Check engine light, VSC TRAC & TRAC OFF lights

[msanta]

My lights came on today for the first time after having the sensors replaced two years ago. Also the maintenance light came on too. I reset the maintenance light by holding the reset button and turning the ignition key to the on position. I shut down the truck and the next time i turned it on the lights went off, very strange, I think somehow they'll come back to haunt me again. Would a dirty air filter cause this? I haven't cleaned my Volant CAI filter in 3Kmiles so I'll clean it tomorrow, including the MAF sensor to see if they come on again.

 

[ray]

I just went through the same problems described above by many folks. One of my O2 sensors failed (58K miles, 04 SR5 V6 4WD). I had my mechanic replace it with the original Toyota part. The check engine light went off. But the two VSC lights come on as soon as the truck moves.

I brought it back to the mechanic to check the codes. He came up with C1336 - ride height recalibration required.

How the *^%$ are these two related. Or, as an engineer myself, why should they be. My dealer wants $96 to reset it. I may try to simply disconnect the battery cable to see if it clears it up. But the lights came on twice after being reset by my mechanic.

Anyone have a similar experience?

Thanks,

Ray

 

[greasefingers]

Would a dirty air filter cause this? I haven't cleaned my Volant CAI filter in 3Kmiles so I'll clean it tomorrow, including the MAF sensor to see if they come on again.

The MAP could cause this (the O2 sensor and MAP sensor) are related if a P0171 is thrown. But a dirty air filter will not.

If the air is restricted then the computer adjusts for this and the fuel management system works perfect.

 

[bradym239]

Same Problem

Okay so I have the same problem (check engine, VSC Off and other VSC light came on) but mine was after I stopped for gas and filled up. The gas cap is on--and when I pulled over to check the gas cap but it seemed snug.

So my question is--is this just REALLY odd timing or do you guys think it may have something to do with the gas cap? I guess my best bet would be to take it to Auto Zone to get the codes checked.

 

[Nedlob]

P01135

I just got a code of P01135. Toyota said it is an air fuel sensor that has gone bad. The price they quoted me is $431. Is that good? Can I get this part somehwere else for cheaper?

FYI:
I have a 02 Toyota 4 runner. My VSC+Trak off + Check engine light were staying on. My Mechanic pulled the same code from my Truck. My 4 runner has 2 oxygen sensors, one for air/fuel and one for exhaust, I purchased both from toyota dealer for $367.00 and my mechanic installed them for $60.00. I have not had the problem since. Initially Mechanic saw a code that referenced the ABS ECU, but it seems that the O2 sensor (po1135) was also causing the VSC and Trak off light to stay lit as well as the check engine light. I hope this helps someone out there because this problem drove me crazy for months.Tim B.

 

[Nedlob]

Re: P01135

FYI:
I have a 02 Toyota 4 runner. My VSC+Trak off + Check engine light were staying on. My Mechanic pulled the same code from my Truck. My 4 runner has 2 oxygen sensors, one for air/fuel and one for exhaust, I purchased both from toyota dealer for $367.00 and my mechanic installed them for $60.00. I have not had the problem since. Initially Mechanic saw a code that referenced the ABS ECU, but it seems that the O2 sensor (po1135) was also causing the VSC and Trak off light to stay lit as well as the check engine light. I hope this helps someone out there because this problem drove me crazy for months.Tim B.

This part must be purchased from the dealer. I purchased on-line the first time and had severe problems. It looked the same but the difference is in cost and internal.

 

[bayoucitytoyota]

Cheap first step before going to dealer

For what it's worth...I have a 2001 4Runner and experienced the same problem with the VSC+Trak off + Check engine lights appearing one morning. Since I thought it might be due to a loose gas cap, I tightened the cap and disconnected the battery for 15 minutes to reset the system as others have mentioned above.

Upon reconnecting, the lights no longer appeared and have stayed off for the last 24 hours. If they reappear, then I'll have a mechanic pull the codes.

I might be fooling myself if I am ignoring bigger problems, but this seemed like a logical and cheap first step.

 

[Nedlob]

Absolutely bayoucitytoyota, That was the first piece of advice given to me. Unfortunately it paid no change for me, but once I changed both oxygen sensors I have not seen the lights since. I think I had it done approximately May of this year. I would be interested to know how you make out with this.

