Bad Catalytic disables my Traction Control!?

[al_x_ander]

Is there a way to get my Traction control working again without changing out the Cat?

This happened to me 2 years ago and I had to replace the Passanger side Cat which is connected to the manifold. When they go bad and throw the O2 censor. It disables the traction control, which makes my 03 a death trap in the snow.

Thoughts or Tricks anyone?

 

[gshadow325]

Is there a way to get my Traction control working again without changing out the Cat?

This happened to me 2 years ago and I had to replace the Passanger side Cat which is connected to the manifold. When they go bad and throw the O2 censor. It disables the traction control, which makes my 03 a death trap in the snow.

Thoughts or Tricks anyone?

temporary quick fix, get a obd2 scan tool and reset the light.

long term can be fixed in several ways
-replace cat
-check codes and see what is failing
-do o2 sensor spacer mod
-replace faulty sensors

just to name a few

 

[al_x_ander]

temporary quick fix, get a obd2 scan tool and reset the light.

long term can be fixed in several ways
-replace cat
-check codes and see what is failing
-do o2 sensor spacer mod
-replace faulty sensors

just to name a few

I have the code reader and it that doesn't work. The "VSC TRAC" and "VSC OFF" light come on immediately when I put the car in drive and move forward.

is it possible all I need to do is perform a "zero point calibration"? Ive read that other places online, but it doesn't seem to match my issue exactly.

Just seems unsafe that Toyota would disable the traction control safety feature and put me and my family at risk, all to get my cat replaced.

 

[BillBoost37]

Welcome to my newest complaint about the way Yota set things up. Any engine code kills all traction etc. Pisses me off...it's silly IMO.

I used a SnapOn Modis. Worked like a champ to reset codes etc. The underlying problem is your cat.

Should we assume you have a P0420 for the cat? If so.. have you looked into or tried the defouler trick? I know a lot of other cars/trucks do well with this...not sure if it's something that works well on this platform. For about $10 it might be worthwhile.

 

[Waldo740]

Help!!!

Today 05:33 PM - permalinkWaldo740
Please help!!! Have a 2004 4runner and have had the same problem like many other people with the check engine light, vsc and trac light all coming on at the same time. Took it to a buddy and got the code to say it was the upper drivers side cat converter. Replaced that and disconnected the battery which reset all the lights. About two weeks later the lights came back on with the exception of the check engine light. Now the four wheel drive no longer works. Is this because the lights are on? I tried the gas cap thing but it didn't work. I'm already in the red with cat converter and really don't wanna take it to a dealership. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[zonianbrat]

I agree this is another stupid design flaw by Toyota. First one was the hydraulic brake booster/abs computer. Dumbest enginerd idea EVER. Not being able to disable traction control is another design flaw. There have been a couple of times I have almost gotten hit because I need wheel spin and power to get across a snow covered ice packed road only to have my throttle taken away from me. And now I either have a bad catalytic converter or bad 02 sensor....either way it disables traction control and puts my family at risk. I have gotten used to my dash being lit up like a xmas tree. To look at the positive with the traction control off now I have the wheel spin in 2wd that I want. Our third gen was totaled a couple of weeks ago and I am missing it more and more every day.

Sorry to be so negative but this 4th gen has just cost me a lot of money this year and I am not very impressed with it as of late. Seems like I can go about two months and some other major repair comes up. The wife wrecking the 3rd gen hasn't helped at all.

 

[gshadow325]

Today 05:33 PM - permalinkWaldo740
Please help!!! Have a 2004 4runner and have had the same problem like many other people with the check engine light, vsc and trac light all coming on at the same time. Took it to a buddy and got the code to say it was the upper drivers side cat converter. Replaced that and disconnected the battery which reset all the lights. About two weeks later the lights came back on with the exception of the check engine light. Now the four wheel drive no longer works. Is this because the lights are on? I tried the gas cap thing but it didn't work. I'm already in the red with cat converter and really don't wanna take it to a dealership. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

two lights with no cel will mean the truck might need to get ZPC done

 

[gshadow325]

I agree this is another stupid design flaw by Toyota. First one was the hydraulic brake booster/abs computer. Dumbest enginerd idea EVER. Not being able to disable traction control is another design flaw. There have been a couple of times I have almost gotten hit because I need wheel spin and power to get across a snow covered ice packed road only to have my throttle taken away from me. And now I either have a bad catalytic converter or bad 02 sensor....either way it disables traction control and puts my family at risk. I have gotten used to my dash being lit up like a xmas tree. To look at the positive with the traction control off now I have the wheel spin in 2wd that I want. Our third gen was totaled a couple of weeks ago and I am missing it more and more every day.

Sorry to be so negative but this 4th gen has just cost me a lot of money this year and I am not very impressed with it as of late. Seems like I can go about two months and some other major repair comes up. The wife wrecking the 3rd gen hasn't helped at all.

on this very forum, using the search feature, you will find a very very long thread written by a fine gentleman named alex [MENTION=63211]emelianenkov[/MENTION] on how to disable tracs/vsc. if the trust search feature wasnt working, here is the link http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...trac-abs-without-damaging-factory-wiring.html many have done it, so there are many variations including mine found here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...you-made-my-dash-light-up-like-christmas.html and i also complained my dash lit up like a christmas tree too

if we going to have a pissing match on how much money we spend to keep our 4runners on the road, then i'll start.... $1425 for both manifolds, labor, parts, sensors. $750 for timing belt water pump service, another $750 in suspension(but that was a upgrade/might as well thing), not including plugs, maf, transfer case oil, front and rear diff oils, complete brake over haul...I figure i'm around $4000 in the last 10 months/12,000 miles

 

[zonianbrat]

I have done many a search and know of the mod and the different variations including Alex's. Was it worth voiding my warranty? nope

 

[gshadow325]

I have done many a search and know of the mod and the different variations including Alex's. Was it worth voiding my warranty? nope

what ever floats your boat buddy. if you know the fix why complain about it? its not like toyota can hear you from here. Alex's fix also is the most noninvasive way.

what would your warranty have to do with anything? are there any 4th gens out there still under warranty? LoL

 

[ebg18t]

I have done many a search and know of the mod and the different variations including Alex's. Was it worth voiding my warranty? nope

You have a warranty still on a 2003?

