F#%*ing dash lights!
- Thread starter BRUIN8124
- Start date
BlackWorksInc
New member
Neither of those DTCs have anything to do with the EVAP System, thus a gas cap will not fix the root cause of those DTCs.
C0279- Short Circuit in ABS Solenoid Relay
C1223- ABS Control System Malfunction
I'm not too concerned by the C1223 as it basically accompanies the C0279 DTC in this case (if it was just by itself, I'd be more concerned; but since there is a companion DTC that does imply an issue in the ABS system its more of a confirmation than anything) so lets focus in on the C0279. That DTC indicates that there is an issue in the ABS Relay and/or ABS Relay Circuit, specifically that there is a short detected in the circuit.
If you're somewhat handy with a DVOM I can explain the process of testing the circuit, or you can have a professional test the vehicle. Another option is to just replace the relay (Part Number: 88263-24020) erase the DTCs and see if they come back for that condition.
~
Post Note-
I also encourage those of you who answered with "Gas Cap" as well as the OP to read this thread that better explains how the OBDII system functions:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/151487-check-engine-trac-vsc-read-me.html
C0279- Short Circuit in ABS Solenoid Relay
C1223- ABS Control System Malfunction
I'm not too concerned by the C1223 as it basically accompanies the C0279 DTC in this case (if it was just by itself, I'd be more concerned; but since there is a companion DTC that does imply an issue in the ABS system its more of a confirmation than anything) so lets focus in on the C0279. That DTC indicates that there is an issue in the ABS Relay and/or ABS Relay Circuit, specifically that there is a short detected in the circuit.
If you're somewhat handy with a DVOM I can explain the process of testing the circuit, or you can have a professional test the vehicle. Another option is to just replace the relay (Part Number: 88263-24020) erase the DTCs and see if they come back for that condition.
~
Post Note-
I also encourage those of you who answered with "Gas Cap" as well as the OP to read this thread that better explains how the OBDII system functions:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/151487-check-engine-trac-vsc-read-me.html
BRUIN8124
New member
I kind of figured the gas cap was too good to be true. I didn't have the check engine light. That is a great post +1 on that.
I really would like to avoid the shop if possible. I'd like to start by replacing that ABS Relay. I googled it and it looks like they are not too pricey. Is that accurate? Is this something a dealership would have in stock or an auto parts store? Where is it located, the engine compartment fuse box? Or elsewhere? Is it easy to swap out?
If I can do this on my own, that would be great! Then I would swing by advanced auto and have them clear the codes. Hopefully, end of story...
Great response! Thank you again for your help!
I really would like to avoid the shop if possible. I'd like to start by replacing that ABS Relay. I googled it and it looks like they are not too pricey. Is that accurate? Is this something a dealership would have in stock or an auto parts store? Where is it located, the engine compartment fuse box? Or elsewhere? Is it easy to swap out?
If I can do this on my own, that would be great! Then I would swing by advanced auto and have them clear the codes. Hopefully, end of story...
Great response! Thank you again for your help!
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I read all over and understand that, but I found a couple threads that fixed it with gas caps and it worked for me. No codes anymore. The C1223 code went away immediately. Dunno why, it's weird, but many have fixed it this way.
BRUIN8124
New member
I was going to replace that ABS Solenoid Relay today and when I looked at it, it had a part number 88263-24030. Could that be my problem, wrong part/wrong number?
Are you sure it should be part number 88263-24020?
BlackWorksInc
New member
Can you take a picture of the fuse block with the relays installed?
BRUIN8124
New member
Scratch that... I swung by the dealership on the way home from work. The parts with guy came out, checked the part and vin# and verified the ABS Sol. relay in mine takes the Part # ending 30. Its on the way. If this doesn't work, I will look in to the damn gas cap lol... If that doesn't work, I'll get an estimate to repair. Depending on how that goes, I may just deal with it.
Thanks again all!
Thanks again all!
bigskyeric
New member
I may have your solution.
