05 Traction lights & check engine lights on

Ginneta

Ginneta

New member
Ok, I've read several threads about misc lights but I'm looking for some advice specific to my issue. Monday morning I filled up the gas tank and drove to work, stopped at the gym and then home. So my truck was turned on and off several times after the fill up. Tuesday morning I get in my truck and all of the traction lights are on and the check engine light. I jumped on here and read a thread that said I should tighten my gas cap and disconnect the negative battery terminal to reset the lights. Done all that on Tuesday afternoon. The lights went away and now Friday morning THE LIGHTS ARE BACK. I have noticed my MPG from 18.5 to 16.5, but was thinking maybe since the battery was disconnected the MPG's were reset and the reading isn't so accurate. There is no stalling or idle issues. The gas cap does come loose by just barely turning it. Change the gas cap? Get the codes read? I'm learning as I go when it comes to maintaining and minor repairs so any advice is appreciated. BTW if it matters my 4Runner is an 05 4X4 SR5 with 190k miles.
 
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Ginneta said:
Ok, I've read several threads about misc lights but I'm looking for some advice specific to my issue. Monday morning I filled up the gas tank and drove to work, stopped at the gym and then home. So my truck was turned on and off several times after the fill up. Tuesday morning I get in my truck and all of the traction lights are on and the check engine light. I jumped on here and read a thread that said I should tighten my gas cap and disconnect the negative battery terminal to reset the lights. Done all that on Tuesday afternoon. The lights went away and now Friday morning THE LIGHTS ARE BACK. I have noticed my MPG from 18.5 to 16.5, but was thinking maybe since the battery was disconnected the MPG's were reset and the reading isn't so accurate. There is no stalling or idle issues. The gas cap does come loose by just barely turning it. Change the gas cap? Get the codes read? I'm learning as I go when it comes to maintaining and minor repairs so any advice is appreciated. BTW if it matters my 4Runner is an 05 4X4 SR5 with 190k miles.
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I know it's the trendy thing to replace or tighten a gas cap when CEL and TRAC lights come on. But in reality, the first thing you should do is get the code(s) read. Most auto parts places will do it for free. Or buy a $20 one and keep it in the glove box.

There are many issues that can trigger the CEL/trac light so get the code read. It usually is cheaper and less time consuming than guessing what the issue is :shrug:

Post up the codes once you know them and I'm sure the forum can point you in the right direction!
 
thanks Hokie!! as soon as i read your message i left work and headed to Auto Zone. Here is the read results. Hoping it is the gas cap and not one of the other issues listed!!!
 

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Ginneta said:
thanks Hokie!! as soon as i read your message i left work and headed to Auto Zone. Here is the read results. Hoping it is the gas cap and not one of the other issues listed!!!
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Nice! Gas cap seems to be the common fix for that code. Glad it wasn't something expensive! Let us know if the gas cap def. fixes it.
 
Good to Read Up On:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/151487-check-engine-trac-vsc-read-me.html

Its always a good idea to pull the codes from the vehicle, typically this can be done for free and should always be your first step in diagnosing any MIL related issue, otherwise you're just flying blind and throwing shit at a wall and hoping something sticks.

As for the P0456, its not typically the DTC you'd see for the gas cap, usually that is a P0455. But at this point I'd feel okay with either tightening the gas cap and/or replacing it and checking again. :)
 
I remember it as a P0441 error that I get about once a year and replacing the cap takes care of it. Just replaced another one two weeks ago and it's eliminated the error again.
 
CXS said:
I remember it as a P0441 error that I get about once a year and replacing the cap takes care of it. Just replaced another one two weeks ago and it's eliminated the error again.
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Holy crap, that's a pretty regular failure rate for gas caps.
 
I had the same P0456 (VCS lights, VSC TRAC and CEL ON). I didn't need to change the gas cap though. Just tightened it and reset the CEL with a scan meter and its been all good. Guess I didn't tighten it enough after my last fill.
 
Jakeepoo3 said:
Haha it seems like that's all I read about is gas caps on any abs related problems. I can't get my issues solved because that's all anyone seems to know.
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I mean the gas caps do seem like you might as well replace them every oil change... So I don't entirely blame people for defaulting to that, but getting in that habit of just knee-jerk going after a cap before you even know why the MIL was set is a bit silly IMHO.
 
I bought a $20 Hyper tough code reader at Walmart tightened gas cap then using the code reader reset the check engine codes.
Why I get the skid control flashing I feel is Toyota trying to get one to their service departments.
Auto Zone reading peoples check engine codes is how they sell lots of parts some needed but many they don’t.:50cal:
 
also, i have read that you should not "top off" the tank. i think it messes with the emissions components in the tank area.
 
It's an old thread, but the issue is familiar to most 4Runner owners. Toyota/Lexus are very sensitive in terms of electronic/electrical. Very robust systems but when something is out of spec - the dash lights up.

VSC/TRAC lights are common because the Toyota vehicle computer will disable the stability control and traction control once you have an issue with O2/catalytic etc. I have these same lights on but they are not going to affect the way it drives at all.

It's only when you drive to close to the edge of the vehicle's handling limits that you will be in trouble. I have a basic code reader and it will reset those lights but they will be back indicating there is some long term issue.

Once things start flashing that means it's critical. Could be an ABS sensor, could be a clogged catalytic. The only way to find out is to get a trusted shop to scan and look.
 
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