 

[gshadow325]

You have a warranty still on a 2003?

Bri has a 04, that's still under warranty. Toyota care, 10 year 200k bumperto bumper. He would consider a pro comp lift but will not do a vsc/tracs disable, smh

 

[ebg18t]

Bri has a 04, that's still under warranty. Toyota care, 10 year 200k bumperto bumper. He would consider a pro comp lift but will not do a vsc/tracs disable, smh

Interesting.

 

[gshadow325]

Interesting thing is bri, seems to have a lemon yet he installs daystars. And is considering roof racks. Has a p0430 code for months and now is complaining his truck is putting his family's life in danger because there is no traction control.

Interesting,

 

[used assassin]

vsc

Hey guys my 2 cents, had a weird issue with my 4runner a few weeks back, My mechanic isnt a one brand mechanic he does everything. After my truck sat there for 2 days and no clue what to do. I went to just answer.com. Paid my 20 bucks and talked to a 25 plus year toyota master tech named skyvisions. He diagnosed my problem in about 30 minutes then relayed the info to my guy. Truck runs awesome. Instead of beating your brain in spend 20 bucks and go from there. could be something simple. Toyota has some screwed up systems though....

 

[zonianbrat]

Interesting thing is bri, seems to have a lemon yet he installs daystars. And is considering roof racks. Has a p0430 code for months and now is complaining his truck is putting his family's life in danger because there is no traction control.

Interesting,

Yes I do have a daystar lift that I bought for 25 dollars. Why consider a roof rack? cause I need more storage when pulling the popup. Why complain? Because I am an American and I can. If it irritates you on a public forum then my job is done! I will now feel free to continue:rockon:

 

[zonianbrat]

what ever floats your boat buddy. if you know the fix why complain about it? its not like toyota can hear you from here. Alex's fix also is the most noninvasive way.

what would your warranty have to do with anything? are there any 4th gens out there still under warranty? LoL

Yes at the time my 4th gen was under a 3rd party warranty! So there is a 4th gen for ya....LOL:redbrick:

 

[zonianbrat]

While I am at it G I am not to happy with the way the back seatbelts are arranged.

 

[gshadow325]

Yes I do have a daystar lift that I bought for 25 dollars. Why consider a roof rack? cause I need more storage when pulling the popup. Why complain? Because I am an American and I can. If it irritates you on a public forum then my job is done! I will now feel free to continue:rockon:

Yes at the time my 4th gen was under a 3rd party warranty! So there is a 4th gen for ya....LOL:redbrick:

While I am at it G I am not to happy with the way the back seatbelts are arranged.

hey Bri,

there is a little icon next to quote, called multiquote. easier to reply to messages instead of making 3. If you use tapatalk its a little harder to multiquote.

Like i said, you complain all you want. I dont care, it just makes you sound like a fool. You say you dont want to do the tracs disable mod because of warranty. You have a 04 with 150k+ truck that has problems, and you have issues with your warranty company. As you are finding out, high mileage vehicles can get real expensive if you dont turn your own wrenches.

Maybe this 4runner was not for you. You might have done better by buying a newer one with less miles, or 3rd gen since that has treated you better. If yours is a V6, i am waiting for the "my head gasket is blown" thread!

Now, what dont you like about the rear seatbelts? I personally have not sat back there. My main concern is the drivers seat area since i will be driving it 99% of the time

 

[zonianbrat]

hey Bri,

there is a little icon next to quote, called multiquote. easier to reply to messages instead of making 3. If you use tapatalk its a little harder to multiquote.

Like i said, you complain all you want. I dont care, it just makes you sound like a fool. You say you dont want to do the tracs disable mod because of warranty. You have a 04 with 150k+ truck that has problems, and you have issues with your warranty company. As you are finding out, high mileage vehicles can get real expensive if you dont turn your own wrenches.

Maybe this 4runner was not for you. You might have done better by buying a newer one with less miles, or 3rd gen since that has treated you better. If yours is a V6, i am waiting for the "my head gasket is blown" thread!

Now, what dont you like about the rear seatbelts? I personally have not sat back there. My main concern is the drivers seat area since i will be driving it 99% of the time

So after reading your messages I can see you did some homework on my previous issues. I appreciate you doing that. Unfortunately you do not know the whole story and the timing of it. The main topic here is that a bad o2 shouldnt take out stability control.

I am also familiar with the fact that my 04 is now 10 years old and 150K+ miles. I've also owned 3 other vehicles with more miles that did not cost near as much. That was part of my complaining. Two of those vehicles were American made even! So yeah maybe I got a lemon....

I apologize for sounding like a fool to you G. In the future if you think I look like a fool for using my right to complain on a public FORUM then.....:rockthrow: