Car With Squiggly Lines Light

Dashboard warning lights are the primary means through which your car communicates issues to you. Whether it is a door not properly closed or the ominous check engine alert, these lights illuminate every time you start your vehicle.

They briefly appear as your car or truck goes through its startup process to ensure all systems are functioning correctly and are safe to operate.

However, if one of these warning lights stays lit, it signals a problem that requires attention. It is equally important to be vigilant if one or more of these lights fail to illuminate briefly during startup. When these lights are not operational, you may miss critical warnings about potential issues.

Failing to understand the meaning of a warning light or choosing to ignore it can lead to a minor problem escalating into a more significant, costly, and potentially hazardous issue. Even the most knowledgeable car owner may struggle to interpret the message conveyed by a warning light.

In many modern vehicles, the instrument cluster is home to various indicator lights. Besides the backlight for the gauges, there are numerous pilot lights that represent various features and components of your car. One of these lights is often the check engine light. So, what does the symbol of a car with wavy lines signify?

What does it mean when a car with squiggly lines light?

The warning light is not designed to resemble a car navigating a winding and challenging road, but it often ends up looking that way.

Typically, this warning is represented by the front view of a car with two wavy lines beneath it, symbolizing the system's purpose: preventing your vehicle from skidding and losing control on the road.

It is important to note that the traction control and stability control lights will activate when the system is in use. If you accelerate forcefully in extremely rainy or snowy conditions, you are likely to see this dashboard light come on.

In such cases, it means these systems are functioning correctly. However, if these lights illuminate while you are driving at moderate speeds on dry roads, it may indicate a system malfunction, often caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor.

Many vehicles offer drivers the option to adjust these systems using a driving mode selector. In high-performance settings, often found in sports cars, traction control and stability systems are significantly reduced or completely disabled.

What is stability control?

A car's stability control system plays a crucial role in maintaining control and direction by applying the brakes as needed. When it detects a loss of traction or steering control, the system, guided by the car's computer, applies the appropriate braking force.

Modern cars equipped with stability control systems communicate with the anti-lock braking systems, yaw control rate. They can also make rapid adjustments to individual wheel speeds and detect wheel slip (loss of traction) through sensors.

In newer vehicles, stability control operates by making precise and rapid adjustments, allowing it to react swiftly to changing conditions.

This function is especially useful on roads with poor surface conditions, such as rainy, muddy, or sandy ones, where it might be tough to keep control. In these circumstances, the stability control system is a crucial safety component that aids in preventing accidents and spin-outs.

Some highly developed stability control systems can even take over the anti-lock braking system of the vehicle, locking the wheels when needed to maintain constant tire grip.

While the level of this capacity may vary between automobile types, it is often present in 4-wheel drive cars. Additionally, these systems can communicate with the car's differential lock to further optimize grip and stability.

Why did the dash light with squiggly lines come on?

This indicator light signifies the traction control system (TCS), which keeps your automobile stable in slippery driving conditions like rain, snow, or ice to ensure your safety while driving.

It works in conjunction with your anti-lock brake system (ABS) and is backed by a computer and a network of sensors. The TCS light typically illuminates in slippery conditions to inform you that it is actively working to keep your vehicle stable. However, if the TCS light comes on during normal driving conditions, it could indicate a system issue.

Some potential causes include:

• Defective, dirty, or corroded wheel speed sensor and/or faulty wiring.
• TCS computer malfunction.
• Problems with the anti-lock brake system (ABS).
• Activation of the check engine light.

The TCS system is crucial for your safety, and any issues should be diagnosed and resolved by a qualified mechanic who can conduct a diagnostic scan to identify the problem accurately.

If you are seeking a reliable mechanic in the neighborhood, do not hesitate to contact us. We offer a 2-year, 24,000-mile warranty and service every automobile as if it were our own. Our primary objective is to ensure your safety and keep you on the road.

FAQ

How can I deactivate the squiggly lines on my car's display?

The method for deactivating the stability control system varies depending on the car's make and model.

Some vehicles have a dedicated button to turn it off, while in others, an illuminated warning light with a depiction of a car with squiggly lines and the word "off" indicates that the system is currently deactivated. If this light is not illuminated, the stability control system is active.

Should I consider disabling the stability control system?

Whether or not to deactivate the stability control system is a personal decision and depends on your confidence in your driving skills. However, we generally recommend leaving it enabled for safety reasons.

Is it possible to repair the stability control system on my own?

Modern vehicles with stability control systems involve complex components that interact with various other parts of the vehicle. It is not advised to try to fix or change the stability control system on your own. It is advisable to have a licensed mechanic service it.

Can I achieve higher speeds by turning off stability control?

Disabling stability control might provide more control to skilled drivers in specific circumstances, like improving lap times on a race track. However, for regular road driving, we advise keeping the stability control system enabled for safety purposes.