2002 4Runner- VSC, Trac, Check Engine lights came on today

[ScottDetroit]

I have a 2002 4Runner with 109,000 miles on it. On the way to work this morning, the VSC, Trac, and Check Engine lights came on. I did the research on the site about the Zero Point Calibration. I've never replaced the 02 sensors- could this also be the cause? I'm driving to Chicago from Detroit thursday. Is this something I can 'handle' when I get back from my trip or should I not be driving that distance with these lights on and these systems 'shutdown'?

Thanks for any help or info,

ScottDetroit

 

[Stick Figure]

O2 sensor code usually isn't enough to set off the trac control as well as the check engine light. I used to get this issue w/ my IS when it would throw a random misfire code when i would use my two step rev limiter to launch. You need to pull the code(s) and see what you are really dealing w/ before you decide to drive the truck or not.

 

[p nut]

When the Check Engine Light goes off, the TRAC and VSC will always light up by default. It's a "safety feature" Toyota implemented. And yes, it does mean that you won't have the traction system, but it does NOT mean you can't drive it.

I'm sure it's the O2 sensor, and would definitely advise on getting it replaced as soon as possible, but if you HAVE to drive it, I doubt it will leave you stranded. You will notice a worse MPG, though.

 

[ScottDetroit]

I just drove it for lunch and all three lights are staying on- The VSC off, VSC trac, and the check engine light. So it 'could' be a bad 02 sensor? How can I get this checked out without going to teh dealer? Would Autozone be able to 'plug' inot my 4Runner's computer and spit out a code that will diagnose the problem?

Thanks a ton for the replies,

ScottDetroit

 

[p nut]

Yes, take it to Autozone or I believe Checker's does it, too. At 109k miles, it not uncommon for the O2 sensor to go out.

 

[Rock Slide]

x2 on pulling the codes. Most, if not all, auto parts stores will pull the code for you for free.

Can't say whether it's an 02 sensor not, but it could be.

I once had all my dash lights light up like you described...turns out my gas cap just wasn't as tight as it should have been. :bigok:

 

[ScottDetroit]

Went to Autozone-

this is what popped up on their little computer-

P0446 Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction

Now what do I do?

Thanks,

ScottDetroit

 

[01t4rnr]

Went to Autozone-

this is what popped up on their little computer-

P0446 Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction

Now what do I do?

Thanks,

ScottDetroit

either a valve or the entire canister assembly, the latter runs almost $300. I opted to just remove the check engine bulbs, wont hurt the performance. And yes im sure some of you are :jaw drop: but im not spending that much money unless its making my truck taller or faster. out of sight , out of mind :bigok:

 

[01t4rnr]

** could also be a loose gas cap , try tightening down and make sure it clicks a few times . unhook the negative battery cable and drive to see if it comes back on. Mine would go up to a week without a light but would keep coming back eventually

 

[toy cruzr]

I had this happen to me when I replaced my stock air filter with a cold air intake I'd hit passing gear and all the same lights would fire off I'd disconnect the battery for a while and the lights would go off until the next time I hit passing gear. try cleaning your mas air sensor it's plugged in to the air intake tube it takes about ten min. and a bottle of sensor cleaner found at any auto parts store it costs about $5.00 every body should do this once and a while

 

[miniracer]

Personally I would blow the code out with a scanner and see if it comes back. Evap codes are intermittant frequently, and the problem may not be there now. Driving it with this code will not hurt it. Just be aware if you are driving in a situation where vsc or traction control could be activated that it is diabled when the lights are on.

 

[MICA4R]

Please help with similar problem.

VSC RANDOMLY ACTIVATES~!

please click this thread...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/probl...engages-while-driving-straight-dry-roads.html

 

[01sr54x4]

I had the same code pop up on mine almost 5k ago... I had the light cleared by a buddy and it came back on. Tried the old negative terminal trick too, which cleared it, but again returned. I ended up putting a good thousand miles on it before deciding what to do and the light turned off on its own. It's possible that a small piece of charcoal from the canister gets caught in a valve, keeping it open. I'm not suggesting you do what I did, but driving it around for a while, a little harder than normal, seemed to work for me. Hasn't come back on to date.

 

[jet_dr969]

Had a similar issue at 151K on my 2002 4Runner (P1135 code). The upstream sensor is pretty easy to change (Bosch P/N 13613) with a 12mm socket or wrench and going from underneath. Might be a good idea to soak the studs with a penetrant oil to facilitate the nut removal if you have any corrosion. If you have a decent digital multimeter you can check the old sensor prior to opening the new one to make sure it's the problem. The 2 black wires (heater circuit) should read about 12 ohms. In my case, the circuit was open (alas, the problem). You can also check out the oxygen sensor circuit (blue and white wires) using a propane torch and multimeter set to read DC volts. With the sensor cold, it should read 0 VDC. When heated with the propane torch it should put out 1 VDC. You have to get the sensor tip pretty hot (mine was cherry red) and it was putting out around 0.85 VDC. After 151K miles, that's pretty good in my opinion. The Bosch sensor runs around $190 at Autozone, but you can get it on Amazon for around $138. When reinstalling the new sensor use the anti-seize compound on the threaded studs and do not over-torque the nuts to allow for heat expansion! As always, be sure and disconnect the negative battery terminal prior to beginning any work - this also clears the code in the computer. All my engine indications cleared and haven't come back since. Good luck!

 

[eliharrison56]

I have a 2002 4rubner sr5 230,000 miles and its 2wd today I was Backing out parking lot and check engine light came on, and it came on a long time ago and it was the o2 sensor, anyone have any ideas on why it came on?

 

[BrianSD_42]

I opted to just remove the check engine bulbs, wont hurt the performance. And yes im sure some of you are :jaw drop: but im not spending that much money unless its making my truck taller or faster. out of sight , out of mind :bigok:

Definitely the most $#%€&# WOW .... text I have read on this forum in awhile.

 

[RMS3RD]

Commenting to remember where this thread is...haven't fully figured out how to efficiently navigate this forum yet:

Situation: 100k+ miles ago my VSC/Trac and ECL came on but the truck did not seem to react differently so I elected to wait and see (I did do some research at the time) - MPG have improved over time (average approx 19-20MPG in mixed driving and up to 22MPG in highway alone) and I can fishtail and do doughnuts where previously the vehicle would do its very best to counter what I was trying to do. Can't say I like the "Big Brother" aspect of second guessing the results of my actions. I will pull the codes to see what is still registering since I just replaced the battery after having the negative terminal disco'd for 24 hours and the lights came right back immediately. Stay tuned!

 

[Blackcrowe]

Wtf just happened?

I have an '02 4 Runner with185k miles. I bought it new. I am and have always been a maintenance freak about my baby! While driving to work today (about 15 mins), out of nowhere, my dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree.. Check engine, traction control, ABS, brake light AND my spedometer stopped working. I live in NC and the vehicle has always been garage kept. Anyone have any clue?