Check Engine Light with VSC just came on
- Thread starter mlc2000
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kartracer8
New member
I had this happen to me out in the middle of nowhere in South Dakota. It scared the shit out of me. I opened hood looked it all over and it all looked good. Turned out to be low brake fluid in my case. :der:
this could be anything that the PCM senses as bad feedback. scan tool should get you started.
Mine has been turning VSC stuff on, then later a check engine light comes on, found the VSC mode is an engine protection mode built into computer system. Our mechanic at work said to check all the positive connections, ie starter, battery terminals etc as a start point, no matter what code it may throw, a loose connection can cause all sorts of codes
I read lots of stories about the vsc lights and most are solved by just topping off the brake fluid
Toyota has a stupid sensitive low fluid trigger that goes off if its just a little low, most times not even to the point of reaching the low fluid mark but it still triggers warnings
Toyota has a stupid sensitive low fluid trigger that goes off if its just a little low, most times not even to the point of reaching the low fluid mark but it still triggers warnings
So I went to AutoZone to have my computer read. Turns out cylinder #2 is misfiring. Really wouldn't have noticed anything other than on a cold engine, it is slightly rough when first starting but after a few seconds, the engine picks up. On a warm engine, no issue. Accelerating, no problem. Flooring it, no problem either.
Now I just need to figure out which one is cylinder #2. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.
Now I just need to figure out which one is cylinder #2. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.
2005 6 cylinder 1GR-FE
Have you looked into the head gasket fail issue for this model engine? I have been having the same issue, and after reading the posts about the head gaskets other small details that I thought were sounds and rumbles of an old truck, seem to be more symptoms of a bad HG. I have yet to get it properly diagnosed. But I will let you know what Toyota says.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/188699-***-v6-head-gasket-action-request-***-5.html
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So I replaced the spark plug in cylinder #2, reset the check engine light by disconnecting the battery. Check engine and vsc lights are off now. So far, 100 miles into it and check engine light has not come back yet. So it looks like it was the plug and not the coil. Plug had .60 gap. That is quite large since it should be .43
So I replaced the spark plug in cylinder #2, reset the check engine light by disconnecting the battery. Check engine and vsc lights are off now. So far, 100 miles into it and check engine light has not come back yet. So it looks like it was the plug and not the coil. Plug had .60 gap. That is quite large since it should be .43
soula_ollie
New member
2004 4runner has the same problem, the check engine light came on and the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF are lit up.
The OBD reader gave back 4 codes:
1. C1201 - engine control system malfunction
2. C1241 - Low battery positive voltage or abnormal high battery positive charge
3. C1246 - Malfunction in master cylinder pressure sensor
4. P0420 - Catalytic efficiency below threshold bank 1
I have checked the gas cap...DIDN'T fix it. HOWEVER disconnecting the battery for 15 seconds are reconnecting turns the lights off. Month later lights are back on. I am assuming the battery fix is temporary. Is there any way to know what the root problem could be?
The OBD reader gave back 4 codes:
1. C1201 - engine control system malfunction
2. C1241 - Low battery positive voltage or abnormal high battery positive charge
3. C1246 - Malfunction in master cylinder pressure sensor
4. P0420 - Catalytic efficiency below threshold bank 1
I have checked the gas cap...DIDN'T fix it. HOWEVER disconnecting the battery for 15 seconds are reconnecting turns the lights off. Month later lights are back on. I am assuming the battery fix is temporary. Is there any way to know what the root problem could be?
lightfreak
New member
C1201 is a generic code, just ignore it for now.
C1241 possibly faulty voltage regulator or you simply need a new battery. Check battery voltage while engine running and while not running and see what u get.
C1246 can be caused by a faulty brake light switch.
Check if ur brake lights are coming on. If u have a multimeter that can check resistance , pull the switch and see if reads about 0.5 ohm
It's a cheap part , search this forum for more info.
Is your ABS light on too ? If not, that's a good sign
P0420 is most likely an O2 sensor. Bank 1 is passenger side on the V6, and the drivers side on the V8. Inspect for damage to wiring/connectors first and any exhaust leaks before the sensor. Cats are expensive so try a new sensor before shelling out for a new cat.
I would tackle these one at a time, sometimes false codes get triggered by another code.
All the "battery fix" does is clears the code. It doesn't fix anything. If there's a problem the code will come back. Sometimes right away , sometimes months later if it's an intermittent issue.
Good luck
C1241 possibly faulty voltage regulator or you simply need a new battery. Check battery voltage while engine running and while not running and see what u get.
C1246 can be caused by a faulty brake light switch.
Check if ur brake lights are coming on. If u have a multimeter that can check resistance , pull the switch and see if reads about 0.5 ohm
It's a cheap part , search this forum for more info.
Is your ABS light on too ? If not, that's a good sign
P0420 is most likely an O2 sensor. Bank 1 is passenger side on the V6, and the drivers side on the V8. Inspect for damage to wiring/connectors first and any exhaust leaks before the sensor. Cats are expensive so try a new sensor before shelling out for a new cat.
I would tackle these one at a time, sometimes false codes get triggered by another code.
All the "battery fix" does is clears the code. It doesn't fix anything. If there's a problem the code will come back. Sometimes right away , sometimes months later if it's an intermittent issue.
Good luck
Sandraqu
Junior Member
No codes
Hello, I’m seeing these lights come and go. There does not seem to be a pattern. There are no error codes showing in an OBDC reader. Tried two different readers. I don’t have a check engine light, just the 4 vsc ones. Replaced gas cap. Had not heard about brake fluid, but it’s full.
Hello, I’m seeing these lights come and go. There does not seem to be a pattern. There are no error codes showing in an OBDC reader. Tried two different readers. I don’t have a check engine light, just the 4 vsc ones. Replaced gas cap. Had not heard about brake fluid, but it’s full.
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