Why is the Traction Control Light on in my Honda Civic

The traction control system helps control the vehicle’s stability and prevent wheel slippage. If you are unsure about troubleshooting the traction control light, you should visit a mechanic for a diagnostic inspection. They can determine the cause and suggest any needed repairs.

Why is the Traction Control Light on in my Honda Civic?

Your Honda Civic’s traction control light might be on for several reasons. Here are some of the most common:

• A bad sensor, module, or wiring issue in the traction control system itself. 
• A problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). ABS and traction control often share components
• Worn tires or incorrect tire pressure. It doesn’t matter if it’s too high or low both can cause problems.
• Severe weather conditions. Traction control is designed to help you maintain control of your car in slippery conditions, so it’s not uncommon for the light to come on in snow, ice, or heavy rain.

If you are driving in poor road conditions and the traction control light comes on, it could mean the system is working properly.

How to Turn Traction Control Off/On in a Honda Civic

The default setting for all Honda Civic models is that traction control is always on when the car starts.

Option 1: All Model Years with Traction Control

1. Press the traction control button to toggle the system on and off
   1. Usually by the gear shift or left side of the steering wheel
2. Holding the button until a beep sounds also disables stability control

Traction control will reengage the next time the car starts

Option 2: Models with Electronic Settings

Pressing the traction control button will still work. This is just another option:

1. Go to Settings
2. Scroll to Stability Settings
3. Choose “TCS”
4. Press “Set”
5. Select “off” from options

Option 3: Model Years 2016-2023

This will turn the traction and stability control systems completely off

1. Turn the car to “on”
2. Disengage the Parking brake
3. Press and hold the brake pedal
4. Toggle traction control on and off
5. Engage the Parking brake
6. Release the brake pedal
7. Toggle traction control on and off
8. Press and hold the brake pedal again
9. Toggle traction control on and off 

FAQ

Is it safe to drive with the traction control light on in a Honda Civic?

Yes, it is usually safe to drive with the light on. You will need to adjust your driving. However, if the light stays on, the problem should be looked into.

Does traction control affect my Honda Civic’s performance?

Yes, it can make high-performance driving more difficult and make your acceleration more controlled since it works to prevent wheels from slipping, among other things.