How to Turn Off Traction Control (and When You Should)

To turn off traction control, press the traction control button, usually marked with a car icon and wavy lines or "TCS OFF," then check that the OFF light comes on in your dash. On most vehicles, holding the same button for a few seconds switches off stability control too.

Traction control seems like a wonder technology for those who use it on regular roads. However, there are some significant downsides for 4x4 enthusiasts.

This post explains what traction control is, why it isn't your friend, when to turn it off, and how to turn it off on the most common makes.

How to Turn Off Traction Control: Quick Steps

1. Slow down or come to a full stop.

2. Find the button labeled TCS, TC, ESC OFF, VSC, TRAC OFF, or a car icon with wavy lines.

3. Press once to turn off traction control, or hold for 3–10 seconds to turn off stability control too.

4. Confirm the OFF light on the instrument cluster.

5. Press again or restart the vehicle to turn it back on.

What Is Traction Control?

Traction control is a computer-controlled system that helps vehicles maintain their grip on slippery surfaces. Vehicles must be equipped with traction control for these features to be present.

Special sensors detect when the off-roader is about to lose grip by monitoring each tire's grip and wheel speed, and feed this information to a central computer. Traction control systems work by linking a computer controller with wheel speed sensors to monitor wheel spin. When the system detects that one wheel is spinning too quickly, it can reduce power to that wheel or apply the brakes to regain traction. This process helps maintain optimal traction and control, especially when tires encounter slippery or uneven terrain.

Modern manufacturers design traction control to work with other vehicle safety systems, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and vehicle dynamics control. Together, these systems aim to make off-roaders more accessible to average drivers.

That is also why nearly every modern vehicle has it. Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126, every new light vehicle (10,000 lb GVWR or less) built for the US market from September 1, 2011, effectively the 2012 model year, must have electronic stability control, and traction control is typically bundled into the same system.

How Stability Control Works

Stability control—often called electronic stability control (ESC) or electronic stability program (ESP)—is a crucial safety feature that works hand-in-hand with your vehicle’s traction control system. While traction control focuses on preventing wheel spin, stability control is all about keeping your vehicle pointed in the right direction, especially when things get slippery or unpredictable.

The stability control system uses a network of sensors to keep tabs on your vehicle’s every move. Wheel speed sensors, acceleration sensors, and steering wheel sensors constantly monitor how your car is behaving. If the system detects that your vehicle is starting to slide off its intended path—say, the rear wheels begin to slip out on a patch of ice or loose gravel—it jumps into action.

Here’s how it works: If you’re taking a corner and the system senses understeer or oversteer, it can apply braking to one or more wheels individually. For example, if the rear of your vehicle starts to swing out on a muddy trail, stability control might apply the brakes to just the rear wheels to help you maintain your line and stay on track. At the same time, it can reduce engine power, making it easier to regain traction and avoid spinning out, especially when driving slowly on deep snow or loose surfaces.

This smart intervention is especially valuable on slippery surfaces like snow, gravel, or mud, where maintaining control is critical. By automatically adjusting braking and engine power, the stability control system helps drivers correct their course and keep the vehicle stable, even when conditions are less than ideal.

There are times, however, when you might want to turn off stability control—such as when off road, tackling deep snow, or powering through mud. Disabling stability control can give you more freedom to let the wheels spin and maintain momentum, which is sometimes necessary to get unstuck or conquer tough terrain. Just remember, turning off stability control is best left to experienced drivers who understand the risks and know how to handle their vehicle without electronic assistance.

In short, stability control is a powerful ally for keeping your vehicle under control on all kinds of surfaces. By understanding how this system works and when to use—or disable—it, you can make smarter decisions behind the wheel, whether you’re navigating icy roads, loose gravel, or challenging off-road tracks.

Here is how the two systems compare, so you know which one you are switching off:

Why Traction Control Is Not Your Friend

Logic would dictate that you should leave traction control switched on when your off-road vehicle gets stuck. After all, you want the extra grip to pull your 4x4 out of a sticky situation. However, disabling traction control can be helpful when your car is stuck in the snow or mud, especially when attempting to get out of a driveway or up a hill.

However, that’s not always how it works. Computer-controlled systems will sometimes cut power to the wheels entirely, leaving you stranded in mud, snow, or dirt, unable to move. In winter conditions at very low speeds, traction control can make it difficult to gain the momentum needed to move through deep snow, mud, or dirt.

Traction control can be downright dangerous in some situations, for instance, when driving up or down a slippery, icy surface. That’s because the software can’t adjust to the context. It doesn’t know why the vehicle is slipping. It only knows that a wheel has lost traction.

Because of this, many off-roaders use traction control selectively. Disabling traction control can enhance control for specific scenarios like driving uphill on loose surfaces or when using tire chains. They keep it off for challenging terrain and then turn it back on for normal driving situations.

