It’s one thing to see the ABS or traction control lights flash briefly on startup—but if they stay lit while driving, you know something’s going on. These warning lights are your vehicle’s way of telling you that part of the system isn’t functioning properly. But once the problem is fixed, those lights don’t always turn off on their own.
So how do you reset the ABS and traction control lights? The answer depends on what triggered them in the first place—and whether the issue has actually been resolved.
Step 1: Why the Lights Came On
Before resetting anything, it’s important to figure out what caused the lights to turn on. These systems rely on wheel speed sensors, brake pressure sensors, steering angle sensors, and the ABS control module to function properly. If any of those components fail or send incorrect signals, the lights will activate.
Common causes include:
- A faulty wheel speed sensor
- Damaged wiring or poor electrical connections
- Low brake fluid or worn brake pads
- A bad ABS module or traction control system malfunction
- Recent repairs that disturbed sensor alignment or calibration
If you’ve already had a repair completed or replaced a faulty part, you’re ready to move on to resetting the warning lights. But if you haven’t addressed the root problem yet, resetting the lights won’t do much—they’ll just come right back.
Step 2: Drive the Vehicle After Repairs
In many cases, once the issue has been resolved, the ABS or traction control light will turn off on its own after a few successful ignition cycles and steady driving. Some vehicles are programmed to automatically clear minor faults from memory after the system detects everything is working normally again.
Try driving for 10–15 minutes at moderate speed, including some turns and smooth stops. If the light goes off during this time, no further action is needed.
Step 3: Use a Diagnostic Scan Tool
If the light stays on after the issue has been repaired, a diagnostic scan tool is usually required to reset the system manually. This tool plugs into your car’s OBD-II port—typically located under the dashboard near the steering column—and allows the technician to read and clear stored fault codes.
Basic scan tools can only read engine codes, but professional-grade tools (like the ones used at Morrison Tire Inc.) can access ABS and traction control modules. These systems store “soft codes” that don’t always trigger a check engine light but still need to be cleared manually.
Step 4: Check for Pending Faults or Calibration Requirements
In some cases, clearing the code isn’t enough. Certain components—like steering angle sensors or yaw rate sensors—require recalibration after a repair or battery disconnect. If they’re out of alignment, the lights may return even if no components are failing.
The system may detect a “pending” code that hasn’t set off a full warning light yet but still prevents the reset from working. That’s why a full scan is important—it reveals what’s still going on behind the scenes.
Step 5: Avoid Temporary Fixes
You might find online tips for disconnecting the battery to reset the lights. While this can sometimes clear basic faults, it doesn’t address the actual problem or ensure the system is working correctly. Plus, disconnecting the battery can reset other systems—like your radio presets or engine idle memory—causing more inconvenience than it’s worth.
Resetting the ABS and traction control lights without confirming everything is operating properly can create a false sense of security. The last thing you want is to find out those systems weren’t working when you needed them most.
Morrison Tire – ABS and Traction Control Diagnostics in Garden Grove, CA
At Morrison Tire in Garden Grove, CA, we don’t just clear warning lights—we solve the problems behind them. If your ABS or traction control lights are staying on, our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the issue and reset the system only once it’s safe to do so. Whether it’s a sensor, a calibration, or a fluid level concern, we’ve got you covered. Stop by and let us restore your peace of mind.