First time since I started a thread but if any of you guys follow me in IG, you saw my struggle to track down the cause of the CEL and VSC/TRAC lights coming on. Of course I started with the usual suspect of the gas cap and battery reset but the lights came back on after a short bit of driving.
Got the code read and it was P0705 for a malfunctioning Neutral Sensor Switch. One of the thing's I noticed that was odd was that the "R" on the PRNDL lights on the dash was illuminated brighter and whenever I pressed the brake or used my left/right signal or hazards, it would brighten even more.
After confirming from AutoZone that it wasn't a dying battery and it indeed was the P0705 code, I scoured the forums (both here and non-t4r) and came across a thread where they mentioned that a short in the trailer electrical connection can trip the CEL and letter illumination.
I know that on my first off-road trip, I broke that piece that holds the connector and the cover was long gone. Given the amount of muddy puddles I've gone through and the recent rain/snow, this had to be the cause of the issue.
Low and behold, there was a ton of mud and gunk in the connector, likely causing the short. I removed the connector and covered the left over plugs with a bag and a ton of zip ties. Hopped in the truck and no longer got the illuminated R light or any CEL's. Will confirm on my way to work tomorrow if it is a permanent fix.
Hopefully this is indeed the cause of the CEL and I don't have to dish out $150 to $200 for a new Neutral Sensor switch.
If anyone else runs into this issue, these are all the things I troubleshooted:
-Gas cap (most common cause of CEL/VSC/TRAC lights)
-Battery going bad
-Visually check connector to Neutral Sensor switch on transmission
-Check driver side floor area behind kick panel for water leaks
-Check grounds
-Check for any shorts in reverse/tail lights
-Recall any recent changes to reverse/tail lights or other electrical components
-Remove trailer hitch electrical connection
If this isn't the cause of the issue then I just wasted my time typing this up and will update it if that is the case haha!!
*UPDATE*
Drove about 30 miles commuting to work and back and no lights still so this seems to have been the cause of the issues!