light may flash on and back off, along with the warning lights of other closely related systems, like your anti-lock braking system and tire pressure monitoring system.
Faulty wheel speed sensors
If your TCS light doesn’t turn back off, there’s a chance you’re dealing with a different kind of problem—and faulty wheel speed sensors are one of the most common reasons your traction control system malfunctions.
Given that the wheel sensors are mounted to your VW’s wheels, they’re subject to all the rough and tumble conditions that we drive through—and eventually, they wear out. If your traction control light won’t turn off, bring the vehicle to a repair shop to check the wheel speed sensors. You can also use an OBD-II scan tool to check for trouble codes associated with these sensors.
MORE: Wheel speed sensor replacement cost
Low tire pressure
Another common reason your Volkswagen TCS light won’t turn off is related to low tire pressure in your wheels. Your wheel sensors can interpret low tire pressure as a traction problem, causing the TCS light to turn on. A bad tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) could also trigger this issue.
MORE: How often to check your car’s tire pressure
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction
If your Volkswagen is experiencing a problem with its anti-lock braking system (ABS), such as a faulty pedal position sensor or low brake fluid. your traction control light may come on as a result. That’s because your traction control system and anti-lock brake system are closely related—in fact, they use the same control module. If you notice both the TCS and ABS light on at the same time, it’s worth having your brakes checked out by a repair shop.
Broken TCS/ABS control module
The control module shared by your traction and anti-lock braking systems is prone to malfunctioning in and of itself—and if this happens, you may notice both dashboard warnings turn on. If this is the case, your Volkswagen’s check engine light may also illuminate.
Can you drive with the ABS traction control light on?
Technically, yes, you can drive your Volkswagen even while the ABS traction control light is on—but it’s a good idea to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. You may also want to avoid driving under certain conditions (such as in heavy rain or snow) while the light stays illuminated, as it could make driving more dangerous.
Can you drive with the tire pressure light on?
Again, technically, yes—but it could make driving more dangerous. You should try checking your tire pressure and adding air if needed whenever you notice this light is illuminated—but, if it’s lit up along with the ABS traction control light, it’s best to get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible.
MORE: Best model years for the VW Beetle
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