Slip Light: Meaning, Causes (and How to Fix It)

Advanced safety features are built into your vehicle to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable ride. The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is one such safety system. It improves traction and transfers torque to the wheels whenever it's most needed. The slip light may be visible on your dashboard if there's a problem in vehicle traction.

This article will explain what the slip light is and why you might be seeing it. Also, we will discuss how to repair an illuminated slip lamp. 

What does the Slip Light mean?

The slip light illuminates on your car’s dashboard when there is a problem with the traction control system. Slip control helps you to maintain traction while driving on slippery roads. 

On the vehicle's wheels, sensors can be found. These sensors transmit information back to Powertrain Control Modules (PCM). The PCM can use this information to determine if the vehicle has lost traction at any particular wheel. To optimize stability and traction, the PCM will automatically adapt the power to the wheels affected by the engine. 

The system will turn on when this light turns on. The slip light may come on briefly in normal operation until the traction has been regained. It will then go off once more. It could be a sign of a larger problem if the slip light turns on and remains on. 

Slip light causes

A slip light can be caused by faulty ABS rings or wheel sensors. You can also get it from faulty wirings or an ABS control module that is defective.

This is an in-depth list of common causes for the slip light.

1. Faulty Wheel Sensors

ABS sensors can also be called wheel sensors. The purpose of the wheel sensor, which is also known as ABS sensors, is to relay data back from the PCM. One is located on every wheel.

If one wheel travels at a slower speed than others, the sensor informs the PCM to lose traction. A bad wheel sensor can send back incorrect data to the computer, which could cause the traction control system malfunction. You might also see the ABS warning and slip lights. 

Related: Three Symptoms for a Poor ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

2. Defective ABS Rings

There are ABS rings that attach to each wheel. ABS rings are what enable the wheel sensor to determine wheel speed. The ABS ring is what the sensors use to determine the wheel speed.

The wheel sensor will be set to the incorrect speed if an ABS ring is broken. This information is sent to the PCM and a deficient reading can be returned, which could cause the traction system not to work properly. You might also see the ABS light and the slip light. 

READ ALSO: The 4 Signs that a Bad ABS Ring Is a Problem

3. Bad ABS Control Unit

ABS controls the entire system. It’s considered the brain of the entire operation. It monitors ABS sensors and controls brake pressure using the ABS modulator.

The ABS control unit will light up and turn off when it becomes defective. You can quickly repair the ABS control unit by using a scanner. 

4. Failure of the Wires

There are many wires in the ABS system that need to function properly. Warning lights will be displayed if there are any broken or damaged wires between the ABS control unit and wheel sensors.

Sometimes the wire is just loose, and it can easily be connected again. Finding the problem wire may take extra effort. 

Slip light fixtures

The slip light must be turned off. You are likely driving on slippery roads and it will not turn on again. However, if it doesn’t turn off, even when you have regained traction, there could be a problem that needs to be repaired. 

The wheel sensor that is causing the light to turn on due to a defective part will have it replaced. Replacement costs for wheel sensors range from $200 to $250. Sometimes, it is possible to clean and re-install the wheel sensor, saving you some money. 

If the sensor isn’t the issue, you might take a second look at all of the wiring to ensure that the connections and integrity are intact. If the wiring looks worn, it’s best to replace it.

You will spend a bit more if you have to replace your ABS control module. The average cost of replacing an ABS module can be between $320 to $1,000. However, it isn’t the labor costs that drive up the price. It is possible for the parts to be very expensive.

Checking the OBD2 codes can help you find the problem.