What Does The Slip Warning Light Mean?

If you don’t know, the slip light means your traction control system is not performing properly. Here are some of the leading causes and what you can do to correct them.

Your car comes with several advanced safety systems that will provide you with a more controlled ride. One of these systems is called the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) which is designed to improve traction and distribute torque to the wheels when it’s most needed. If there is an issue with your traction, you will probably see the slip light on your dashboard.

In this post, we will take a closer look at the slip light and give you some reasons why this light would come on. We will review different ways to correct the illuminated slip light and get it back to normal.

What Is A Slip Light?

The slip light control is designed to regain traction when driving on a slippery patch or surface. The slip light will illuminate your car’s dashboard where there is an issue with the traction control system.

The sensors are on the wheels of your car. The data is sent back to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When the data is sent, the PCM will know if the vehicle is losing traction caused by a specific wheel. It will automatically adjust the power coming from the engine to the problematic wheel(s) to ensure stability and traction will be back in control.

Under normal circumstances, the slip light might come on for a second or two until traction is restored then it will turn off. However, if the slip light comes on and stays on, there could be a significant problem.

The Slip Light Coming On

The most common reason for the slip light coming on is faulty wheel sensors or defective ABS rings. Another reason could be caused by a failing ABS control module or poor wiring.

Here is more specific information about why the slip light would come on:

Poor Wheel Sensors

Wheel sensors, also known as ABS sensors, have the job to send data back to the PCM. Each wheel has its own sensor.

When one wheel is travelling at a different speed from the other wheels, the sensor alerts the PCM that there is a loss in traction. When a wheel sensor is bad, it could send the wrong data causing the traction control system to malfunction. If this happens, there is a good chance you will see the slip light come on as well as the ABS warning light.

Damaged ABS Rings

Each wheel comes with its own ABS ring. The wheel sensor will determine the speed of the wheel because of this ring. The sensors rely on the rings to measure speed.

If the ABS ring breaks, the wheel sensor will get false information about the speed. This false information is sent back to the PCM which, in turn, can cause the traction system to get thrown out of whack. Also, you will probably see the slip light and ABS light on the dash.

Damaged ABS Control Unit

The ABS control runs the entire operation and is considered the brain of the operation. This vital part monitors the ABS sensors and reacts by controlling the brake pressure with the assistance of the ABS modulator.

When the ABS control unit is damaged, you will see the ABS light and the slip light come on. With a diagnostic scanner, you will see where the damage is and make a quick repair.

Faulty Wiring

The ABS system is made up of many wires, all of which need to be in excellent condition to send signals back and forth. If there is a damaged or defective wire between the wheel sensors and ABS control unit, you will see the warning lights.

In some cases, a wire might just come loose and can be reconnected very easily. On the other hand, finding the faulty wire can be a real challenge that will require some time to find.

Slip Light Repairs

In order to turn off the slip light, you have to find out where the problem is. If the light comes on and turns back off, you are probably driving on a slippery patch and the system is running as it should. On the other hand, if it does not turn back off even after you have gained control, there could be a problem that will have to be repaired.

If the slip light is on because you have a bad wheel sensor, you need to get it replaced.

If the sensor is not the problem, you should take another look at all the wiring to ensure the connections and integrity are all intact. If the wring looks worn, you need to get it replaced.

Keep in mind, that if the ABS control unit is not working properly, you will have to spend more money for a replacement.

If you believe you may have a problem with your Slip Light Warning Light you can have it checked in and around Manchester city centre and North Manchester, Oldham, Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Stalybridge etc. by Servicing Master. You can get a quick repair or service quote by using our simple car service quote form. We also offer a collection and drop off service. A convenient, friendly and affordable service, try Servicing Master once and you’ll never go back. Give us a call now on 0161 302 0201. Or simply book your car service now.