What Does the Dodge Journey Traction Control Light Mean?

The Dodge Journey traction control light could signal that your stability control system is functioning correctly, but it might also indicate a serious malfunction.
Written by James Ellaby
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
When the traction control warning light on your Dodge Journey is on, it can mean two different things. This light is supposed to come on if the Electronic Stability Control system is being used by the vehicle in difficult conditions, but then it should turn off afterward. If it doesn’t turn off, there may be a problem that needs to be resolved urgently.
Warning lights play an important role in your vehicle’s safe driving, so when there is an issue with one of them, is it something that you can ignore or do you need to check it checked out at a
car repair
shop? Here’s everything you need to know.

Why your Dodge Journey traction control light turns on

The
traction control light
on the Dodge Journey is one of the more confusing warning lights, not least because it isn’t called that in the
owner’s manual
. In the Journey manual, this light—which features the traditional symbol of a car with wavy skid lines coming from the wheels—is called the electronic stability control warning light.
The electronic stability control system enhances directional control and stability of the vehicle under various driving conditions. For example, it may correct oversteering or understeering, or it could reduce engine power to help the vehicle maintain the desired path.
Like the electronic stability control system, the traction control system is part of the overall electronic brake control system. These systems work together to enhance stability and control in various driving conditions. This includes electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock brake system, brake assist system, hill start assist, and electronic roll mitigation.
Overall, issues with these systems are covered by the brake system warning light, which comes on during driving (or stays on after the Journey is turned on) if the system isn’t functioning properly. If this light comes on and stays on, the car needs to be looked at by a mechanic.
The electronic stability control light flashes when either the ECS system or the traction control system is engaged. The owner’s manual recommends that you ease up on the accelerator and apply as little throttle as possible, adapting speed and driving to the prevailing road conditions.
But if it stays on, there could be an issue. Let’s break down some possible causes of a
traction control malfunction
.
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged

Temporary loss of traction

As we’ve already mentioned, one reason the light might be showing is as part of its normal operation when you’re driving in conditions that don’t offer enough traction, like heavy rain or snow.
In these conditions, it will come on and flash, and it may switch off and on again as conditions fluctuate. This is normal, but you need to keep an eye on the light afterward to make sure it switches off again. If not, you will need to take it for an
inspection
.
MORE: Are Dodges expensive to maintain?

Faulty wheel speed sensors

Another common cause of a traction control system malfunction is a failing wheel speed sensor. Their placement on the wheels means that they are subjected to a lot of wear and tear, so this may well be one of the first things that a mechanic will check. You can also use an OBD-II scan tool to check for
trouble codes
associated with these sensors.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction

As we mentioned, the
anti-lock brake system
is part of the same control module as the traction control system. An issue with the ABS could result in the electronic stability control light coming on too. If the ABS light and traction control lights are both on, it’s time to bring your Journey in to get it checked over.
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged

Low tire pressure

Your tires play a huge role in making sure your Dodge Journey has the right amount of traction on the road, which is why it’s so important to make sure the
tire pressure
is correct.
The sensors on the wheels can identify low tire pressure as causing an issue with the traction, so this is another reason why the light can be triggered, along with a faulty tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Broken TCS control module

The electronic brake control system module for your Dodge Journey’s traction control and braking support systems can malfunction. This is another potential cause of the light staying on, particularly alongside the brake system warning light. If this is the case, you urgently need to take the vehicle to a mechanic or your local Dodge dealership to check the control module.

Traction control system turned off

If the ESC OFF indicator light is on (showing the car with skid lines and the word OFF underneath), it shows that you have fully or partially switched off the electronic stability control or traction control systems.
If this light is showing, be sure to check that you haven’t accidentally turned the system off before taking the Journey in to be repaired, if only to spare your blushes.

Can you drive with the traction control light on?

You can drive your Dodge Journey with the traction control light on, but you must be particularly careful in bad conditions.
If the electronic stability control light/traction control light is on while you are driving in normal conditions, it is ok for you to continue driving, but you should do so with extra caution. If you are likely to encounter very rainy or snowy conditions, you need to get the situation investigated and resolved as a matter of urgency.
“I was tired of looking around multiple websites, so I decided to give
Jerry
a try. Let me tell you—the process is so easy and simple, and they really find you the best prices for your coverage level. Getting insurance for my new car was quick and easy!” —Joanna D.
Don't get ripped off!
Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees
icon4.717k Ratings
5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
Try GarageGuard™

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings