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Annette Williams Posted on Aug 26, 2015
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Why does the traction control light turn on and stay on when I start the engine?

After driving about 10 miles, if I turn the engine off and back on, the light goes out??????? If I don't do this, I have no cruise control. Otherwise, the car operates just fine.

1 Answer

Bill Boyd

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  • Subaru Master 53,816 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 26, 2015
Bill Boyd
Subaru Master
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Joined: Jan 04, 2013
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Traction control and abs units both use the same wheel sensors
check for problem wires
run the fault codes to check for other areas and faults.

2 Related Answers

alicantecoli

Colin Stickland

  • 22516 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 22, 2008

SOURCE: After oil change, check engine

dealer only software neede to reset this problem.sorry i couldnt be any more help but try reading the software whens it encrypted ??

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Anonymous

  • 324 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 12, 2011

SOURCE: We were driving on the interstate about 70 mph

I have owned five Subarus and this is a problem I that have never seen before. When your TCS light comes on, it disables cruise control, so that part should not worry you.

Since your TCS and check engine light came on together, I suspect the "problem" was with the transmission. It sounds like a one-time "fluke".

You can go to any good auto parts store and ask to borrow their ECM analyzer.... it is a "box" that wil talk to your Tribeca's computer and let you know exactly what the problem is. You connect it to the jack by the drivers side left knee, then turn the key on (but do not start). Follow the directions on the screen and it will give you a readout of what problems it sees.

Copy down the displayed information in case you need it.... The code number(s) and description(s) can be very helpful.

Follow the on-screen instructions and clear (erase) the problems. Turn off your car, disconnect the box, and after you return it drive home and see if the lights come back. You may have had a "freak" occurance, and that is what I am hoping happened... you hit a pothole or bump just right and the computer lost its mind for just a second....

If it gives you any peace of mind.... the 3.0 H-6 Subaru engine is the absolutely most solid, best performing engine I have ever experienced in a car.. Mine was a 2001 LL Bean Limited and I LOVED IT! My big mistake was giving it to one of my children.... but that story is best left to a blog and not this forum!!!

Good Luck!

VA

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Related Questions:

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1answer

How to turn off traction control for a 2002 Buick Century

The Enhanced
Traction System
warning light may
come on for the
following reasons:

If you turn the system off by shifting to SECOND (2)
or FIRST (1), the warning light will come on and stay
on. To turn the system back on, shift to THIRD (3) or
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (). See “Enhanced
Traction System” in the Index.

If the Enhanced Traction System warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the system is turned on, your vehicle
needs service. Adjust your driving accordingly.

The warning light will come on when you set your
parking brake with the engine running, and it will
stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully.
If the transaxle shift lever is in any position other
than FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and the warning
light stays on after your parking brake is fully
released, it means there’s a problem with the system.

If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn off
and the warning light will come on.
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Traction Control light is on and engine reduceing speed comes on screen.Code PO1125,PO420,PO446 are all present with the engine light on.HELP!

Could be as simple as a brake sensor ( that is your anti-lock braking system it is tied into the traction control system ) Good luck it is a easy replacement part if that is what it is.
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Purchased focus sport 2006 model no service manual. Mileage 43,000 kms. Need to know service intervals either time/mileage perhaps a copy of the service schedule will suffice.

These maintenance intervals come from the maintenance interval calculator
at www.autozone.com, using a starting point of 25,800 miles (43000 km), and
assuming 1000 miles (1666 km) driven per month, and "severe driving conditions," which
are actually normal usage characteristics, such as frequent short trips, urban driving, waiting in traffic, driving in hot weather, trips under 16 km in cold weather, etc.

STARTING MILEAGE: 25800 (43,000 Kilometers)
Item
Action
Service History

20000 miles or 32000 kilometers

Battery Check
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Tires Rotate


21000 miles or 33600 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace


24000 miles or 38400 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
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25000 miles or 40000 kilometers

Battery Check
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Tires Rotate


27000 miles or 43200 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
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30000 miles or 48000 kilometers

Battery Check
Air Filter Element Check
Wheel Bearing Lubricate
Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Fuel Filter Replace
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Fluid - A/T Replace
Cabin Air Filter Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Cooling System Inspect
Wheel Bearing Inspect
Ball Joint Inspect
Drive/Propeller Shaft Inspect
Exhaust System Inspect
Steering and Suspension Inspect
Heat Shield, Exhaust Inspect
Tires Rotate


33000 miles or 52800 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace


35000 miles or 56000 kilometers

Battery Check
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Tires Rotate


36000 miles or 57600 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
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39000 miles or 62400 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
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40000 miles or 64000 kilometers

Battery Check
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Engine Oil Replace
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42000 miles or 67200 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
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Engine Oil Replace


45000 miles or 72000 kilometers

Battery Check
Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Fuel Filter Replace
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Cabin Air Filter Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Cooling System Inspect
Wheel Bearing Inspect
Ball Joint Inspect
Drive/Propeller Shaft Inspect
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48000 miles or 76800 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
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Engine Oil Replace