I have an 04 limited V6 with 202,000 miles
I've been struggling with this exact same issue for months. No Check Engine light, all the same lights on as your rig and the horrible BEEEEEEEEEEEEP that comes on once in a while to join in the fun with the dash lights.
I've read thread after thread. I was pretty much convinced I needed the $1800 all in one ABS/master cylinder/pump/reservoir... and I was not to stoked on it.
Then I found a thread on another forum..possibly a lexus forum? I can't remember I've read so many.
I fixed it!!!
Here is exactly what I did to solve it.
Go and find yourself a paperclip. A larger gauge one if possible.
Next.. unplug your battery cables. I unhooked both and then went into the car and turned on the headlights to make sure any power in the system was drained. Then I waited 10 minutes to really make sure.
Next... hook the battery cables back up and make sure they're super snug. Through reading and personal experience I've discovered that Toyota's are super sensitive and get confused easily. There are a lot or reasons for these lights coming on and some of them will throw codes completely unrelated. Some won't throw codes at all. A weak battery, loose battery cables, low brake fluid, bad oxygen sensor, dirty MAF, seized brake caliper, bad wheel bearing, low tire pressure, brake pad replacement, crooked ABS sensor, dirty abs sensor, broken wire to the abs sensor, crud on the any of the connections going to the ABS/master cylinder/reservoir, air in the brake system (replaced a caliper lately?), the pin that sits above your brake pedal that unlocks your shifter can go bad... all of these can cause the abs/brake!/VSC TRAC/VSC OFF lights on your dashboard to light up, along with the beeeeeeeep. Just plugging in an OBDII scan tool can cause the lights to go off. Even if you get them to go off they get stored in the computer and will keep coming back randomly like a disgruntled ex.
Ok..now to put that paperclip to use. Unwind it and make it into a big V.
With your key turned fully OFF, Find your OBDII port under your dash and plug the paperclip into pin holes 13 and 4. Here is a diagram http://www.obd2.com/graphics/ease/obd2dlc.gif
Make sure you're looking at this diagram correctly and not upside down. Double and triple check before you push in the paperclip.
Once you have the paperclip in pin holes 13 and 4 get in... sit in your drivers seat. This next task needs to be done quickly.
Turn the key all the way on but don't start it.
As soon as you have the key turned to on... Pump the brake pedal 8 times in under 5 seconds and wait for the abs/brake!/VSC TRAC/VSC OFF lights to turn off.
The exact moment the lights turn off you have to turn the key back off. If not, the ABS/VSC/etc will start flashing very quickly. If they start flashing you have to start over.
This took me 2 tries to get it right.
With the key off you can now pull the paperclip out.
You've just cleared the codes and hopefully solved your problem.
After months of dealing with this, I haven't had the lights/beep come on in a while since performing this simple and free task.
Good Luck man.. let me know if it works.
Things to note.
Before I performed this, I removed the rear right brake caliper and greased the caliper slide bolts. One was rusty and I suspected it was the cause of the lights in the first place because it could have been read as a seized caliper by the abs sensor. (two years ago my front drivers side caliper was seized and caused the lights/beep to come on)
I also performed a zero point calibration, but it did not help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55XmiSsGQgo
I unplugged every connection going to the master cylinder/abs pump/abs unit and removed and inspected the pin that is connected to the brake pedal. All were clean.
And i checked every wire going to the abs sensors to make sure they weren't cracked or damaged.
The reason why these lights come on from something completely unrelated like a bad Oxygen sensor or loose gas cap is because the computer is protecting the engine. VSC/Traction control use the engine to do their job.
I have an 04 limited V6 with 202,000 miles
I've been struggling with this exact same issue for months. No Check Engine light, all the same lights on as your rig and the horrible BEEEEEEEEEEEEP that comes on once in a while to join in the fun with the dash lights.
I've read thread after thread. I was pretty much convinced I needed the $1800 all in one ABS/master cylinder/pump/reservoir... and I was not to stoked on it.
Then I found a thread on another forum..possibly a lexus forum? I can't remember I've read so many.
