Seeing the ABS light and the traction control light come on at the same time can feel like the car is suddenly less trustworthy. You might still be able to drive normally, but the dashboard is telling you something important, and it’s hard not to wonder what’s actually working and what isn’t.
The good news is that these two lights often turn on together for logical reasons. ABS and traction control share sensors and computer logic, so one fault can trigger both warnings. The key is understanding what likely caused it and what changes you should expect until it’s fixed.
Why ABS And Traction Control Are Linked
ABS helps prevent wheel lockup during braking by monitoring wheel speed and modulating brake pressure. Traction control uses many of the same wheel speed signals to detect wheel slip during acceleration. On many vehicles, stability control is tied into this network too.
Because the systems share wheel speed sensors, wiring, and control modules, a problem in one area often disables multiple features. That’s why it’s common to see both lights together instead of just one.
What Changes When Those Lights Are On
When the lights are on, ABS and traction control may be disabled or operating in a limited mode. Your normal brakes still work, but you may not have anti-lock braking assistance during a hard stop. Traction control may not intervene if a drive wheel slips.
In real-world terms, that means you should drive more cautiously, especially on wet or icy roads. Braking may feel normal in everyday stops. The difference is how the vehicle behaves during panic braking or sudden loss of traction.
If you also see a stability control warning, that often means stability assist is reduced as well.
The Most Common Cause: Wheel Speed Sensor Or Tone Ring Problems
Wheel speed sensors are the top suspect when ABS and traction lights show up together. Each wheel has a sensor that reads wheel rotation. The sensor reads a tone ring or encoder, and the system uses that data to compare wheel speeds.
If one sensor sends a signal that drops out, becomes erratic, or reads a speed that doesn’t match the others, the system can set a fault and disable ABS and traction control. This can happen from a damaged sensor, corrosion at the mounting point, debris buildup, or a damaged tone ring.
Sometimes the issue is not the sensor itself. The wiring can get damaged near the wheel where it flexes, or a connector can corrode. That can create intermittent faults that come and go depending on the weather or bumps.
Low Voltage Or Battery Related Issues
ABS modules and traction control systems are sensitive to voltage. A weak battery, charging system issues, or a recent low-voltage event can trigger warnings, especially right after starting or during heavy electrical load.
If the lights come on right after a hard start, or you’ve noticed other electrical quirks, voltage becomes more likely. In some cases, the system will store a low-voltage code even if the lights later go off. That code can still point you toward the underlying issue.
Brake System Inputs That Trigger Both Lights
Some vehicles will turn on traction and ABS warnings if the system sees a brake-related input that doesn’t make sense. Examples include a brake light switch problem, a steering angle sensor issue, or a yaw sensor fault in stability control equipped vehicles. These sensors help the system understand what the driver is doing and how the car is moving.
A low brake fluid level can also trigger warnings on some vehicles. Low fluid can mean worn pads or a leak. It doesn’t always trigger traction and ABS together on its own, but it’s worth checking because brake system health is tied to how these systems operate.
Road Conditions That Can Trigger A Temporary Event
Sometimes the lights come on after a harsh pothole hit, driving through deep snow, or getting a wheel spinning on loose ground. That can temporarily confuse a sensor signal or kick debris into the sensor area.
If the lights turn off after a restart and do not return, it may have been a temporary signal event. If they keep coming back, the system is likely detecting a consistent fault. Even intermittent warnings deserve attention because ABS and traction control are most valuable when conditions are poor.
At Wagamon Brothers, we’ve seen cases where a small sensor issue only showed up during wet weather, then became constant once corrosion progressed. Catching it early usually keeps the repair simpler.
A Practical Decision Guide For What To Do Next
- If ABS and traction lights come on together, these steps can help you decide how urgently to act.
- If the brake warning light is also on, or the brake pedal feels different, get it inspected as soon as possible.
- If driving feels normal but both lights stay on, drive cautiously and schedule diagnostics soon, especially before bad weather.
- If the lights come and go, note when it happens, like after rain or after hitting bumps, because that pattern can help pinpoint a sensor or wiring issue.
- If you notice grinding noises, wheel bearing hum, or vibration, mention it during inspection, because wheel bearing issues can affect sensor readings on some designs.
The goal is to confirm the exact fault rather than replacing parts based on a hunch.
Get ABS And Traction Control Diagnostics in Columbia Heights, MN, with Wagamon Brothers
We can scan the system, check wheel speed sensor signals, inspect wiring and related components, and pinpoint why the ABS and traction lights are on together. We’ll explain what’s causing the warnings and what repair restores the safety features so your vehicle can handle slick conditions confidently again.
Call
Wagamon Brothers in Columbia Heights, MN, to schedule diagnostics and get those dashboard lights resolved.
