The ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is installed in your car for safety. This car safety feature works in the background and sometimes signals the icon flash on the dashboard. So, how to reset ESC light?
In this article, we’ll explain the ESC indicator meaning and instruct you what to do when the illumination stays on.
Scroll down for more details!
What Is The ESC?
What Does It Do?
The ESC works with the traction control system to protect drivers from dangerous driving conditions, such as slippery roads.
When the vehicle computer receives information that the system is gaining or maintaining traction, it projects ESC light on the car and applies the brakes to your individual wheels.
If the Electronic Stability Control works normally, the light flashes on and off without staying on.
When the icon keeps illuminating, it indicates the system has been manually deactivated or there’s a faulty function.
It doesn’t matter what the reasons are; you should track the system and troubleshoot the problem.
What Are The Commons Reasons For ESC Light To Illuminate?
The System Is Working
A proper working system enables the signal, meaning your car is slipping, and it intervenes in your control to help you out of the situation. The ESC off is when you take control of your vehicle again.
In this case, the light appears to tell you the system is working normally. Yet, you still need to pay attention to it as it might mean something important.
Deactivated System
There are cases in which you want to know how to turn off the ESC light, such as when you are drifting.
You intentionally deactivate the system by pressing the Off button, causing the illumination to appear.
It also can be you or your passenger coincidentally touching the Off button, and ESC on the car dash keeps flashing. So, check that button to identify the situation.
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensors
What would cause the ESC light to come on? The most likely reason is you have a faulty wheel speed sensor. These sensors are in charge of sending information to the head of the system.
In turn, the system detects any discrepancies and adjusts the brake to ensure a smooth driving experience.
If you have a problem with any wheel speed sensor, such as giving extreme readings or an unavailable sensor, it will affect the whole system.
Therefore, you should use a scan tool to monitor the speed readings while operating the car.
Steering Angle Sensor Issue
When you check the ESC light, and it’s on, the faulty steering angle sensor can be to blame.
The part works in tandem with the wheel speed sensors to ensure all spinning wheels have proper speed according to where you are going to turn.
As your car turns, the outside wheels will move faster than the inside ones, and the steering angle sensor will tell the ECM your driving situation.
However, if it fails to do so, your computer will assume one side is losing its traction while the other one is running in perfect mode.
Electrical Problems
Though it’s rare, the electrical parts may be the underlying cause of your issue.
If you identify all components mentioned above functioning correctly, check the wires between the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and the sensors, especially the exposed one near the wheel speed sensors.
Last but not least, a dead battery can be the culprit you’re looking for, so don’t skip checking this component.
When you’ve had brake maintenance, battery replacement, or tire changing, double-check to ensure every part was put back in its place.
How To Reset ESC Light?
How do you reset the ESC light? You can connect the code reader with the OBD-II port in your car to determine what exactly triggers the continuously flashing ESC light issue.
Suppose you’re new or don’t have much experience; you’d better leave it for the professional one to handle.
Don’t reset without knowing the real reason, as undetected faulty components may lead to bad driving scenarios.
Reset Options
Before starting the resetting process, the first advice is don’t mess with the prevent accident feature unless you are a skilled and experienced driver or a certified mechanic.
You’d better bring your vehicle to the auto repair shop to properly correct the issue.
How do I reset my electronic stability control? If you still want to try to reset it yourself, there are 3 ways you can do it.
- Unplug the battery from the vehicle, and leave it overnight before resetting it the next morning to see if the light goes off.
- Instruction for reinitializing or resetting can be available in your manual book. Look up the information before starting.
- Using a code reader is the fastest way to identify the reason for the illuminating stability control light. You need a diagnostic scanner to scan the computer for any ESC and ABS (anti-lock braking system) issues. Here’s the guideline:
- Find the OBD-II port under the dashboard and plug the scanner in.
- Without starting your vehicle, switch the ignition to the ON position.
- Go to the ESC and ABS menus to read the code for faulty components.
Consider whether you can handle these options or not. Again, asking for help from a professional service is a safer choice, as skipping the underlying issue may put yourself and your vehicle in danger.
What Else Can You Do?
Simply Turn The System Back On
Check whether your system was turned off by accident. In this case, just turn it on again, and the persisting illumination will be gone.
Confirm If Another Light Exists
What do you do if your ESC light comes on? Other warning lights related to the stability system can also appear.
These illuminations help provide clues for the root cause of your issue, so pay attention to them.
Replace Broken Wheel Speed Sensors
When you identify the speed sensor light is also flashing, you’re likely to have that part broken. So, how to fix the ESC light in this case? Replacing the defective component is the answer.
The replacement is affordable. After swapping and driving for one or two miles, the light will stop flashing.
Adjust The Steering Angle
When you put your steering wheel in the center position but the tires are not straight, it means you have an offset steering angle.
How to fix ESC on a car? What you can do in this situation is adjust the steering angle.
Inspect The Fuses
It’s a rare case, but it still can happen that you need to check the fuses. Even if all fuses work properly, reinstalling them makes the signal go off.
Go For A Service
How to fix service ESC? If all the above solutions can’t help, take your car to an auto shop to address the issue.
FAQs
Is It Safe To Drive With Electronic Stability Control Light On?
Yes, in a short time.
When the light kicks on and off while you are skidding, it means the system is working as it’s supposed to, and you don’t need to worry.
However, if you don’t turn it off and the light stays there all the time, you should inspect the causes.
Otherwise, it can be dangerous as the system can turn on the ABS and apply the brake even when you’re heading on the highway.
Electronic Stability Control Vs. Traction Control: Are They The Same?
No.
While many people refer to these two systems together, they are not the same. Stability control includes traction control and other features, yet the cars that obtain traction control may not have ESC.
How Much Does It Cost To Install An Electronic Stability Control System?
The cost to install the system on a vehicle with available ABS is around $110, a quite low price to have such a useful life-saving feature in your car.
Conclusion
How to reset ESC light? You can look up the instructions in the owner’s manual, unplug the battery before resetting or use the scanner to identify the root of the problem.
If you assume the light persists is not because of deactivation, you should deal with the issue as soon as possible.
Seeking help from an auto repair shop is highly recommended.