If you drive a Ram 1500 and notice the traction control light briefly light up, it’s actually a good thing. It means your traction control system is functioning to keep you moving in the right direction despite slippery conditions. But if it stays on or flickers, there may be a problem with your anti-lock brake system.

If you’re not sure whether your traction control light is on because of a malfunction or if it’s just doing its job, you can learn more about deciphering its signals in this article. We’ll also show you what symptoms to look for if there’s a possible malfunction so you can head to the

car repair

shop armed with some knowledge.

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Why your Ram 1500 traction control light turns on

If you’ve ever felt perplexed by your

traction control (TCS) light

, you’re not alone. It’s a little unusual because it sometimes lights up to signal everything is in working order, and sometimes it indicates everything is not in working order. You just need to know how to spot the difference.

Your Ram 1500 uses the RAM Electronic Stability Control (ECS) system, which relies on sensors in your wheel-bearing assembly to detect whether or not the wheels have sufficient traction.

Typically, a loss of traction occurs in slick wet conditions, snow, or ice. Sometimes, you might encounter traction control issues while driving on loose gravel or sand. Regardless of the cause, when a wheel loses traction, these sensors in the wheel-bearing assembly signal the traction control module.

This module then transfers power from the slipping wheel to your other three wheels, which prevents you from skidding out. When this happens, your car’s traction control light, or TRAC light, usually turns on briefly to let you know what happens. You can identify this light by its design—shown by either a TC or an icon of a car losing control.

You can check your

owner’s manual

if you need help finding or identifying the TRAC light.

It’s useful to know when slick conditions cause one of your wheels to slip, even momentarily. But sometimes, the TRAC light comes on because of a malfunction in your electronic stability control system. If you have a

traction control malfunction

, you’ll want to get to the bottom of the cause so you can get it fixed.

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Temporary loss of traction

If you’re driving in conditions like

snow

, ice, or

freezing rain

and your TRAC light comes on for a moment, it’s a safe bet that your traction control system is functioning normally. The light informed you that power was transferred to the wheels that have maintained traction—allowing you to continue driving in the direction you intended.

But if the light comes on and stays on, repeatedly flickers on and off, or is joined by other warning lights, then you need to get your truck checked out. You can get a

traction control light inspection

, which lets you know if the problem is from your sensors, battery, or something else.

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Faulty wheel speed sensors

Another possible cause behind your TRAC light could be a wheel speed sensor failure. These sensors are attached to the Ram 1500’s wheels, and if you use your truck for any heavy-duty driving, it’s easy to knock one out or wear it down. However, they’re not so easy to repair or replace.

If you suspect a faulty wheel speed sensor, you’ll probably need to take your truck to a mechanic.

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Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction

Because your traction control and

anti-lock brake

systems (ABS) use the same control modules, an ABS problem can cause your TRAC light to come on along with your ABS light. The cause could be something as simple as low brake fluid—or something more technical like a sensor defect.

If your TRAC and ABS lights are both on, you should get your truck to a mechanic for a lookover.

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Low tire pressure

An easy fix that might cause your TRAC light to stay on is

low tire pressure

. Low tire pressure might interfere with your TCS sensors in the wheels, causing the light to stay on. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the proper PSI if needed. Then, see if your TRAC light shuts off.

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Broken TCS/ABS control module

Sometimes, you may encounter a malfunction within the TCS/ABS control module. This might also cause your engine light to switch on. If your TRAC light is on along with the engine light, or the TRAC light is on in normal conditions, you may want to have a professional check the control module.

Traction control system turned off

You may have accidentally

turned off your traction control system

! If you have a Ram 1500 from 2019 or later, look under the touchscreen display system in the middle of your dashboard. You’ll find a button with the traction control emblem on it. Pushing it turns the system on and off.

Before you bring your Ram to the shop, make sure your system is on. It might save you some embarrassment—and a lot of money!

Can you drive with the traction control light on?

You can continue to drive if your TRAC light is on. If it’s accompanied by other warning lights, you’ll want to get your truck checked out by a professional.

If it’s just the TRAC light that’s on, your traction control system is not engaged. You can continue to drive without issue in normal conditions, but if you encounter slick roads, you could be at higher risk of losing control. Always proceed with caution!

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