This tool provides general guidance — not professional mechanical advice. Always have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle before making any repair decisions.
#1 Most Likely
Traction control / stability light on
Typical Cost
$100 – $600
ABS wheel speed sensor replacement typically costs $200–$400 per industry repair data (2024). Steering angle sensor replacement may cost $100–$300. Urgency reflects worst-case cause (loss of stability control on slippery roads during emergency maneuvers). Prices vary by vehicle make and region.
- Failed wheel speed sensor (shared with ABS system)
- Damaged ABS reluctor ring affecting speed sensor readings
- Failed steering angle sensor
- Stability control module fault
- ABS system fault disabling stability control as a cascade
A traction control or electronic stability control (ESC) warning light that remains on continuously — rather than flashing briefly when the system is actively working — indicates the system has detected a fault and is potentially disabled. This means the vehicle may no longer correct wheel spin or loss of control automatically during slippery conditions. On most vehicles, ABS and traction control share wheel speed sensors, so a failed sensor commonly triggers both lights.
What a mechanic will check
A mechanic will likely scan for ABS and stability control fault codes, inspect all four wheel speed sensors and their wiring, check for damage to the ABS reluctor rings, and verify control module communication. A steering angle sensor fault may also trigger this light on some vehicles.
What to say to your mechanic
“My traction control or stability light is on continuously — not just flashing briefly when I slip. Can you scan for ABS and stability control codes and check my wheel speed sensors to tell me what may have caused it? I want to know what component may be at fault before we discuss repairs.”
Script based on industry repair procedures
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