Brake, VSC OFF, VSC TRAC, ABS lights on

[Luvtodrive]

I have a 2002 4Runner w/ about 170k on the odo. The following lights are on: Brake, VSC OFF, VSC TRAC and ABS. Meanwhile, the brakes work fine as do all of the other components/accessories in the vehicle. The rear shocks were recently replaced along w/ some rear link that'd broken. Just weeks later seems the handbrake cable is broken... so don't know if any of that's related but that sums things up. Our mechanic plugged his system in and interpreted the codes to mean either a problem with the Left Rear Speed Sensor and/or the ABS Control Unit... which I know is pricey! Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[zwalker16]

Sounds like its the ABS unit not sure the correct name for it. My Rover did the same thing as yours. That unit controls all of those units. Its will still ride fine but everything is deactivated. Get it fixed.

 

[MStudt]

I have a 2002 4Runner w/ about 170k on the odo. The following lights are on: Brake, VSC OFF, VSC TRAC and ABS. Meanwhile, the brakes work fine as do all of the other components/accessories in the vehicle. The rear shocks were recently replaced along w/ some rear link that'd broken. Just weeks later seems the handbrake cable is broken... so don't know if any of that's related but that sums things up. Our mechanic plugged his system in and interpreted the codes to mean either a problem with the Left Rear Speed Sensor and/or the ABS Control Unit... which I know is pricey! Any thoughts? Thanks!

What codes did you get? There are a lot of issues that can activate those lights.

 

[Luvtodrive]

Sounds like its the ABS unit not sure the correct name for it. My Rover did the same thing as yours. That unit controls all of those units. Its will still ride fine but everything is deactivated. Get it fixed.

Thanks for the note... replacing ABS is the quick easy answer ($2,500.00!) but prior to making that leap I'm hoping a little history will reveal some other alternatives. I've seen one post where simply repairing one of the wires ($60) resolved the problem for one owner a rear wheel sensor for another.... this [the sensor] after the dealer replaced the costly ABS unit! Good news there being that the dealer took the hit. But thanks again.

 

[Luvtodrive]

What codes did you get? There are a lot of issues that can activate those lights.

I should have asked the mechanic for them... as it is, I wrote down the two choices... one interpreting to Left Rear Speed Sensor; the other ABS Control Unit. Thanks for the note/question. Is there a link to the list of issues you mention? Many thanks for the interest!

 

[MStudt]

I should have asked the mechanic for them... as it is, I wrote down the two choices... one interpreting to Left Rear Speed Sensor; the other ABS Control Unit. Thanks for the note/question. Is there a link to the list of issues you mention? Many thanks for the interest!

If you got a speed sensor code that pretty much narrows it down. Those lights can also be triggered by a cat failure, and bad gas cap. There is another issue associated with the steering column (can't think of what it's called) that can through those lights. Another thing would be if someone did an Andy MOD to it. The original Andy MOD cut the ABS, thus throwing those lights.

 

[Luvtodrive]

Thanks again for the feedback... I believe I've eliminated the gas cap but I am leaning toward the speed sensor thingy... interesting point about the Andy MOD, not something on our 4Runner but perhaps worth considering! This all coincides back when I had the shocks and some shock mount replaced... they may have hit a wire. But while researching this I've seen a few posts where they had total brake failure which, given my handbrake quit about the same time, think I need to be careful in case it's more than just wire. Thanks again.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Can you post what DTCs you had for the vehicle? It'd be easier to help you figure out what's going on if we had the DTCs to go with, that way we can try and get an idea of what the vehicle thinks is wrong with it.

If I remember correctly the 2000+ 4Runners started coming with the Hydraulically Assisted Master Cylinder systems that the 4th gens use (specifically the '03-04's as the '05+ used an updated unit) that can be complicated to diagnose. Based on the price to replace it, it sounds like you have this unit.

I've dealt with some issues with these units ranging from failure (in my '04) to the Zero Point Calibration (ZPC) data being erased when the battery gets to low (a quirk of the '03-'04 units, but I suspect the same of the 3rd gen versions as they are the same unit.)

Here's some reference information regarding DTCs & the Hydraulically Assisted Master Cylinder if it helps you out:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/151487-check-engine-trac-vsc-read-me.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/107245-inconsistent-brake-pedal-travel.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/120125-hydraboost-brake-assembly.html

 

[flaco261]

vsc OFF, ABS, SLIPPAGE, ABS, VSC TRAC - THE LIGHTS ON

Hello All, 4RUNNER 2006
these 4 light on the dashboard will turn on only turning the car on and ONLY AFER PRESING THE BREAK PEDAL and they will STAY ON until I turn the car OFF.
I had this problem for more than 2 years, no break problems, driving was normal. I took it for service to Toyota dealer, they have me 5 hours waiting for an oil change and diagnostics, then they told me that I have to bring it and do a deeper diagnostic. I did not do it!

The after many moths I toke it for service again just for oil change, Then they told me That I have to replace the all LED BRAKE LIGTH ASSEMBLIES (LIGHT FLIKERS) WHEN I PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL COST $1.050

So I thought why I have to change all tree assemblies, I don't think all of them are going bad at the same time, It has to be some other electric problem, so I look on the wonderful YOUTUBE "HOW TO REPLACE BREAK SWITH!!!! Then I realize that was easier than put my shoes on and It was not expensive it range from dealer price from $47 to a regular stores $21 so I got the $21 dollars one to test,

Incredibly The Break lights don flick any more but the more shocking the 4 light in my dash board will neve turn on again after pushing the break pedal for the firs time.

So please research and share so guys like you and I don't have to pay Thousands for a simple thing like that.

easier than putting my shoes on = $$$$ in savings

I hope this history get share and more people can save money for real car problem.

This was really disappointment from were dealer that I spend a lot a money for many years.

 

[off-road runner]

I've seen one post where simply repairing one of the wires ($60) resolved the problem for one owner a rear wheel sensor.

This happened to me, plug in for the sensor near the rear wheel came apart. Must've got whacked by a branch I assume. Family owned garage I take my vehicle to put some kind of adhesive and put it back, didn't charge me a dime. Have someone you trust go through it.