Lastly, traction control reduces the fun of mudding and off-road driving more generally. The experience can feel overly sanitized when you switch on these systems.

For example, suppose you are stuck in the mud. Keeping traction control on might prevent the wheels from turning at all, leaving you stranded. However, if you turn it off, you may be able to “rock” your vehicle to freedom by putting it into reverse and then accelerating gently. Once you have successfully navigated out of slippery conditions, it is important to turn traction control back on for safe driving.

How to Turn Off Traction Control by Make

How you turn off traction control depends on your vehicle's make and model. Each manufacturer uses a slightly different system. The table below is a quick reference; the steps under it note which model years they were checked against.

General Method

Most vehicles are equipped with a dedicated button for the Traction Control System (TCS) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC). 

• Locate the traction control or ESC button, usually on the dash or near the shift stick.

• A quick press of the button usually disables only traction control.

• A long press (5 to 10 seconds) can fully disable both traction control and stability control.

• Look for a steady yellow light on the dash indicating the system is off.
  

Jeep Wrangler

• Find the traction control button on the middle console, usually next to the hazard warning light control.

• Press the button; a light will appear next to the speedometer on the dash, indicating the system is now off.

• Some models may require the ignition to be in accessory mode or the engine running to perform this process.

• JL (2018 and newer): A momentary press of ESC OFF selects Partial Off, which disables traction control while stability control stays active. On equipped models, holding the switch for five seconds while stopped with the engine running selects Full Off: a chime sounds and "ESC Off" shows in the cluster. Full Off can revert to Partial Off above a set speed (Jeep Wrangler owner's manual).
• Off Road+ (if equipped): With Off Road+ active, Full Off stays on at any speed until you exit Off Road+ or re-enable ESC. Rubicon owners should check whether their build includes it.
• JK (2007–2018): A momentary press selects Partial Off. In 4L, ESC and traction control switch off automatically (except the brake-based limited-slip feature) until you pass about 40 mph.

Fiat-Chrysler/RAM/Dodge

• Push the ESC (electronic stability control) button for five seconds until you hear a “ding” sound.

• Once deactivated, “ESC OFF” will appear on your instrument cluster.
  

• A momentary press selects Partial Off, which disables traction control (except the brake limited-slip feature) and Trailer Sway Control.
• Model years: checked against 2009–2018 Ram truck and 2022 Ram 2500/3500 owner's manuals. On 2009–2018 trucks, Full Off works only in 4WD. ESC returns to its normal mode each time you start the vehicle.
• Dodge cars and SUVs with an ESC OFF button follow a similar pattern; confirm the hold time in your owner's manual.

Ford

• Either press and hold the traction control button or

• On some models, Scroll through the menu using steering wheel controls to turn traction control off.

• Make sure the ignition is on or the engine is running during this process.

• F-150 (2021 and newer): The button is on the instrument panel. Press and release it to switch traction control off; press and hold for a few seconds to switch off stability control as well. Traction control turns back on each time you switch the ignition on (Ford F-150 owner's guide).
• Bronco (2021 and newer): One press selects Traction Control Off; hold for five seconds for AdvanceTrac Off, which Ford says not to use on public roads. Shifting into 4L turns stability control off until you return to 2WD or 4H.
• Ranger (2019–2023): Press the traction control button to switch it off. For 2024 and newer Rangers, check the owner's manual.
• Ford notes that switching off traction control alone does not disable AdvanceTrac, its stability control system.

GMC/Chevrolet

• Press and hold the button in the center stack until the Traction Off and StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lights illuminate on the dash.

• This will turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak.

• The process may require the ignition to be on.

• For traction control only, press and release the button; the Traction Off light comes on.
• Model years: checked against 2019 and newer Chevrolet Silverado owner's manual content. StabiliTrak turns back on automatically above 35 mph, while traction control stays off. In 4WD Low, both systems are disabled automatically.

Toyota

• Press and hold the VSC button for three seconds to deactivate both VSC and TRAC.

• Once disabled, the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators should appear on your instrument cluster or dash.

• For traction control only, quickly press and release the switch. 4Runner models label it VSC OFF; Tacoma models label it TRAC OFF.
• 4Runner (2010–2024): Shifting into L4 turns VSC and TRAC off automatically, and Crawl Control (if equipped) works only in L4. Once switched off, TRAC and VSC stay off as speed rises (Toyota 4Runner quick reference guide).
• Tacoma: A quick press of TRAC OFF turns off traction control; hold for more than 3 seconds while stopped to turn off VSC too. Check the owner's manual for L4 behavior on your model year.

Manufacturers vary the names for electronic stability control, which can be confusing. You may see it written as ASC (active stability control), DSC (dynamic stability control), or ESP (electronic stability program). If you are unsure how to turn traction control off, consult your vehicle’s handbook.