 

[jim8464]

First check and make sure your gas cap is tight, if this does not resolve the problem read below.

A vacuum hose has become disconnected, more than likely due to having your air filter replaced. The VSC and Check engine light typically don't come on until after 150-200 miles after the vacuum hose was pulled out.

The fix: on the right-hand-side of the engine compartment behind the big plastic housing that holds the air filter you will find a black rubber hose that is not connected to anything. Squeeze the finger clamp on the hose and slide the hose back onto the half inch nipple on the back of the air filter's plastic housing.

In order for the VSC and Check engine light to be turned off, you will need to open the fuse box, right-side of the engine compartment, and pull the 20 amp EFI fuse for 10 seconds. This will reset the system. The fuse location is marked on the lid of the fuse box, also I believe the EFI fuse is the only 20 amp fuse.

 

[4runnerndachi]

Hey guys/gals I have a question

My VSC/Trac Off/Engine Check light all came on last night. Im scared because im at 70K and out of warranty with no money. I cant afford to be taken by the stealership


1. Last week i passed my Illinois emissions test. From what I read this problem may be related to emissions. Could this be related?

2. By waiting to fix the problem will it harm my truck. In other words, will there be long term effects if I hold off for a few months?


Thanks.....

 

[bronchogg]

Awww Hell....

Mine came on today too.

 

[jdq4runner]

3 lights on too

i got the same issue too. i hope its just the gas cap or a dirty mass airflow! beside that how much you think would the dealer charge to fix it ?

 

[lisagraves]

I just bought an 01 4runner 120k miles and this morning my ck engine, VSC & Trac lights came on also. I feel better after reading the other posts and seems like an easy issue to fix. Going to the dealer today.

 

[jdq4runner]

I added lucas gas treatment with 91 octane a week ago. Oil changed and clean knn filter 3 ddays ago .I think that what caused my cel to lite up... any body know exactly what the dealership does... I don't want to bring my 03 t4r dealership again cause I had bad experience with most of dealerships around 818 area, airbag light on cost $800 for diags plastic clip cost $5. And they add 15 miles to my mileage.... I knew they took it some where else. As for tires northhollywood toyota. They drive it to just tires 2 blocks away and charge customers an extra $100.00 from what it cost u take it to just tires.

 

[peter78]

i got the same issue too. i hope its just the gas cap or a dirty mass airflow! beside that how much you think would the dealer charge to fix it ?

I just bought an 01 4runner 120k miles and this morning my ck engine, VSC & Trac lights came on also. I feel better after reading the other posts and seems like an easy issue to fix. Going to the dealer today.

A lot of people freak out when they see all three lights come at once. Kind of looks like a Christmas tree. When it happened to my 2001, my wife called me and said she went to a store and came back and all the lights were on and she didn't do anything, honest.

It is usually a O2 sensor. Mine cost a little under $400 when I changed it a couple years ago. It could be other things, but that seems to be the most common problem.

 

[jdq4runner]

$400 for all the o2 sensors? or is it just one o2 sensor and labor?

 

[peter78]

$400 for all the o2 sensors? or is it just one o2 sensor and labor?

Just one for me, something to look forward to.

 

[jdq4runner]

Just one for me, something to look forward to.

thanks sorry for the late response i tired the gas cap, wasnt it,took out the map sensor it was dusty dirty, some what cleaned it, took out the fuse for ecu for over 15 mins didnt help all lights appear so im guessing its a bad o2 sensor! before i swap it out im going to clean it. i hope its like my honda i just cleaned the o2 sensor with carb cleaner and no more check light. if not i guess o2 sensor is on my christmas list i wish those check lights appeared after my smog check.

 

[OHDAD9224]

I had this happen last Friday. I read somewhere else (maybe earlier in this thread) to try disconnecting the battery for 15+ minutes. I did that, as well as changing the spark plugs, which I was planning to do anyway. I also read that an almost empty fuel tank can cause it; mine was almost E. I filled it. Anyway, after doing these three things, the lights were gone. You might want to check these things before spending $400 on a sensor.

 

[jdq4runner]

my wife always does that drives with it on E low gas! ill disconnect the battery... any body know the safe way to clean that sensor on the intake before the throttle body? the 04 4runner has 200,000 miles and only oil changes and brakes done... i gotta change the trans, rear diff, coolant fluids and timing chain, belts are those easy?