The GMC traction control warning light can mean two different things. If it turns on briefly in rough conditions, it means your traction control system is active and keeping your vehicle stable on the road. But if the light stays on, it means the system is disabled, which can be a dangerous malfunction.
When that little light flickers on, do you need to head to a car repair
shop—or just keep driving? If you’re not sure why your GMC traction control light is on, check out the common causes below. MORE: How to lower GMC insurance costs
Why your GMC traction control light turns on
The traction control (TCS) light is one of the most confusing dashboard lights on a GMC vehicle. That’s because it isn’t always a warning light—sometimes the light turns on to indicate that the system is engaged and working as intended.
The traction control system uses sensors in the wheel bearing assembly to monitor the speed of each wheel and detect a loss of traction in treacherous conditions. If the sensors pick up a problem, they send the information to the traction control module, which pulses the brakes on the affected wheel(s) to avoid a serious skid. When that happens, the TRAC light, which often looks like a car with wavy skid lines coming from the wheels, will illuminate briefly.
GMC uses a proprietary traction control system known as Stabilitrak to fulfill these functions in vehicles like the GMC Sierra 1500 and GMC Canyon pickup trucks. Unlike most electronic stability control (ESC) systems, Stabilitrak also monitors steering wheel position to keep the vehicle moving in the correct direction. It’s also available on most new Chevrolet and Buick models. Check your owner’s manual for more information about how your GMC’s Stabilitrak system works.
If any of the components involved in this system—from the sensors and wheels to the control module—experiences a malfunction, the traction control light may come on, sometimes accompanied by other warning lights. Let’s break down some of the possible causes of a traction control malfunction
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Temporary loss of traction
Keep in mind that your traction control light is meant to come on during normal operation—if you’re driving in conditions without much traction. Heavy rain or snow could cause your wheels to lose traction, and you may notice the light turning on and off as that happens.
It’s normal for the TCS light to turn on and off in slippery conditions, but if the light stays on or is accompanied by other warning lights, you may have a problem. Bring the vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection
if this happens. MORE: The most common GMC problems
Faulty wheel speed sensors
One of the most common causes of a TCS malfunction is a failing wheel speed sensor. Because these sensors are mounted on your GMC’s wheels, they’re subject to a lot of rough conditions and can wear out over time. A broken steering wheel position sensor can also cause the Stabilitrak system to fail.
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.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction
Your traction control system and anti-lock brake system are closely related—in fact, they use the same control module. If there’s any problem with your anti-lock brakes, such as low brake fluid or a faulty brake pedal position sensor, the traction control warning light will likely come on along with the ABS system light
. If the ABS light and traction control lights are both on, it’s time to bring your GMC to an auto repair shop or dealership to service the stability control system.
MORE: What is an engine misfire?
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Low tire pressure
Another common problem leading to TCS troubles is low tire pressure. 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.
If your traction control light comes on and you don’t see any other warning lights, it’s worth checking your tire pressure.
Broken TCS/ABS control module
The control module for your GMC’s traction control and anti-lock braking systems can malfunction, causing the “service traction control” light to turn on. You may also notice that the check engine light is on.
If the light stays on even in normal road conditions, bring the vehicle to a mechanic or your local GMC dealership to check the control module.
Traction control system turned off
Your traction control system is always on—unless you turn it off
using the button usually located near your turn signal or your lower dashboard controls. Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. Before you bring your GMC to a mechanic, check to make sure that you haven’t accidentally turned the system off—especially if you don’t see any other warning lights.
MORE: Should you get a GMC extended warranty?
Can you drive with the traction control light on?
You’ll be able to drive your GMC with the traction control light on, but proceed with caution in bad conditions.
Again, if the light only turns on temporarily when you’re navigating treacherous roads, that’s normal and means that the system is working properly. If the light stays on, it means that the system is disabled, which could lead to increased wheel slip on slick roads. Stabilitrak is an important safety feature for your GMC, so driving without it brings added risks.
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