I fixed it!!!
Here is exactly what I did to solve it.
Go and find yourself a paperclip. A larger gauge one if possible.
Next.. unplug your battery cables. I unhooked both and then went into the car and turned on the headlights to make sure any power in the system was drained. Then I waited 10 minutes to really make sure.
Next... hook the battery cables back up and make sure they're super snug. Through reading and personal experience I've discovered that Toyota's are super sensitive and get confused easily. There are a lot or reasons for these lights coming on and some of them will throw codes completely unrelated. Some won't throw codes at all. A weak battery, loose battery cables, low brake fluid, bad oxygen sensor, dirty MAF, seized brake caliper, bad wheel bearing, low tire pressure, brake pad replacement, crooked ABS sensor, dirty abs sensor, broken wire to the abs sensor, crud on the any of the connections going to the ABS/master cylinder/reservoir, air in the brake system (replaced a caliper lately?), the pin that sits above your brake pedal that unlocks your shifter can go bad... all of these can cause the abs/brake!/VSC TRAC/VSC OFF lights on your dashboard to light up, along with the beeeeeeeep. Just plugging in an OBDII scan tool can cause the lights to go off. Even if you get them to go off they get stored in the computer and will keep coming back randomly like a disgruntled ex.
Ok..now to put that paperclip to use. Unwind it and make it into a big V.
With your key turned fully OFF, Find your OBDII port under your dash and plug the paperclip into pin holes 13 and 4. Here is a diagram http://www.obd2.com/graphics/ease/obd2dlc.gif
Make sure you're looking at this diagram correctly and not upside down. Double and triple check before you push in the paperclip.
Once you have the paperclip in pin holes 13 and 4 get in... sit in your drivers seat. This next task needs to be done quickly.
Turn the key all the way on but don't start it.
As soon as you have the key turned to on... Pump the brake pedal 8 times in under 5 seconds and wait for the abs/brake!/VSC TRAC/VSC OFF lights to turn off.
The exact moment the lights turn off you have to turn the key back off. If not, the ABS/VSC/etc will start flashing very quickly. If they start flashing you have to start over.
This took me 2 tries to get it right.
With the key off you can now pull the paperclip out.
You've just cleared the codes and hopefully solved your problem.
After months of dealing with this, I haven't had the lights/beep come on in a while since performing this simple and free task.
Good Luck man.. let me know if it works.
Things to note.
Before I performed this, I removed the rear right brake caliper and greased the caliper slide bolts. One was rusty and I suspected it was the cause of the lights in the first place because it could have been read as a seized caliper by the abs sensor. (two years ago my front drivers side caliper was seized and caused the lights/beep to come on)
I also performed a zero point calibration, but it did not help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55XmiSsGQgo
I unplugged every connection going to the master cylinder/abs pump/abs unit and removed and inspected the pin that is connected to the brake pedal. All were clean.
And i checked every wire going to the abs sensors to make sure they weren't cracked or damaged.
The reason why these lights come on from something completely unrelated like a bad Oxygen sensor or loose gas cap is because the computer is protecting the engine. VSC/Traction control use the engine to do their job.
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BRUIN8124
New member
Alright... I swapped out the ABS Solenoid Relay and the ABS Solenoid fuse this morning and went to Advanced Auto to clear the codes.
I have been driving around all day with no dash lights popping up. I went back to Advanced Auto to scan and no codes. Hopefully it is alright and stays that way!
Thank you all again for your help! I love this forum!
I have been driving around all day with no dash lights popping up. I went back to Advanced Auto to scan and no codes. Hopefully it is alright and stays that way!
Thank you all again for your help! I love this forum!
BlackWorksInc
New member
What Relay did you put in?
The reason I asked for a picture of what your fuse block looks like right now is because the relays by color should be in the following order:
[Blue] [Pink] [Green]
They are different relays (i.e. I believe one is a 4 pin and another is 5 pin), I figured you may have swapped them incorrectly or something when you mentioned relay #3's PN was different.
