There is no official way to reset your Buick Enclave’s traction control light. If the light won’t turn off, this could indicate a dangerous malfunction
in the vehicle—it’s advised that you take your SUV to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis. The traction control light (TCS light)
, which looks like the back of a vehicle with two skid lines behind it, usually turns on when it’s doing its job properly and is stabilizing your Buick’s wheels in tricky road conditions. But if the sun is shining, the pavement is clear, and your TCL is on, there could be a problem with other sensors and systems in your vehicle. Here are a few ways to troubleshoot a “stuck” traction control light in a Buick Enclave, and how you should proceed if you encounter this issue.
Why your Buick Enclave traction control light turns on
If you’ve ever driven down an icy road or an unpaved trail, you may have already seen your Buick Enclave’s traction control light show up on your dashboard. In this case, a TCS light is not a bad omen. Unlike most other warning lights you may encounter, a properly functioning traction control light simply lets you know when the traction control system (TCS) is actively helping your vehicle navigate slippery terrain.
How does the traction control system work? Essentially, speed sensors in your Enclave’s wheels pick up when one of the wheels starts spinning faster than the others—a major sign that it has lost traction or grip. When that happens, the traction control module then limits how fast that particular wheel can spin and may direct more power to the wheels that do have contact with the road. By doing so, the TCS prevents hydroplaning or skidding that could lead to an accident.
The traction control system in your Buick (and most other vehicles) works closely with the anti-lock brake system (ABS), which employs a rapid pulse of brakes when it detects a wheel may be locking.
If you have a more modern Enclave, functions of the TCS and ABS may both be packaged into the electronic stability control (ESC) system—called StabiliTrak. Through a sophisticated network of position, speed, and acceleration sensors, the ESC factors driver intention into your vehicle’s motion and can adjust wheels, brakes, steering, and even engine control to align the two.
When your traction control light comes on and stays on regardless of road condition, it could suggest that there is an underlying problem with any one of these systems. Let’s walk through what some of those common problems can be.
Temporary loss of traction
If your TCS light comes
on while you’re navigating a downpour or a sheet of ice, there’s a very good chance it is performing normally—typically it’s flashing if it’s doing its job. During your treacherous ride, the traction control light may turn on and off more than once, and it may or may not be accompanied by an audio indication, as well. If your light stays on after you’ve surpassed the slippery terrain, there could be a problem, though. Some Buick Enclave drivers suggest tapping the gas pedal three times when the vehicle is “on” without the engine, then powering up fully to try to reset your light. However, usually, if the light stays on, there is another issue at hand, in which case it’s always best to have a professional mechanic give it an inspection
. Broken wheel speed sensors
A very common culprit of a stuck traction control light is a broken wheel speed sensor
. Located inside of your wheel bearing assembly, the speed sensor endures a lot of wear and tear over time and is susceptible to becoming corroded or defective. If you own an OBD-II scanner
, you can check your Enclave’s trouble codes
to confirm if the wheel speed sensor has worn down. Otherwise, you can take your Enclave to the car repair
shop and a mechanic can pinpoint the problem sensor and replace it. If the “Service StabiliTrak” warning light is (especially when turning the steering wheel), there’s a chance your StabiliTrak wheel sensor harness may be broken.
Malfunctioning anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Not only are the TCS and ABS very similar in their function, but they also work through the same control module. Therefore, when something goes awry with your anti-lock brake system, there’s a chance your Enclave will react with a TCS light—most likely, the ABS light
will come on, as well. Common problems that can occur in your ABS include faulty brake pedal sensors, low brake fluid, and a worn ABS pump motor. To fix it up, it’s a good idea to take your Enclave to your local Buick technician or a trustworthy mechanic.
Faulty traction control module
Your Buick’s traction control module is essentially the brains of both your traction control system and your anti-lock brake system. Over time, water damage can cause rust and corrosion, which could turn the module (or computer) offline.
When this happens, both your TCS and ABS lights will usually come on. To restore both systems, you’ll need to take your SUV in for service to get the entire module replaced.
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 Wrong tire size
If you recently swapped out your Buick Enclave’s tires and the TCS light turned on afterward, there’s a possibility that you outfitted your Enclave in the wrong tire size. Because the wheel speed sensors are programmed for the tire size Buick calls for, they may not work properly if the wrong tire is equipped.
Having the wrong tire size on your SUV can lead to your StabiliTrak system warning light coming on, as well—along with other serious issues, like difficulty handling and braking your Enclave. You’ll want to make sure you get the proper tires on your Buick as soon as you can.
If you’re ever unsure, you can find the correct tire size for your Enclave in the driver door jamb label or your owner’s manual.
If your tire pressure is really low, the wheel sensors may have similar issues. It could be worth investigating whether pumping your tires to the right tire inflation pressure turns your TCS light off.
Traction control system turned off
Not to mimic the advice of frustrating tech support specialists, but you may want to make sure your traction control system is actually on, too. The button that turns the TCS on and off is typically located around your infotainment screen and appears like the TCS light with “OFF” written underneath.
In most cases, a “Traction Off” light will display in your instrument cluster if you’ve turned your traction off as a reminder.
While it’s possible you’ve hit the traction off button by mistake, you may have actually done so on purpose. For example, when struggling to get out of heavy snow or mud, turning traction off
can help your wheels spin and dig into the terrain to find solid ground—just make sure you turn it back on after! Can you drive with the traction control light on?
While it’s possible to carry on driving your Buick with the TCS light on—do so with extreme caution.
The TCS is designed to minimize risk in inclement weather and road conditions, which puts you in danger of sliding off the road (or into another vehicle) when the system isn’t working properly.
Remember, if the TCS light is flashing, it’s likely that it’s simply operating as it should. However, when the light turns on and stays on, there’s a good chance your traction control is malfunctioning
and should be taken in for service asap. “Jerry
got me out of a bind! I bought a new car, and my existing insurance raised my prices and didn’t budge. Thankfully, Jerry got me an affordable rate without me waiting for phone calls all day.” —Felicia M.
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