The traction control light is on, my lexus sc 400

Traction assist is a measurement that compares the spin of one wheel to the spin of another. When a traction light is on, it means that the system is activated to make the two wheels spin at the same rate.

Traction control systems perform this in several ways. Some systems use independent braking to apply the brakes to the fastest spinning wheel. Other systems affect the engine so RPM is lowered and a combination of both methods may be used to brake one wheel while reducing engine RPM.

Now the spin counter can be mounted at each wheel or in the differential. Those that are mounted in the wheels are subject to debris like rust or brake pad material blocking the spin counters.

I can imagine the trans being tied into the traction system by limiting the trans from shifting into higher gears if the car thinks the wheels are already turning too fast.

Now I am not a Lexus Expert, but on Mercury systems the Traction Control has an on/off switch. If you go to alldatadiy.com or Autozone.com and register your vehicle for free. You will be able to get wiring and fusebox details. If the traction control system has its own fuse, pull it.

There is a good chance that with the traction control shut off, the car will shift normally. Then you can drive somewhere that can test the traction control and predict what is wrong.

You need to have someone scan the computer for trouble codes. Most auto parts stores in the US will do this for free in hopes of selling you some parts. The traction control uses the engine to maintain the stability of the car, so you may or may not have a second problem with that system.

BEST TO GET VECHICLE CODE SCAN TO SEE WHAT CAUSING TRACTION LIGHT TO FLASH. YOU HAVE PROBLEM IN ECM AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM.

Try Google...or Toyota/Lexus dealership. Either one will have it.

The trac light means there is a problem with one of the sensors for the traction control system.

The wheel speed sensor may be bad in one or more of the wheels or the traction control module is bad.

Either way, the traction control will not work intermittently.

Have the computer scanned for codes on the traction control side.

traction control is for control of the traction of the drive tires
Tale it to a professional brake shop for a proper diagnosis
grabbing brakes is more likely no brake pads and / or damaged rotor discs

traction control is a separate system. If traction control or ABS is a problem they are taken out of the loop and the normal brakes still work. The master is for the brake system/ The ABS module and valve body and wheel sensors are your traction/antiskip system.

you need to have alternator checked and replaced.

the track off light will come everytime yhe check engine light comes on. this is normal. you need to have the check engine light checked first.you can go to your local parts house they will scan it for so you at least see what area you problem is in and then you can start from there. let me know lf you find out youe engine codes.