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2018 Outlander Sport ABS/Traction Control Light On - What's Up?

0

Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES

Hey everyone,

My 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES just threw a couple of warning lights on the dash. The ABS light and the Traction Control light both came on simultaneously this morning on my way to work.

I haven't noticed any weird braking behavior, no grinding or pulsing, and the car seems to stop fine. I did hit a pretty big pothole last week, but the lights didn't come on immediately after that. Could it be related?

What are the common culprits for both of these lights coming on together in a 2018 Outlander Sport? Is this something I can check myself, or should I head straight to the dealer? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

When both the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Traction Control System (TCS) lights illuminate simultaneously on your 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES, it typically indicates a fault within the ABS system, as the TCS often relies on the same sensors and components.

Here are the common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS): These are the most frequent culprits. Each wheel has a sensor that monitors its rotation speed. If one sensor is faulty, dirty, or its wiring is damaged (possibly from hitting a pothole), the ABS/TCS system can't get accurate data, leading to a fault. Common OBD-II codes related to WSS issues include C102A (Front Right Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction), C102B (Front Left), C102C (Rear Right), C102D (Rear Left).
  2. ABS Module Failure: Less common, but the ABS control module itself can fail. This is a more expensive repair.
  3. Brake Fluid Level: While less likely to trigger both lights simultaneously without other symptoms, a very low brake fluid level can sometimes cause issues. Check your reservoir.
  4. Wiring Issues: Damaged wiring or connectors leading to the wheel speed sensors or the ABS module can also cause these lights to appear.

When to see a shop:

  • Immediate Action: While your regular brakes might still work, the ABS and TCS systems are disabled when these lights are on. This means you won't have anti-lock braking or traction assistance in emergency situations or on slippery surfaces.
  • Professional Diagnosis: It's highly recommended to have a professional shop diagnose this issue. They can connect an advanced scan tool to read specific ABS/TCS fault codes (which are often manufacturer-specific and not always readable by generic OBD-II scanners). This will pinpoint the exact sensor or component that is malfunctioning.
  • Safety: Given that these systems are crucial for vehicle safety, addressing this promptly is important. A technician can inspect the wheel speed sensors, their wiring, and perform a thorough check of the braking system. Ignoring these lights could compromise your vehicle's safety features.
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