Your Jeep JK's traction control light can mean a couple of things. If the light briefly flickers on and off while driving in rough weather, it means your car's traction control system is working correctly to keep you stable on the road. However, if the light remains on, it can indicate a traction control system malfunction.
When you see a new warning light pop up on your dash, your first instinct might be to rush to the car repair
shop. However, not all of the lights that appear on your instrument cluster mean there's a serious problem. Some merely indicate that your car's systems are working as intended. Today, we'll explain what your Jeep JK's traction control light means and how to respond if yours appears.
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Why your Jeep JK traction control light turns on
Your Jeep JK's traction control light
—also known as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system light—turns on for a couple different reasons. The light's main function is to show you the traction control system is active. But its secondary job is to serve as a warning light that indicates a traction control system malfunction.
The traction control system in your Wrangler uses a network of sensors to monitor your speed, steering wheel direction, and traveling direction. The sensors send this data to a control module, which uses the information to help you maintain stability and traction by adjusting engine power and applying the brakes to individual wheels.
Your Jeep's ESC light looks like a drawing of a car with skid marks below it. The "ESC OFF" light may also appear—it looks identical to the traction control light but has the word "OFF" written beneath the skid marks. To see pictures of these lights, and to learn more about the other warning lights that may appear on your dash, check your vehicle owner's manual
. The traction control light may appear on your Jeep's dash for several reasons. Other warning lights, like the check engine lights or ABS lights, may turn on at the same time—when this occurs, it can help you identify the source of the problem. Let's take a look at some of the most common causes of a Jeep JK traction control malfunction
. Temporary loss of traction
Your Jeep's traction control light is supposed to appear during routine vehicle operation—if you're driving in adverse weather conditions. Harsh weather, like rain, sleet, snow
, and mud, can cause your Jeep's wheels to lose traction, which can trigger the ESC system. If your traction control light flickers on and off while driving in these conditions, don't worry—it means the system is working to keep you safe on the road. But if the light doesn't turn off after a few seconds, or if another light appears with it, you should take a trip to a trusted mechanic for an inspection
. Faulty wheel speed sensors
Traction control system malfunctions are frequently caused by faulty wheel speed sensors. These sensors attach to your Jeep near its brake rotors and, due to this position, are subject to harsh conditions and regularly wear out. When these sensors fail, the ESC light will often appear on your instrument panel.
Wheel speed sensors should be one of the first things you check if your traction control light is illuminated. You can visually inspect the sensors for damage, take your car to a mechanic for an inspection, or use an OBDII scan tool to search for error codes
related to the wheel speed sensors. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction
Anti-lock brake system
malfunctions are another common cause of traction control system problems. Your Jeep's ABS and ESC systems are very closely related and share the same control module. If this module fails or is damaged, you'll likely notice both the ABS and traction control lights appear on your dash. If the ABS and traction control lights both appear on your Jeep's instrument panel, you should take your car to the repair shop as soon as possible.
Low tire pressure
Your traction control light might appear for something as simple as low tire pressure
. This happens because your ESC control sometimes interprets the low air pressure as a traction issue. A similar problem may occur if your Jeep has a faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Luckily, it's quick and easy to check your tire pressure. If your ESC light appears, your first step should be to check the air pressure in your tires.
MORE: How low can your tire pressure go?
Broken ESC/ABS control module
As mentioned above, the traction control system and ABS share the same control module. If the module fails or becomes damaged, you'll likely notice both the ABS and ESC lights appear on the instrument panel. Under these circumstances, it's common for the check engine light to turn on at the same time.
If you encounter this series of lights on your Jeep JK, your best option is to take your car to the dealership or a trusted mechanic for repairs.
The traction control system was turned off
Under normal conditions, your Jeep's traction control system should run at all times—unless you turn it off
by pressing the button beneath your car's AC controls. Hitting this button by accident is easy. Before visiting a mechanic, you should check to make sure you didn't turn off your ESC system inadvertently.
Can you drive your Jeep JK with the traction control light turned on?
You can drive your Jeep JK with the traction control light on, but you should be wary of doing so during rough weather conditions.
Remember, it's normal for the light to flicker on and off while driving in wet or slippery conditions. But if it comes on and stays on, there's most likely a problem with your Jeep's traction control system. In this case, you're more likely to lose control of your vehicle due to a loss of traction, endangering yourself and your passengers.
The smartest thing to do when you notice the traction control light is to take your car to a professional for diagnosis and repair.
"I thought I was already paying the lowest rate possible for my age group, but Jerry
found me a better deal for the same coverage with Travelers! Everything went so smoothly that I couldn't help but make a change right away."—Athit S.
4.717k Ratings 5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
We value your privacy
