You glance down at the dashboard and notice the ABS or traction control light has come on—or maybe both. While your car might still drive normally, those lights are warning you that part of your vehicle’s safety system isn’t functioning the way it should. These systems are designed to help you stay in control during hard braking or slippery road conditions, so when a light comes on, it’s worth looking into before the next unexpected stop.
How ABS and Traction Control Work Together
The ABS helps prevent your wheels from locking up during sudden or hard braking. It quickly pulses the brakes to maintain grip and steering control. Traction control, on the other hand, reduces wheel spin when you accelerate—especially on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces.
Because these systems share many of the same sensors and components, a fault in one can often affect the other. That’s why it’s common to see both warning lights turn on at the same time.
1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
Each wheel has a speed sensor that monitors how fast it’s rotating. This information is critical for both ABS and traction control to work. If one of these sensors gets dirty, damaged, or fails entirely, the system can’t detect wheel movement accurately—and the warning lights will turn on.
Sometimes, the sensor itself is fine, but a buildup of road grime or rust near the wheel hub can interfere with the signal. A quick inspection and cleaning might be all that’s needed, but a failing sensor will need replacement.
2. Damaged or Dirty Tone Ring
The tone ring (or reluctor ring) works alongside the wheel speed sensor. It’s usually mounted to the axle or wheel hub and has evenly spaced teeth that allow the sensor to detect rotation. If the tone ring is cracked, warped, or filled with debris, the ABS system can get faulty readings, triggering the warning lights.
This type of issue is more common on vehicles that see lots of off-road driving, coastal exposure, or simply have high mileage and wear.
3. Low Brake Fluid or Worn Brake Pads
Your vehicle’s brake system and ABS share the same hydraulic lines. If your brake fluid level is low—or if your pads are worn down—it can affect the pressure within the system, which may trigger a warning.
Low brake fluid isn’t always a leak—it could simply be the result of worn pads and caliper piston travel. Either way, it’s something worth checking right away.
4. Steering Angle Sensor Malfunction
Modern traction control systems also rely on a steering angle sensor to understand the direction you’re turning. If the sensor fails or becomes misaligned—such as after a steering or suspension repair—it can throw off the readings and confuse the system.
This often results in the traction control light staying on, especially when cornering or accelerating from a turn. Recalibrating the sensor may resolve the issue, but in some cases, replacement is needed.
5. Issues with the ABS Module or Wiring
The ABS module acts as the system’s brain. It processes sensor inputs and controls brake pressure at each wheel. If the module itself malfunctions or if a wiring fault disrupts communication, the ABS and traction control lights may both come on.
Electrical issues like corroded connectors, damaged wires, or poor grounding are less common but more difficult to pinpoint without diagnostics.
Can I Still Drive with These Lights On
In most cases, your car will still drive normally, but you won’t have the added safety of anti-lock braking or traction assistance. That means you’ll be more vulnerable to skidding in emergency stops or slipping on slick roads.
If both lights come on and stay on, or if they flash while driving, it’s best to have the vehicle inspected. Sometimes, it’s something minor—but it could also mean your vehicle’s safety systems aren’t working when you need them most.
Neighborhood Tire Pros – ABS and Traction Control Diagnostics in Suwanee, Decatur & Marietta, GA
At Neighborhood Tire Pros in Suwanee, Decatur (Memorial Drive & Clairemont Avenue), and Marietta, GA, we use advanced diagnostic tools to get to the root of warning light issues. Whether it’s a wheel speed sensor, brake fluid concern, or module malfunction, our technicians will pinpoint the cause and get your systems back online. Book your visit today and drive with full confidence in every stop and turn.