Help - PCS malfunction after installation of lift & tires

[4runnerDFW1]

Not an expert.

So it worked on a 2020!?

At dealer I was told this won't work. I think they can reprogram settings with toyota techstream tablet. Anyone know? Figured in this case worth the money vs creating new issue shorting something in plug if 2020 is different.

 

[JRLTRD]

I'm also waiting for the same answer if this would work on a 2020 as well. Although, seems like my problem magically fixed itself, everything is working but like a previous post, it can be intermittent

 

[blutarski]

Thanks all .. looks like I'll be heading to the dealership. I don't get any beeps, I only have this light lit up except if I turn on the cruise then set the cruise is when I get the explanation mark triangle.

Sorry for the delay in replying to this thread. I had the light you show but also my center screen continuously displayed the below error, radar cruise was the most obvious disabled feature as someone else mentioned. As others stated my issue did not appear until alignment was performed. Dealer didn’t find fault in independent shops alignment or know why alignment effected calibration. That said the dealer that resolved said following the standard Toyota recalibration did not clear the error and i recall them saying that one of the techs did something to the affect of skipping or providing miss-information on one of the Calibration steps. It’s been 3 mos without issue so happy to say it’s resolved.

I left a message for the service tech to see if ok to share the dealer contact in this thread or as a PM. I’m hesitant in case Toyota has issue with the workaround and would hate for this to blow back on the dealer. I will mention that Kevin from Toytec was instrumental in helping my find a dealer that could help and suggest reaching out to your lift vendor to see if they have any local dealer contacts. I was ready to give up as 3 dealers told me nothing they can do unless i return to stock. Unfortunately it seems Toyota HQ Has tied many dealers hands with my dealer saying they used to sell new lifted trucks until last year as Toyota told them stop.

It is puzzling that it seems random that some are not having this issue but based on details shared it does seem that post lift alignment is what causes the fault to be detected.

 

[JRLTRD]

After reading up on this and following the 5th gen instructions and building my SST tool.

I have come to the conclusion that the instructions are for years prior to 2020 since my 2020 does not have any connectors in the T12 slot, pictured below. Now what?

 

[4RVenture]

I ran into this problem with my 2020 Offroad pro, 2.75in lift and 285/70/17s.

I initially had the problem before I put the tires on and aligned, but was able to clear the code with a cheap code scanner and the message went away for a week. After tires and alignment I got the PCS error and after clearing the code it would always come back after a mile or less of driving.

I took it Toyota of Poway in CA. They were familiar with the error and let me know it was caused by the lift. They charge 3 hours labor ($420) for Zero Point Calibration and Initialize Skid Control. I was a bit shocked at the 3 hours of labor for the service, but they ended up doing it for half price. $210. No PCS error any longer and if it comes back I can complain to the dealer. So overall I'm alright with it. I chalk it up to an extra $210 to lift a 4Runner with PCS. I do value the radar cruise on long trips.

 

[PaulC4]

Why not try the zero point, only takes a paperclip?

Unfortunately, not for the 2020 model, as pointed out here:

OBD-II change in 2020 - Zero Point Calibration Issue

And here:

I have come to the conclusion that the instructions are for years prior to 2020 since my 2020 does not have any connectors in the T12 slot, pictured below. Now what?

But this thread may be discussing several different issues. Really need to know which codes were being thrown.

For PCS malfunctions after a lift, they could be caused by issues with
- the ABS sensor wiring/system (did the ABS wires get stretched?) ,
- alignment (particularly if UCAs are changed, and vehicle was driven with steering wheel no longer centered)
- TSS leveling

I've had experience with the first two. After replacing ABS wire, many of my PCS flashing lights went away. I never got codes, because I was sure of the problem I created by stretching a wire . This did not require code clearing or dealer service. Replace the wire, drove the car, problem cleared.

For the ZPC related codes, I took it to an alignment shop that had a modern alignment system. That system walked the tech through the 3 minutes worth of steps needed to do the ZPC (including the steering wheel center and downhill assist setting), and everything was set.

For TSS - perhaps I've been fortunate. I've done an ~3" lift on a KDSS 4Runner, and as of yesterday added a front bumper with a high bull bar. Neither of those things has caused TSS codes. Knock on wood.

Hope this helps.

 

[blutarski]

Nice to have an explanation on exactly what the dealer calibrated and how they resolved the PCS issue should mine reappear and I don’t get the same helpful service rep. I’m with you on radar cruise and was happy to get it back.

I ran into this problem with my 2020 Offroad pro, 2.75in lift and 285/70/17s.

I initially had the problem before I put the tires on and aligned, but was able to clear the code with a cheap code scanner and the message went away for a week. After tires and alignment I got the PCS error and after clearing the code it would always come back after a mile or less of driving.

