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- Vehicle Symptoms
- What Are Common Car Failure Searches?
- What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
- Why Does My Car Drive Weird?
- Why Does My Car Make Noises?
- Why Does my Car smell?
- Symptoms Without Summary
- Car Leaking Coolant
- AC Isn't Cooling
- AC Blowing Hot Air
- Shaking While Driving
- Overheating AC
- AC Smells Like Vinegar
- Heater Not Working
- Windshield Wipers Don't Work
- Car Leaking Water
- Car Leaking Red Fluid
- Car Battery Leaking
- AC Only Work Sometimes
- Shaking While Idle
- Shaking At High Speeds
- Evap System Leak
- Shaking While Braking At High Speeds
- Shaking When Stopped
- Shaking When Accelerating
- Radiator Leaking
- Pink Fluid Leaking
- Car Leaking Oil
- AC Not Working.
- Car Leaking Gas
- Power Steering Fluid Leak
- Bad Brake Caliper
Hey, Why Is My Car's ESC Light Active?
If you are short on time and want to fast-track the process to professional help, click Yes
Is Your Car's ESC Light On?
The ESC light appears because the car is activating traction assistance at that very moment. Now, if this is happening out-of-context (like, it’s constantly lit all the time), there might be a wheel sensor issue, a tire alignment problem, or a faulty anti-lock brake module.
Your car's ESC light flashing is not something to ignore. Instead, it warns that something may risk your vehicle's integrity and you could be losing control. To ensure your safety on the road and prevent symptoms from worsening, you must learn the reasons behind the warning and what to do about it.
At the first sign of a flashing ESC light, we recommend communicating any concerns with a technician for professional assistance. Catching potential problems early on can save you time and money in the long run.
Let's Get To The Bottom Of It!
- You might also notice both the ABS and ESC lights steadily on the car's dashboard. In addition, t...read more
You might also notice both the ABS and ESC lights steadily on the car's dashboard. In addition, the vehicle might suffer more slips when accelerating on slippery roads.
The wheel speed sensor checks how fast each wheel spins and tells the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) module. If a wheel or group of wheels slips, the ESC uses the brake and power control modules to adjust these wheels' power, preventing them from slipping. If the speed sensor is faulty, the traction control and anti-lock brakes may flash when they shouldn't. Also, if there's an issue with the sensor, both the ABS and traction control shut off, flashing the warning lights.
- If you also notice the check engine light active, the tires slipping when accelerating, and a gro...read more
If you also notice the check engine light active, the tires slipping when accelerating, and a growling noise when braking or accelerating, there's an issue.
When your car tires start slipping, the ESC (Electronic Stability control) kicks in to keep you in control. It uses the anti-lock brakes and power control module to reduce power to the slipping wheel, so your car doesn't lose traction and spin. However, when the ESC works, the light turns on briefly. But, as soon as you restore traction, the light should turn off.
- You might also notice a "check engine" light on the dashboard. The steering angle sensor t...read more
You might also notice a "check engine" light on the dashboard.
The steering angle sensor tells the anti-lock brake and traction control systems which way the car is going and how fast it's turning. If the readings from the sensor are wrong or unstable, the ABS and ESC systems may turn on at the wrong times or even turn off completely if the problem is serious enough. Consequently, the vehicle is prompt to slip depending on road conditions.
- You might also notice the ABS, "Check Engine," and ESC lights on the car's dashboard. The ...read more
You might also notice the ABS, "Check Engine," and ESC lights on the car's dashboard.
The ABS prevents your tires from slipping while braking or accelerating, helping you to control your vehicle in harsh driving conditions. If the ABS isn't working, it'll turn off, and your brakes may lock up on slippery roads.
- You might also notice a "check engine" light flashing on your car's dashboard, indicating a deepe...read more
You might also notice a "check engine" light flashing on your car's dashboard, indicating a deeper problem.
The ESC has an on/off switch that you can activate for specific driving conditions. If the switch is not functioning or there's a problem, the ESC warning light will stay on steadily.
- Notice if your vehicle's braking and acceleration are slippery on wet roads. In addition, you mig...read more
Notice if your vehicle's braking and acceleration are slippery on wet roads. In addition, you might also notice a "check engine" light on the car's dashboard.
Tires with similar rolling distances are essential for vehicles with electronic stability control; each tire's length when spinning should be equal. Unfortunately, different tread designs and tire brands have different rolling distances, even if they're the same size. Also, worn tires have various measures than new ones. Using mismatched tires confuses the wheel speed sensors, triggering traction control or anti-lock brakes even while driving straight. This may also disable the ABS or ESC systems.
Find Professional Help
Please select your vehicle's brand and location so we can locate the best professional help for youVehicle Health Inspection Proof
Explore the following typical inspection results that show a potential cause for the symptom and select the one you believe is similar to your vehicle's issue.
