What Does The DTC Light Mean In A BMW & How Do You Turn It On ...

• Brian Onyango

Updated on March 29, 2024

BMW is a very popular car brand and is known for its luxury vehicles. The German manufacturer uses a different naming scheme than the American manufacturers, so a lot of abbreviations are hard to figure out, like the DTC.

The DTC light stands for Dynamic Traction Control and is a system that helps to keep your BMW from spinning out or sliding on slippery roads. To partially disable it, press the DTC button once, and to disable it fully, press and hold the button.

BMW models usually have rear-wheel drive and plenty of power, so traction control is a necessary system to keep it reigned in. Partially disabling the system will give you the ability to drift, but turning it off completely can be very dangerous and is not advised.

Causes Fixes of DTC Light On a BMW Coming On

There are a few things that can cause the DTC light to come on in your BMW. The most common reasons are:

1. The TCS System Needs to Be Reprogrammed

When you first get your BMW, the traction control system (TCS) needs to be reprogrammed. This is because the TCS is designed to work with the specific tires that are on your car. If you change the tires, the TCS needs to be reprogrammed to work with the new tires.

To fix this, you need to take your car to the dealer or a qualified BMW technician and have the TCS system reprogrammed. $100 for the diagnostic fee and an additional $50 to $100 for labor.

2. Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor

When one of the wheel speed sensors is not working properly, it can cause the DTC light to come on. This sensor determines when one or more of the wheels is slipping and sends this information to the computer.

If the sensor is not working, it will cause the DTC light together with the ABS light to come on in the dashboard. This usually happens when there is a problem with the connection between the sensor and the control unit.

To fix this, you can replace the sensors at around $135 and $250 at the mechanics. In case you decide to do it yourself, use an OBD2 scanner to identify which wheel has a problem at $20 to $100.

3. Faulty Steering Angle Sensor

The steering angle sensor is responsible for sending information about the position of the steering wheel to the computer. This can be caused by a faulty connection or a problem with the sensor itself. If this happens, the DTC light will come on in the dashboard.

To fix this, you can replace the sensors for around $150 and $500 at the mechanics depending on the car model.

4. Low Tire Pressure

When one or more tires are low on air pressure, it can cause the DTC light to come on in your BMW. You should check the tire pressure as soon as possible and fill them up if necessary.

To correct the tire pressure, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of all four tires. The ideal pressure is around 32 psi (pounds per square inch). You can fill up the tires at a gas station or with an air compressor.

You can find the recommended tire pressure for your BMW in the owner’s manual or on the placard on the driver’s side door.

5. ABS System Malfunctioning

The ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up when you brake. If this system is not working properly, it can cause the DTC light to come on in your BMW.

To fix this, you can take your BMW to the mechanic and have them check the ABS at $1000. They will probably need to run a diagnostic test to find the problem.

You can also try resetting the ABS by disconnecting the battery for about 30 minutes. After that, reconnect the battery and start the car. The DTC light should be off.

Turning DTC Light On and Off

The DTC light in a BMW is the Diagnostic Trouble Code light. This light is part of the on-board diagnostics system and it indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s emission control system.

The DTC light will come on when the engine is started and will stay on until the problem is fixed. If the DTC light comes on while the engine is running, it means that the emission control system is not working properly and the vehicle will not pass an emissions test.

To turn the DTC light on, press and hold the odometer reset button for about five seconds. The DTC light will come on and stay on until you release the button.

To turn the DTC light off, press and hold the odometer reset button for about five seconds. The DTC light will go off and stay off until you release the button.

If the DTC light comes on while the engine is running, it means that the emission control system is not working properly and the vehicle will not pass an emissions test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Drive With the DTC Light On?

No, it’s not safe to drive with the DTC light on. However, this depends on what the problem is. If the problem is something minor, like a loose gas cap, then you can probably get by without getting it fixed right away.

However, if the problem is something more serious, like a problem with your brakes, then you definitely should not be driving with the DTC light on.

How Long Can I Drive With the DTC Light On?

50 to 100 miles is usually a safe bet, but this again depends on the problem. Checking the Codes. If you have an OBD-II reader, you can check the codes yourself to see what is wrong with your car.

In case you don’t have a reader, your best bet is to take it to a mechanic or dealership and have them check it for you.

What Happens If I Ignore the DTC Light?

When you ignore the DTC light, you run the risk of damaging your car. Depending on the problem, it could be something as simple as your car not running as efficiently, or it could be something more serious like your engine not being able to start.

Where Is the DTC Light Located?

The DTC light is usually located on the dashboard of your car. It may be a different color depending on the make and model of your car.

How Long Can I Ignore the DTC Light?

You should not ignore the DTC light for more than nine days. If the problem is something minor, it may go away on its own. However, if the problem is something more serious, you could end up doing serious damage to your car.

What Does the DTC Light Mean in a BMW?

The DTC light in a BMW means that there is a problem with the car. It could be something minor, or it could be something more serious. You should not ignore the DTC light and you should take your car to a mechanic or dealership to have it checked out as soon as possible.

What Are DTC Codes?

They are Diagnostic Trouble Codes that are stored in your car’s computer when it detects a problem. The codes can be read with an OBD-II reader and can tell you what is wrong with your car.

When Should I Use DTC on My BMW?

The Dynamic Traction Control system should be used when you are driving in slippery conditions, like on a wet or icy road. It can help you keep your car under control and prevent it from slipping.

Conclusion

The Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system is an important safety feature in your BMW. If the DTC light comes on, it means that the system is not functioning properly. You can turn the DTC system on and off by pressing the button on the center console.

For more related BMW topics, here are our other posts:

What Does DSC Malfunction Mean on a BMW? (Causes & Fixes)

Does The BMW M5 Have A Sunroof?

Where Are BMW X3 Made?