How to turn off Traction Control on Toyota Highlander

Vehicle Stability Control or VSC helps provide integrated control of systems such as the antilock brake system, traction control, and engine control.

Toyota Highlander second generation XU40 – (photo by Toyota)

This system automatically helps control the brakes and engine to help prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on slippery road surfaces.


The traction control system or TRAC automatically helps prevent the spinning of the front wheels on two-wheel drive models or front and rear wheels on four-wheel drive models when the vehicle is starting or accelerating on slippery surfaces. The system automatically turns on when the ignition is turned to on.

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow or mud, VSC and TRAC may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. As a result, you may need to turn the system off in order to be able to rock the vehicle and free it.

Turn Traction Control Off

  1. To turn TRAC off, quickly push and release the VSC off button on the dashboard.
  2. The slip indicator light should come on.
  3. To turn the system back on, just push the button again.
  4. Once turned off, TRAC will reengage once vehicle speed increases.

Turning Off both TRAC and VSC

  1. To turn off both TRAC and VSC, push and hold the VSC off button for at least three seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
  2. The slip indicator light and VSC off indicator light should come on.
  3. Once turned off, VSC and TRAC will not be reengaged as vehicle speed increases.
  4. VSC and TRAC will automatically reset to on if the engine is turned off and then restarted.

You may hear certain sounds or sense small vibrations when VSC, TRAC, Hill-Start Assist Control, and other driving systems are engaged. These are normal and do not indicate a malfunction.

Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com