Toyota Readout

Overview · Diagnostic readout

TRAC OFF and VSC Light On a Toyota: What They Mean Together

What it isBoth traction (TRAC) and stability (VSC) control are switched off — by the dashboard button, or by a stored fault
SeverityModerate
Safe to drive?Yes for normal driving — you only lose stability and traction assist. If a fault caused it (not the button), have the code read
Typical cost$0 if it's the button to ~$250 if it's a sensor

Fix it

  1. Try the button first

    Briefly press VSC OFF, or switch the ignition off and back on. If the lights clear, it was just the manual toggle.

  2. Scan for a code

    If they stay on — especially with the check engine light — plug in an OBD2 reader. A stored powertrain code disables both systems.

  3. Repair what the code names

    Often EVAP (gas cap), a misfire, or a sensor. Fixing and clearing the engine code restores TRAC and VSC.

  4. Check the sensors

    No engine code but the lights stay on? The wheel-speed or steering-angle sensors are the usual cause.

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What's going on

TRAC (traction control) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) are two halves of the same safety system. TRAC reins in wheelspin when you accelerate; VSC brakes individual wheels to keep the car tracking where you steer. They share the same wheel-speed sensors and the same computer — which is why, when one goes off, the other usually goes with it.

There are only two reasons both lights are on. The first is the VSC OFF button: a quick press turns off traction control (handy when you’re rocking out of mud or snow), and a press-and-hold turns off stability control too. Cycle the ignition, or press the button again, and they come back. If that clears it, nothing is wrong.

The second reason is a stored fault. When the computer logs a powertrain trouble code it disables TRAC and VSC as a precaution — and that almost always lights the check engine light as well. That’s the case to act on: read the code, fix what it names, and clear it. See the TRAC OFF and check engine light overview for the common causes and costs.

If there’s no check engine light but the two stay on, the problem is usually a wheel-speed sensor or the steering-angle sensor rather than the engine. And if you’ve already fixed the fault but the light refuses to clear, work through TRAC OFF light that won’t turn off.

FAQ

What's the difference between TRAC OFF and VSC?
TRAC (traction control) stops the driven wheels from spinning when you accelerate; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) keeps the car pointed where you steer by braking individual wheels. They share sensors and one computer, so they're usually switched off together.
Why are TRAC OFF and the VSC light on at the same time?
Two reasons. Either someone pressed and held the VSC OFF button, which turns both off, or the computer stored a fault and disabled them as a precaution — in which case you'll usually see the check engine light too. The button case clears on its own; the fault case needs the code read.
How do I turn the VSC light off?
If it was the button, a quick press of VSC OFF or an ignition cycle brings both back. If a stored fault switched them off, the lights stay on until you repair and clear the underlying code — the button won't override a fault.
Is it safe to drive with VSC off?
For normal driving, yes — you simply don't have the traction and stability nets, so leave more room and slow down in rain, snow, or on loose surfaces. Fix the cause before you rely on the car in bad weather.