How to Reset the Traction Control Light on a Buick Enclave

Designed to warn drivers when something is wrong with their vehicle, your dashboard lights can sometimes come on because of a simple computer error. If this is the case, those lights can be annoying. If you’ve noticed that your traction control light is permanently stuck in your Buick Enclave, resetting it may be the only fix you need. Our #1 Cochran Buick-GMC service team invites you to explore how to reset the traction control light on your Buick Enclave.

How To Reset the Traction Control Light

You will need to use an onboard diagnostic (OBD2) scan tool to read the error code and reset your traction control system (TCS). You can purchase an OBD2 scan tool for as little as $20 at many automotive parts stores. Higher-end scanners are available for approximately $100 if you want a professional grade one. You can also buy a Bluetooth OBD2 scanning tool that connects to your Android or iPhone. A traditional OBD2 scan tool gets plugged into the diagnostic link connector to read and reset the code.

You can disconnect and reconnect or install a new vehicle battery to shut off the traction control light. You may drive your Enclave around the block several times to get the light off. If your TCS light comes back on after clearing the code one of these ways, you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to have a professional technician look at it.

What Does the TCS Do?

The design of the TCS on your Buick Enclave keeps your vehicle from slipping and sliding. The TCS detects when one or more wheels lose their grip on the road. If this happens, your TCS light will flash on your dashboard, and your Enclave will automatically apply the brakes to the tire that has lost its grip to help you regain control. The TCS works in tandem with your anti-lock braking (ABS) system, which means that your ABS light might also flash on your dashboard.

Why Does the TCS Light Flash?

Several factors can make your TCS light flash or turn on, including the following:

A Turned-Off TCS

If your Buick Enclave’s TCS light comes on, it may indicate that the system is off. You can turn the TCS on and off, although it’s rare that drivers would shut off this standard safety feature. However, turning off your TCS may give you more traction to get yourself unstuck if you find yourself stuck in deep snow.

All you have to do to check if your TCS is on or off is to click the TCS button once to see if your light goes away. If it’s shut off, clicking the button will turn it back on, and your Enclave no longer needs to warn you about a problem. Some things to consider include the following:

• The TCS is always on unless you physically shut it off.
• The TCS button usually shows a car with swerving lines by the tires; it may or may not have the word “off” on it.
• Your TCS button is generally on the bottom half of your dashboard controls or turns signal, and you can find the exact location by consulting your owner’s manual.

Bad Road Conditions

When driving in the rain or snow, your TCS light flashes or turns on to warn you when your TCS/anti-lock braking system engages. The TCS is detecting slippage in one or more of the wheels on your Buick Enclave, and you should slow down to maintain better control of your Enclave. Once you’ve regained control, the light should turn off.

Damage To Wiring

Wires run from the wheel’s speed sensors to the Enclave’s main computer. If one of these wires has damage or corrosion, your vehicle will register that as your wheels not turning at the same speed. This information will cause the TCS to engage. You’ll need to replace the wires to solve your problem and shut the light off.

Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

The wheel speed sensor could be your problem if the wires are fine. Wheel speed sensors detect your Enclave’s speed and send signals to your vehicle to let it know the speed is changing. When the speeds reported to the main computer by the wheel speed sensors don’t match, it engages the TCS.

If the wheel speed sensors are causing your TCS light to come on, you’ll need to schedule a service appointment to have a skilled technician change the sensor. Replacing the sensors is not a DIY job because it requires calibrating and wiring a delicate sensor. Sensors fail over time, so the sensor may be to blame if your Enclave is older.

Anti-Lock Braking System Malfunctions

Your Enclave’s anti-lock braking system automatically stabilizes your vehicle with your TCS. These two systems use the same sensors and wiring. The malfunctioning or failure of the ABS also affects your TCS. You’ll need a skilled mechanic to look at your ABS and TCS system because it can be challenging to identify the system at fault.

Bad Steering Rack

If other warning lights are lighting up your dashboard, your steering feels clunky, or you’ve noticed a decrease in acceleration speeds, it could be a bad steering rack. Your check engine light will typically come on if it’s your steering rack. It is highly recommended that you take your Enclave to a professional to have them replace or repair your steering rack.

Computer Programming Errors

A computer programming error is where resetting your traction control light on your Buick Enclave is most likely the answer to your problem. A glitch or system error can throw your TCS settings off, causing the light to flash or come on in your Enclave. To reset your vehicle’s computer:

1. Shut the engine off and locate the fuse box.
2. Remove the fuses labeled Electrical Control Unit and Back Up.
3. Leave the fuses out for 10 minutes and then reinstall them and replace the fuse box cover.

After a few minutes, the warning lights should shut off.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your TCS light to come on in your Buick Enclave, make an appointment with our experts at #1 Cochran Buick GMC. You can find 1 Cochran at 7997 Market St. in Boardman, Ohio, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Schedule your appointment online or call us today at 330-272-0311.

Night Lights by Iain Cameron is licensed with CC BY 2.0