Honda, Nissan, and Subaru

• Honda: Press and hold the VSA OFF button until you hear a beep; the VSA OFF indicator comes on. VSA turns back on every time you start the engine, and Honda advises switching it on again as soon as the vehicle is free.

• Nissan: Push the VDC OFF switch; the VDC OFF light comes on. Push it again or restart the engine to turn it back on. Nissan says to use it only briefly to free a vehicle stuck in snow or mud.

• Subaru: On models with a Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF switch, a short press with the engine running turns VDC off. Holding it for 10 seconds or longer does the opposite and locks VDC on. X-MODE is not an off switch: it adds brake-based limited-slip control and Hill Descent Control on slippery or steep ground, at low speeds only.

When Should You Turn Off Traction Control?

Turning off traction control is important in the following scenarios:

• Driving on icy or slippery surfaces: ESC systems may cut power to the wheels, preventing you from maintaining any control over your vehicle.

• Rocking your 4x4 out of snow, mud, or a river: Disabling traction control allows you to spin the wheels and gain the momentum needed to get unstuck.

• Having fun or testing your driving skills: Turning off traction control can make off-road driving more engaging and allow you to fully experience your vehicle’s capabilities.

Use this table to decide, including when to leave it on:

Turn it back on as soon as you are moving. Once your tires grip again, press the button or restart the vehicle so both systems are active before you return to pavement. Some vehicles do part of this for you: Chevrolet and GMC turn StabiliTrak back on above 35 mph, and Jeep's ESC Full Off can switch back to Partial Off at speed.

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How to Turn Off Traction Control Without a Button

No button on the dash usually means the control has moved, not disappeared. Check these places:

• Vehicle settings menu: Some vehicles put traction control in the touchscreen or instrument-cluster menu, often under vehicle or driver-assistance settings.

• Drive-mode selector: Sand, Mud, Snow, or Off-Road modes relax traction control to allow more wheel spin.

• 4WD Low: On many trucks, including Chevrolet and GMC 4WD models, the Toyota 4Runner, and the Ford Bronco, shifting into 4WD Low disables traction and stability control automatically.

Don't pull fuses or unplug wheel speed sensors to disable it. Those sensors also feed the anti-lock brakes, so you usually lose ABS, set warning lights, and can fail a state safety inspection.

How to Turn Traction Control Back On

Press the traction control button again, and the OFF light should go out. Most systems also reset on every start; Ford, Honda, Nissan, Jeep, and Ram owner's manuals all confirm this.

If the light stays on or flashes: A flashing light usually means the system is working to limit wheel spin. A light that stays on after you press the button and restart points to a fault, often a wheel speed sensor, and the system may stay disabled until it is repaired. Have the wheel speed sensors and ABS checked.

Conclusion

In summary, while turning on traction control sometimes makes sense, it can be dangerous and take the fun out of overlanding. Therefore, we suggest you only keep it switched on in normal driving conditions.

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When the button alone won't get you out, the right gear will. Browse our recovery gear collection, and if you're heading farther off the pavement, see our guide to the best off-road camper trailers.

FAQs

Is it bad to drive with traction control off?

Not for short stretches in snow, mud, or sand, which is what the off switch is for. On paved roads, in rain, or on the highway, it is a bad idea: the wheels can spin, and the vehicle can slide more easily without it. Turn it back on as soon as you have traction again.

Should I turn off traction control in snow?

Only if you are stuck or can't build momentum in deep snow. Traction control cuts power when the wheels slip, which can leave you stalled. Switch it off to rock the vehicle free, then turn it back on for snowy roads. Our guide on what to do when your truck is stuck in snow covers the next steps.

Does turning off traction control make a car faster?

Not in everyday driving. Turning it off lets the wheels spin more freely; it doesn't add power. On pavement, extra wheel spin usually wastes power and wears tires. It helps on loose ground like sand, mud, or snow, where some spin keeps the tread clear and the vehicle moving.

Does traction control turn back on by itself?

Usually, yes. Most vehicles reset traction control every time you restart, and some turn part of it back on at speed. Chevrolet and GMC reactivate StabiliTrak above 35 mph, and Jeep's ESC Full Off can revert to Partial Off. On a Toyota 4Runner, it stays off until you press the switch again or restart.

Why is my traction control light on?

A flashing light means the system is limiting wheel spin, which is normal on slippery roads. A steady light means traction control has been switched off or the system has detected a fault. If it stays on after you press the button and restart the vehicle, have the wheel speed sensors and ABS checked.

Can you turn off traction control permanently?

Not with the factory controls on most vehicles, since the system resets each time you start the engine. Some aftermarket programmers can change that, but pulling fuses or unplugging sensors to force it off usually disables ABS, sets warning lights, and can fail inspection. Use the button when you need it.