What Should You Do When Your Lexus Slip Indicator Light Comes On?
Before we tell you what you should do when your Lexus slip indicator light comes on, let's clear up one thing: What is a slip indicator light?
You will often hear a slip indicator light mentioned at the same time a VDC light is mentioned. Vehicle Dynamics Control is, technically, what VDC stands for. These exist in some vehicles. To prevent skids, this safety feature has been designed and, since 2012, in the United States, has been required on light trucks and cars.
If, on your Lexus dashboard, the slip indicator light comes on, it could be pointing to a possible problem with your hill-start assist, traction control (TRAC), or vehicle stability control system (VSC). Normally, if you start slipping, the light may flash indicating that the VSC system has engaged. But if the light stays on, a problem could exist.
Is It Time for Maintenance on My Lexus Slip Indicator Light?
As just stated, when your TRAC/VSC systems are operating correctly, the slip indicator light will come on or flash. If the light stays on, a problem with the system may exist. In that case, you will want to get your car to a Lexus shop for maintenance.
If the slip light is on, is it safe to drive? The light indicates the traction control is functioning. Without traction control, when you drive, your vehicle may be susceptible to sliding or spinning out on the road.
The TRAC system in your car should be shut off if you are stuck in the dirt, snow, or mud. Once you're on stable ground again, and you shut off/restart the engine, the TRAC system should reset itself (or as you increase speed).
If you are not driving in slippery conditions, if your wheels are not spinning, etc., and yet you see the slip indicator light come on or flash, something may be amiss. You might want to get it checked out.
Resetting Your Slip Indicator Light
Technically, your slip indicator light should reset itself, as should the system, once you shut off and restart the engine and/or you’re back on stable ground. In some vehicles, on the main console dashboard, a button labeled TRAC exists. You can turn the light off by hitting this button.
If you find yourself driving in slippery conditions, and the slip indicator light does not come on or flash, it could mean that the system has not engaged when it was supposed to. This is another time you may want to get the system checked out.
Slip Indicator Maintenance Tips
Knowing when and if maintenance is needed on your slip indicator light and/or system is the first step toward best practices where vehicle/warning light/system maintenance is concerned. If you hear unfamiliar sounds from the engine compartment during the following, you might want to get your VSC system checked out:
- The brake pedal is depressed repeatedly
- You begin to drive the vehicle
- The engine is started
These don't point to an absolute problem, but you'll want to get the vehicle checked.
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