The Subaru Outback’s traction control light flashes on to indicate that your traction control system is working properly. But if it stays on, it means the system has been disabled, and it may be time to head to the dealership or a mechanic.
Today’s vehicles have a lot of different warning lights, but not all of them signal the need to head to a car repair
shop. However, a flashing Check Engine Light usually indicates something serious, especially if it’s accompanied by a traction control light. If your cruise control light is flashing, it could indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a blown fuse. If you’re wondering why your Subaru Outback’s indicator lights are on, this guide will help you understand some of the most common causes.
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Why your Subaru traction control light turns on
The most likely reason your Subaru’s traction control (TCS) light
has flashed on is that your system is working properly. However, if the light stays on, even when you’re not driving in bad conditions, it could indicate a problem with your Outback’s stability control system, or other related systems. All major vehicle manufacturers have some form of a traction control system or electronic stability control (ESC) system. Subaru’s ESC is called Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), and it utilizes a network of sensors to monitor performance metrics like wheel speed and steering wheel position. If these sensors detect that the vehicle is not moving in the intended direction, the VDC system will take steps to correct the situation.
Subarus are unique in that almost all of its models, including the Outback, are equipped with standard full-time all-wheel drive (AWD). This AWD is the VDC system’s first line of defense against loss of vehicle control. But if your Outback’s AWD system can’t correct a skid on its own, the VDC system will attempt to correct the skid by adjusting the torque-split between the front and rear wheels, applying brakes to wheels without traction, and altering engine speed to slow the vehicle.
Essentially, Subaru’s VSC system can access and control your Outback’s braking, transmission, and engine timing systems to help you maintain control of your car. Anytime your Outback’s VDC system takes over to keep you on the road, the traction control light, which looks like a car with wavy lines behind it, will illuminate. Once you’re in control again, the light should turn off, but if it remains on it could mean a VDC system malfunction or an issue with any of the other systems attached to it.
Let’s take a look at some common causes of a traction control malfunction
. Temporary loss of traction
As we’ve already mentioned, a temporary loss of traction is the most common reason for the Outback’s TCS light to come on. Whether you’re driving in snow, heavy rain, or loose gravel, if you lose traction even for a moment, the VDC system will correct the issue, and the TCS light will flash on to let you know the VDC system is working properly. Because this light only flashes on when your VDC system is engaged, you may see it flash on and off when you find yourself driving in poor weather or on treacherous roads.
While it’s normal for this light to flash on and off while the VDC system is working, if the light remains on or is accompanied by other warning lights, it’s time to head to the dealership or a mechanic for a traction control light inspection
. Traction control system turned off
Another reason your TCS light may be on is that you’ve accidentally turned the system off.
Although the Subaru’s VDC system is designed to be on at all times, the driver can disable it with the press of a button. So, before you head to a dealership or mechanic, take a moment to find the “VDC Off” button on the dash to the left of the steering wheel. If pressing it doesn’t cause the TCS light to turn off, it’s time to consider some other reasons it may be on.
Faulty wheel speed or steering wheel position sensors
Two of the most important aspects of your Outback’s VDC system are the wheel speed sensors
and steering wheel position sensors. They’re what tell your VDC system if a wheel has lost traction or if your car is headed in a direction opposite that of the steering wheel. If either of these sensors fails, your TCS light will come on to let you know. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction
Your Outback’s VDC system works closely with your anti-lock brake system.
In fact, they use the same control module in most vehicles. That means if there’s an issue with your ABS, there’s also going to be an issue with your VDC when it attempts to engage the ABS to help steer you out of a skid. If your ABS light is on along with your TCS light, it could indicate that you have low brake fluid or a faulty brake pedal position sensor.
Broken TCS/ABS control module
It may seem obvious, but if the module that controls your VDC and ABS systems is malfunctioning or broken, it will also cause both your TCS and ABS lights to turn on. It may also cause your cruise control and Check Engine lights to illuminate as well. If all of these lights are on, it’s definitely time to head to a dealership or mechanic to find out what’s going on.
What if the Check Engine Light is on and the cruise control light is flashing?
Outback owners have occasionally reported the Check Engine Light turning on accompanied by a flashing cruise control light. Some causes may be a pending code signal, a loose gas cap, or a blown fuse. An OBD scanner is a useful tool in this scenario, as sometimes the fix is as easy as tightening your gas cap.
However, a Check Engine Light usually indicates a more serious issue. If it remains illuminated or begins to flash, take your Outback to the repair shop for a diagnostic.
Can you drive with the traction control light on?
Yes—but we wouldn’t recommend you do it for long or in especially poor driving conditions.
Your Outback’s VDC is connected to a multitude of systems, all of which work together to keep you safely on the road. If any one of them is malfunctioning, driving your Outback won’t be as safe as it normally is. So, even though you can certainly keep driving, do your best to get your Outback checked out as soon as possible.
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