Q: Car powers down & says service traction & ESC Light

asked by on October 24, 2016

Car powers down & says service traction & service esc. I am wondering what's wrong with it ???

My car has 88000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement $123.10 - $666.75 Get a Quote
Traction Control Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. When the vehicle detects some instability or if it detects that it cannot control the stability system then this will occur. Many times this happens because of low voltage in the electrical system. I always start by load testing the battery and the alternator and making sure that all of the battery connections are good.

If those are fine, then I use my computer scan tool to check the control module for codes which would indicate why the light is being turned on. If nothing comes up, then I drive the vehicle with the scan too installed to see which sensors are reading incorrectly as it may simply be a bad sensor. If you need to have this service traction system light checked, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair this and any other issues that have emerged.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I turn on the parking lights in a 2012 Toyota Corolla?
The parking lights are operated via the light switch, which is on the end of the turn signal lever. To turn on the parking lights, rotate the light switch to the parking lights position. When the parking lights are turned...
Car misfires; crack in manifold
Hello. A crack in the exhaust manifold near the O2 sensor can cause some poor sensor readings to the computer. The crack will allow fresh air to enter the exhaust, which causes the sensor to tell the computer that there...
Reduced power when accelerating
There are a quite a few possibilities. If the engine is running rough, you may have a misfire. If there is a problem with the turbo, you will have little power. The mass airflow sensor measures the airflow to the...
Car coughs while driving.....sometimes.
Hi there. There are multiple potential causes of your engine's "cough". The engine that powers your 2007 Honda City has multiple sensors that help the fuel system burn fuel efficiently. Since your fuel efficiency mileage is also suffering, my initial...
Won't shift out of second gear - 2000 GMC Sierra 2500
Hello. This definitely sounds like an electronic transmission control issue. It could be something as simple as a transmission range selection switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-position-sensor-switch-replacement) or something as serious as a transmission valve body. You may want to consult with a transmission...
Electrical Issues - 1999 Toyota RAV4
Hey there. It is very possible that the negative terminal end on your battery cables (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-cable-replacement) could be damaged. I would recommend loosening it up and removing it for further inspection. If the terminal is broken in any way it...
Automatic Trunk open/close feature not working but button lights up. I soldiered broken wires back together - reset?
Hello, thanks for writing in. Most of the time this is caused by a programming issue with the control module. It usually occurs if the module fails or if there is a loss of power. It can also occur if...
Hi, why is it heavy to steer my wheel? But before that I am having problem with my front left tire, its always low on pressure.
When either of your two front tires are low on air pressure, this will cause the steering to be tough to steer depending on how low the air pressure is. Less air in the tire creates more drag on the...
My turn signal don't work
The most common cause of no turn signals is the turn signal switch or the flasher. If the lights front and back come on but do not flash then a flasher may need to be replaced.If the lights do not...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a General Contractor
If If you're a general contractor, you probably aren’t in the market for a used car. More likely, you’re looking for a pickup truck, because you need to haul equipment and supplies to various job sites. Most contractors will likely...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Steering Angle Sensor
Common signs include the Traction Control Light coming on, steering wheel feeling loose, and the car driving differently after a front end alignment.
How to Replace a Traction Control Module
The traction control module (TCM) can reduce engine power or apply braking to an individual wheel to prevent wheel spin in rain, ice, or snow.