50000 miles or 80000 kilometers

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51000 miles or 81600 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
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54000 miles or 86400 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace


55000 miles or 88000 kilometers

Battery Check
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Tires Rotate


57000 miles or 91200 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace


60000 miles or 96000 kilometers

Battery Check
Air Filter Element Check
Wheel Bearing Lubricate
Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Fuel Filter Replace
Spark Plug Replace
Fluid Filter - A/T Replace
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Engine Oil Replace
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Cabin Air Filter Replace
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Tires Rotate


63000 miles or 100800 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
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Engine Oil Replace


65000 miles or 104000 kilometers

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Engine Oil Replace
Vehicle Inspect
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66000 miles or 105600 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
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Engine Oil Replace


69000 miles or 110400 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
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Engine Oil Replace


70000 miles or 112000 kilometers

Battery Check
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Tires Rotate


72000 miles or 115200 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace


75000 miles or 120000 kilometers

Battery Check
Air Filter Element Check
Steering and Suspension Lubricate
Fuel Filter Replace
Oil Filter, Engine Replace
Engine Oil Replace
Cabin Air Filter Replace
Vehicle Inspect
Brakes and Traction Control Inspect
Cooling System Inspect
Wheel Bearing Inspect
Ball Joint Inspect
Drive/Propeller Shaft Inspect
Steering and Suspension Inspect
Tires Rotate


78000 miles or 124800 kilometers

Steering and Suspension Lubricate
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80000 miles or 128000 kilometers

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And you can continue the pattern from there...
0helpful
1answer

Left the keys in the ignition adn had AAA jump it. Now the T/C with a slash through it came on and the light that says low engine power. The car starts really rough and has no power when u drive it. WHats...

T/C light = Traction Control

Could be something going on with a wheel speed sensor. You'll have to have the ABS/TCS controller scanned for any stored trouble codes to see why the controller is turning on the light. The code(s) might help you to determine what part of the system is faulting. You'll have to take it to a shop that has a high end scan tool.

If the TC light is on, chances are there is a trouble code set and stored in the computer. You need to determine what the code is. If you take the car to a nationally recognized parts store, most will scan the computer for free, so there is no money out of pocket for you.


Actron also makes a ABS code checker called BrakeScan. Don't know how good it is, but it might be good for a DIY person.

TC Explanation:

If your vehicle is equipped with the Enhanced Traction System (ETS), this warning light should come on briefly as you start the engine. If the warning light does not come on, then have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the warning light stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there may be a problem with your Enhanced Traction System and your vehicle may need service. When this warning light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The Enhanced Traction System warning light may come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by moving the shift lever to FIRST (1), the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on, move the shift lever back to a position other than FIRST (1). The warning light should go off. The warning light will come on when you set your parking brake with the engine running, and it will stay on if your parking brake does not release fully. If the transaxle shift lever is in any position other than FIRST (1) and the warning light stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means there is a problem with the system. If the traction control system is affected by an engine-related problem, the system will turn off and the warning light will come on. If the Enhanced Traction System warning light comes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the transaxle shift lever is in any position other than FIRST (1), your vehicle needs service.


Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating and POSITIVE TESTIMONIAL are appreciated for answering your FREE question.
5helpful
2answers

Traction light on , reduce engine power lights on 07 ss impala what does that sound like .

I know this is not a solution but I too started having this same problem today. Start car, runs normal then all the sudden it feels funny, traction control light blinks on and dash displays service traction control-reduced engine power. This causes my car to sputter like it is going to stall I have to pull over and turn my car off and back on to drive off (only for it to do it within the next 10 minutes). I thought turning TC off would work for now just to drive it, no not successful stil does it : ( I TOOK IT TO AUTO ZONE AND HAD IT SCANNED HAD A CODE FOR GROSS EVAC LEAK AND SOMETHING ABOUT THE THROTTLE PLATE/BODY NOT SURE IF THAT IS RELATED BUT THAT ALL THE INFO I HAVE ON THAT.
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The check light stays on and the trac light stays on and the vsc light remains on. took it back to where i bought it at findlay honda in henderson, nevada, and they replaced the battery, and gas cap...

I would look for another mechanic that covers the warranty and have them put a OBD 2 monitor on it and see what is going on. To me from your explanation it sounds like the computer is malfunctioning and possibly needs to be replaced
0helpful
2answers

How do I turn traction control on? Light on dash says "traction off" all the time.

The Enhanced Traction System warning light may come on for the following reasons:
If you turn the system off by shifting to SECOND (2) or FIRST (1), the warning light will come on and stay on. To turn the system back on,shift to THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE

If the traction control system is affected by an engine-related problem, the system will turn off and the warning light will come on.

If the Enhanced Traction System warning lightmcomes on and stays on for an extended period of time when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs service. Adjust your driving accordingly..
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