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2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road - Intermittent ABS and Traction Control Lights

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 1:24 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

Hello everyone,

I'm having a frustrating issue with my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road (V6, 4x4) that has about 40,000 miles on it. For the past couple of weeks, the ABS light and the Traction Control light (the one with the skidding car icon) have been coming on intermittently. They'll stay on for a drive, then sometimes disappear after I restart the truck, only to reappear later.

There's no noticeable change in braking performance or handling when the lights are on. I've checked the brake fluid, and it's at the correct level. I don't have an advanced scanner that can read ABS codes, just a basic one that shows no engine codes.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Tacoma? Could it be something simple like a sensor, or something more serious? Any advice on what to check first would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 1:24 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent illumination of the ABS and Traction Control lights on your 2019 Toyota Tacoma often points to an issue within the wheel speed sensor system. These sensors are crucial for both ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Traction Control (TRAC) to function correctly, as they monitor the rotational speed of each wheel.

Here are the most common causes for these symptoms:

  1. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor: A sensor could be failing, either intermittently or completely. This is the most frequent cause. The sensor itself might be damaged, or its wiring could be frayed or corroded.
  2. Dirty Wheel Speed Sensor: Road grime, brake dust, or debris can accumulate on the sensor or its tone ring (the toothed ring it reads), interfering with its ability to accurately read wheel speed.
  3. Damaged ABS Tone Ring: The tone ring, usually located on the axle or hub, can become damaged, bent, or corroded, leading to incorrect readings by the sensor.
  4. Low Brake Fluid (Less Likely if Checked): While you've checked this, extremely low brake fluid can sometimes trigger these warnings, though typically with a separate brake system warning light.
  5. ABS Module Malfunction: Less common, but a faulty ABS control module can cause these lights to illuminate. This is usually a more expensive repair.
  6. Wiring Harness Issues: Damage to the wiring harness connecting the sensors to the ABS module can also cause intermittent signals.

When to see a shop:

  • Since your basic OBD-II scanner can't read ABS-specific codes, a professional diagnostic scan is necessary. A shop with an advanced scanner can pinpoint which specific wheel speed sensor (or other component) is triggering the fault codes (e.g., C0200 for front right wheel speed sensor).
  • If you're uncomfortable inspecting the sensors and wiring yourself, or if cleaning them doesn't resolve the issue.
  • If the problem persists after initial checks, as it might indicate a more complex issue like an ABS module failure or internal wiring problem that requires specialized tools and expertise.
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