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ABS / traction light on: Codes, Causes & Fixes

When the ABS or traction control light is on, the anti-lock and stability functions are usually disabled while normal braking still works – so allow extra stopping distance, especially on wet or icy roads. The most frequent causes are a wheel speed sensor, its wiring or a dirty or cracked tone ring, followed by low brake fluid and ABS module faults. If the red brake warning light is on as well, or the pedal feels soft, stop driving and have the brakes checked.

65Codes
3.0Average severity
12%High or critical
15%DIY-friendly
Severity distributionSeverity distribution

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P0500 Powertrain The engine computer lost its vehicle speed signal – speedometer, shifting and cruise control… Moderate C0035 Chassis The ABS module lost a valid signal from the driver-side front wheel speed sensor. Moderate C0021 Chassis The brake module thinks the power brake booster isn't giving the assist it should. Check pedal… High P0562 Powertrain The engine computer sees too little supply voltage – usually a charging, battery or ground… Moderate C0561 Chassis GM's brake or chassis module switched off stability/traction control because of a fault… Low C0161 Chassis The GM brake module gets a brake-light switch signal that doesn't make sense. Check your brake… Moderate

All codes (8)

All Severity 3+ Severity 4+
C0021 Chassis The brake module thinks the power brake booster isn't giving the assist it should. Check pedal… High C1252 Toyota · Chassis The brake pressure pump ran far longer than normal without reaching or holding its target… High C1256 Toyota · Chassis The brake system's high-pressure accumulator is below its minimum, so power brake assist can't… Critical C1391 Toyota · Chassis The hybrid brake system is losing stored hydraulic pressure internally, so the pump keeps… High P2504 Powertrain The charging system is overcharging – too much voltage can boil the battery and damage… High U0001 Network A module found the high-speed CAN network itself misbehaving, not just one silent module. High U0073 Network A module saw so many errors on CAN bus A that it shut off its own transmitter. High U0418 Network Brake-control data such as pedal position or brake-assist status looks implausible to another… High

Symptoms

Check engine light on 558Loss of power 214Rough idle 184Limp mode 165Poor fuel economy 146Engine stalling 133Car won't start 123Harsh or slipping shifts 80Fuel smell 34Check engine light flashing 22