Faulty wheel speed sensor or damaged sensor wiring at one or more wheels; Dirty or damaged wheel speed sensor tone ring (reluctor ring); Low brake fluid level or a hydraulic brake system fault affecting ABS operation; Defective steering angle sensor or its calibration being lost; Malfunctioning yaw rate sensor or lateral acceleration sensor; CAN bus communication fault between the ABS module and other control modules; Internal failure of the ABS/traction control module itself

DTC codes / C00xx · Brakes, steering and suspension / C0085

C0085Traction Disable Indicator

Q: What does code C0085 mean?

Traction Disable Indicator. C0085 is a generic chassis code indicating that the electronic brake control module has commanded the traction control system into a disabled state and stored this condition as a fault. The computer detected that the traction control function is not available, often because a related subsystem or sensor has reported a problem that prevents safe operation.

C0085 is a generic chassis code indicating that the electronic brake control module has commanded the traction control system into a disabled state and stored this condition as a fault. The computer detected that the traction control function is not available, often because a related subsystem or sensor has reported a problem that prevents safe operation.

SystemChassis

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaBrakes, steering and suspension

Symptoms you may notice

Traction control warning light illuminated steadily on the dashboard
Traction control off indicator light may also be lit or flashing
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light may be on simultaneously
Vehicle may feel less stable or more prone to wheel spin on slippery surfaces
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with normal braking and driving behavior
Electronic stability control (ESC) may also be disabled, reducing cornering assistance

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty wheel speed sensor or damaged sensor wiring at one or more wheels
Dirty or damaged wheel speed sensor tone ring (reluctor ring)
Low brake fluid level or a hydraulic brake system fault affecting ABS operation
Defective steering angle sensor or its calibration being lost
Malfunctioning yaw rate sensor or lateral acceleration sensor
CAN bus communication fault between the ABS module and other control modules
Internal failure of the ABS/traction control module itself

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and read all stored codes in the ABS and related modules to identify the root cause
Inspect each wheel speed sensor and its wiring for physical damage, corrosion, or loose connections
Clean or replace a contaminated or damaged tone ring if visual inspection reveals debris or cracks
Check brake fluid level and inspect for leaks in the hydraulic system
Verify steering angle sensor calibration and perform a recalibration if needed
Test yaw rate and lateral acceleration sensors with a scan tool's live data stream
If all external components test good, diagnose the ABS module for internal faults or communication issues

What the traction disable code really tells you

C0085 is almost always a secondary code that sets because another fault, such as a wheel speed sensor error, has already disabled the traction control system.
A weak or failing battery can cause voltage drops that trigger communication faults and set C0085 without any physical component failure.
After repairing the underlying issue, the traction control system may require a steering angle sensor calibration or a short drive cycle to re-enable.
Some vehicles disable traction control automatically when the spare tire is installed, which can set C0085 if the system is not reset.
A dirty ABS wheel speed sensor connector is a common cause that is often overlooked in favor of replacing expensive modules.

Can I keep driving with C0085?

You can generally continue driving with C0085 as long as the brakes feel normal, but be aware that traction control and stability assist are unavailable, so reduce speed on wet, icy, or loose surfaces. Avoid aggressive acceleration or cornering until the fault is repaired.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.