Disabled esc system
Mismatched tires
Faulty wheel speed sensor
Confusing dashboard ESC light icon
Fauly steering angle sensor
Faulty anti-lock brake module
This image shows a car's panel. The red arrow points to an "ESP Off" button, which switches the ESC light off.
They loaned their car to their son for a few months, and after getting it back, they noticed that the ESC light was on. They said the last time this happened, they had to replace a wheel speed sensor.
The technician took the car for a test drive and saw that the ESC light was on. So they tried to toggle the ESC switch on the dashboard and found that the light would turn off and on again when flickering.
The technician did a vehicle health inspection and found no other issues related to the customer's concern.
The technician explained to the customer that some vehicles have a switch that turns off the ESC system. This is not the case with all cars, but it's here; the switch is on the dashboard. They showed the customer a picture of where the switch was.
1/6
This proof image shows four tires from the same vehicle. The red arrows indicate their tread patterns, height, and condition differences.
A customer noticed a problem with their vehicle after getting new tires. They said the ABS and ESC lights were always active and wondered if their car had damaged a wheel speed sensor.
The technician took the car for a test drive and noticed that the ABS and ESC lights were on. However, they didn't see any more issues.
During a vehicle health inspection, the technician saw two worn front tires and two new back tires from a different brand with different treads. So, the vehicle's front tires were different than the rear ones.
After getting approval to perform additional tests, the technician ran diagnostics and found that the wheels' speeds differed. So they recommended replacing all four tires with the same brand and tread. After doing so, the lights went off, and the wheel speeds were the same.
2/6
This image shows a faulty wheel speed sensor. In this case, a failing wheel bearing damaged the sensor, making the system fail to detect if drivers perform emergency steering maneuvers.
A customer reported a noise coming from their vehicle's left front wheel. The noise started as a hum but got louder and felt like a rumble. A week ago, the ABS and traction control lights also appeared on the dash.
The mechanic test-drove the vehicle and found the ABS and traction control lights on the dashboard. The left front wheel's noise got louder when doing a right turn.
During a vehicle health inspection, the mechanic found a loose wheel bearing on the left front wheel, making a loud noise. They fixed the wheel bearing and replaced the wheel speed sensor and tone ring, which had been damaged.
After repairs, the mechanic used a scan tool to ensure the speed sensor worked adequately. The ABS and traction control systems are restored and can work with the electronic stability control (ESC) system.
3/6
This proof image shows the ESC icon flashing on a car's dashboard. In this case, the system is working as usual.
A customer reported that they traveled to a snowy area. When they were driving on a snowy, icy road, a light on the dashboard showed a car with squiggly lines; the light came on briefly and disappeared.
The technician test-drove the car, finding no issues. The electronic stability control system worked as usual when they drove over gravel and accelerated hard. No other warning lights popped up.
The technician found no problems during a vehicle health inspection or a code scan. The vehicle is functioning normally, and the technician recommended educating the customer about electronic stability control systems.
The light flashed on the dashboard refers to the ESC system, which is one of the most important safety features in your car, and doesn't indicate any issues.
4/6
This proof image shows a faulty steering angle sensor, which affects performance if a driver tries to regain control in a traffic situation. After removing the steering wheel, the mechanic saw damage signs.
A customer had a problem with their vehicle. They said the car slid when turning a corner on a wet, curvy road. They also mentioned that the ABS and traction control light was active for a few months.
The technician took the car for a test drive and saw the ABS and traction control lights on the dashboard. Then, they did a vehicle health inspection and found nothing related to the customer's concern.
The customer approved additional tests, and the technician used a special scanner on the vehicle, discovering that the steering angle sensor was faulty. The reading remained the same regardless of how the steering wheel was moving.
Finally, the technician found that the steering angle sensor needed replacement. Note that this part sits under the steering wheel. A replacement will fix the customer's problem.
5/6
This image shows an ABS module. In this case, the module is damaged, preventing the anti lock braking system and ESC from working.
A customer had a problem with their vehicle's brakes. They said the brakes were locking up randomly, especially during panic stops or when it's raining. They also mentioned that the brakes feel grabby, and they think they're faulty.
The technician took the car for a test drive, noticing several warning lights, including the ABS light, traction control light, and check engine light. They confirmed that the brakes were locking up and the ABS wasn't working.
The technician did a vehicle health inspection, finding no problems with the brakes. Next, they did a code scan and detected a problem with the ABS module. The module wasn't picking up on any steering and rotation information.
The technician got permission to do additional tests and found that the ABS module was failing. They checked the power and ground going to the module, and everything worked properly. They concluded that the ABS module needed to be replaced and reprogrammed.
6/6Typical Fixes to Address the Cause(s)
The following chapters bases themselves on experiences from our auto repair shop; we'll describe related problems' causes and fixes.
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Vehicle Symptoms
Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing
Other things your auto repair shop might talk about:
Dynamic stability control. Electronic stability program. Engine power. Stability control light. indicator light. steering wheel's position. control unit. car manufacturers