MX5-C traction control

[stevep944]

Went to look at a lovely MX5 yesterday, but the traction control light was on:



Any idea if it is likely to be something simple?
We really liked the car but I'm not keen on buying something with a fault light showing.

Thanks all

[Nickp82]

Obviously the best thing to do is plug it in and find the fault but some causes for that are

- battery has just been reconnected - in this case the light will go out when the car is restarted after a short drive.

- rear high level brake light not working

- tyre(s) fitted incorrectly / mismatched / low pressure

- faulty ABS sensor possibly but I think the ABS light would be on also

[stevep944]

Thanks for that.

It could be the battery, the seller said that the light normally goes off after a while driving. It's a low mileage car that only does a few hundred miles a year in summer, maybe she disconnects the battery when not in use. Maybe we didn't test drive it far enough.

The TC on/off switch on the dash didn't seem to do anything either.

In all other respects it's an immaculate car, 2014 25th Anniversary model with 19k miles.
It's in for MoT on Tuesday so I assume it will fail if the light is still on anyway, we have provisionally agreed to buy it after the MoT etc. I'd be reluctant to buy it with a fault light on unless it's likely to be something fairly straightforward to sort out.

[skeeterm5]

It could be as simple as the steering angle sensor which sometimes needs recalibrating after a battery disconnect..

It could also be a failing battery or wheel speed sensor. None of which is major.

But as you say if it is lit when it goes for the MoT it will fail and that should mean it gets sorted.