If both the Check Engine and traction control lights are on in your Toyota Camry, the cause could be anything from a loose gas cap to a serious problem with your engine or traction control system.
Warning lights on your car’s dashboard are never a welcome sight—particularly if there are two of them! Here are some of the most commonly reported reasons why both the Check Engine and traction control lights might be on in your Toyota Camry, and a few things you can try before you call the car repair
shop! Why your Toyota Camry check engine and traction control lights turn on
The traction control light
and the Check Engine Light
are on the same circuit in a Toyota Camry, so it’s not uncommon for both of them to light up if there’s a problem with one system—or there could actually be something wrong with both systems! Isn’t car ownership fun? The traction control light may illuminate if the traction control system (TCS) is engaged and functioning. So if you see it come on briefly, it’s nothing to worry about. But if it stays on, that’s a sign that the system might not be functioning normally.
Without a working TCS, you’re far more vulnerable to losing control of your car when driving conditions are poor, like in a rainstorm or when the roads are slippery. It’s a warning light you want to get inspected
right away! Ditto with the Check Engine (CE) Light. This one can be particularly vexing, as the things that trigger a Check Engine Light range from the very minor to the very major. But unlike the traction control light, if the Check Engine Light is illuminated, it always means that you’ve got a problem.
When you start your Camry, your car’s computer does a scan of all its systems to make sure things are functioning properly. If anything doesn’t check out, it generates a warning light. There’s a dizzying number of things that can cause both of these lights to illuminate, but here are some of the more commonly reported ones.
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Common control module
Remember that common control circuit we mentioned earlier? Many Camry owners reported that both the TCS and the CE lights went off when there was really only a problem with one system. The fact that these two are ride-or-die besties is cute and all, but it makes troubleshooting a little more difficult.
Not to mention that if there’s a problem with the circuit module itself, then both the TCS and the CE lights will pop on. Like any piece of electrical equipment, these modules wear out over time and are vulnerable to corrosion caused by dirt and moisture.
Faulty/dirty gas cap
This is a ridiculously simple source, but it’s surprising how often a loose or dirty gas cap is the cause of the TCS and CE lights illuminating in a Toyota Camry! The good thing about this one is that not only can you check it out at home, but a new gas cap
is also typically pretty inexpensive. Make sure that your gas cap is not only in good shape and fully attached, but clean as well. There are a lot of reports of Camry owners solving their illuminated traction control and Check Engine Light problems with just some gas cap TLC. This is an easy fix, so make it one of the first things you investigate!
Air filter cover not on properly
This is another one that is exasperating (and yet a relief) in all its simplicity. Toyota Camry owners reported that if the cover to the air filter isn’t on just right, the sensors around the area get dirty or clogged, and it triggers an error code that results in lit TCS and CE lights.
This was often reported after the vehicle had been taken in for an oil change and the filter cover wasn’t put on perfectly. You can check your owner’s manual to find the location of your air filter if you want to investigate this at home.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) problems
Your Camry’s anti-lock brake system
is closely tied to the traction control system. If there’s a problem like low brake fluid or a faulty pedal sensor, then it can cause both (or either) of the traction control or Check Engine lights to come on. Unlike a loose gas cap or a fussy air filter, this one can be quite serious and is one of the reasons why you don’t want to ignore those lit warning lights. 4.717k Ratings 5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Faulty speed sensors
The traction control system relies on input from a series of speed sensors on the wheels to determine whether or not to activate. Since these sensors are on the wheels, they’re pretty vulnerable to wear and tear.
If one of the sensors isn’t functioning right, it causes an illuminated TCS or CE light. Sometimes, even things like low tire pressure or bad alignment can put these sensors off-kilter.
MORE: Recommended maintenance schedule for a Toyota
Faulty steering angle sensor
Another sensitive sensor! The steering angle sensor is found in the steering column, and it makes sure that the vehicle’s wheels match the direction that the steering wheel goes. In several cases, Toyota Camry owners reported that this was the source of their lit Check Engine and traction control lights.
Can you drive with the Check Engine and traction control lights on in a Toyota Camry?
Your Camry will still be drivable, but you should take things easy and get your car checked out right away.
If the traction control light only comes on briefly when driving in poor conditions, that’s normal. But if it (or the Check Engine Light) stays on, then it means that there’s a problem with one or both of the systems.
These indicators may be resolved by a minor fix like a loose gas cap, but the lights can also be a sign of some serious problems. If you have an OBD-II tool
, you might be able to narrow down the source of the problem, but it’s never something that you want to delay dealing with. “Jerry
was pretty amazing. They found me quotes with every company at the cheapest price possible! Then I decided which company and coverage I preferred. As a new, young driver, I had a great experience!.” —Sean E.
4.717k Ratings 5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
We value your privacy