I took it Toyota of Poway in CA. They were familiar with the error and let me know it was caused by the lift. They charge 3 hours labor ($420) for Zero Point Calibration and Initialize Skid Control. I was a bit shocked at the 3 hours of labor for the service, but they ended up doing it for half price. $210. No PCS error any longer and if it comes back I can complain to the dealer. So overall I'm alright with it. I chalk it up to an extra $210 to lift a 4Runner with PCS. I do value the radar cruise on long trips.

 

[Runner4it]

I just bought a 2020 ORP. Looking at doing suspension and tires. I had my concerns about the PCS and radar cruise. My local dealer (not where I bought the truck) is also an offroad shop that sells prebuilt trucks. I'm going to call tomorrow and ask before I order any parts.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[JRLTRD]

The error that is being thrown is C1A14 - Front Radar Sensor Beam Axis Not Adjusted.

I went by 3 different dealerships today and 2 said they won't touch it to try to fix and the other said they could disable PCS altogether which when they do that I wouldn't have to do each time I drive but they also said they couldn't guarantee it would alleviate my issue plus PSC would be permanently off which makes the cruise control to function as just a normal cruise control (maybe)

By the way, even if I did disable PCS manually, error would eventually come back.

I'm almost tempted to go on a road trip down to Poway Dealership in California as they are familiar with this issue. Apparently, Northern Ca dealerships are really hesitant to fix.

I have also gone by 2 different local auto shops that work on Toyotas, they couldn't fix it. Mostly because their scan tools aren't updated for 2020.

So, anyone knows of a Northern California shop that can help me out?

 

[KEVSFJSAND4RUNNERS]

Hi All,

New here but not new to this issue. I have had a similar VCS issue on my 2007 FJ MT after a OME lift and UCAs, then later for the lower control arms. Each time it was easy with a wire on the OBD-II port. But on my new 2020 runner SR5 premium w a 2.5 inch lift front, air bags in back it drove fine with no errors for 4 months. Yesterday i went to the dealer for my 15K mile service. They didnt care about the lift all they kept saying was nice rack. Got home immediately put a hidden winch mount and a Warn 10k winch on the front last night, and this morning i go to start up and had the same PCS cars accident, explosion, arrow off light. Lol. So i drove anyway, had the same radar cruise wont work. But lane departure still works. Tried disconnecting battery at work for 5 min, hit brakes turn on lights to discharge any capacitors. Connected battery, turned IG switch to run but no start KOEO position for 5min. Then turned off key and turned on again. Still had the light. I tried adjusting the metal bracket under the hood latch which changes the radar angle slightly since the 10mm headed bolts holes were very ample i managed to angle the radar down a little. Still no luck. I then remembered the VCS wire trick and had a jumper with a push button momentary switch i made. And surprise same scenario, the TG and CS connectors are missing on the OBD-II port. I tried scanning with my bluetooth adapter and Torque pro and no codes or pending codes or freeze frame data appeared. I clear codes anyway. And cycled IG switch then started and still light appears. So now im here after googling and reading threads for 45min. If anyone has a DYI solution i would love to hear and since i probably voided my warranty with winch im leaning to the DYI approach since DYI IS FUNNER!

Warm regards,
Kevin, San Diego

 

[JohnnyJ650]

Just wanted to update this posting with the news that I finally found a dealer that was able to restore functionality of TSS and clear Pre-Collision Sensor error, without returning the vehicle to stock. Actually I didn't find the dealer, Toytec did so big thanks to Kevin at Toytec for going the extra mile to provide reach out to their network to find a solution and advise a local dealership.

I don't know exactly what the steps where to resolve but as I understand following the standard calibration method recommended by Toyota does not clear the codes. The 2nd Tech took a bit of unconventional approach and was able to restore functionally. They cannot guarantee the effectiveness of the system (ie. range calibration may not be 100%) but it seems to be working fine and no longer throwing errors.

For others considering to lift a 2020 I'd say I'd do it again but would caution that you could find yourself in the same predicament but after tons of research I've found just 1 other person that ended up with the same issue as me, most seem to have no issue so seems it's a bit of a gamble. Going with a company like Toytec or Pro Comp that has the experience and the support network to help should you have issue is key as dealers really seem to have their hands tied when it comes to mods with the new safety features Toyota is adding.

Thanks to everyone that commented and offered help.

Where was the dealer located that fixed this issue? I have the same thing.

 

[blutarski]

Dealer was in NJ. It took me 3 dealerships to find one that could resolve the issue and from what i understood they had to deviate from Toyota procedure. Also, might want to check to make sure the abs sensor wasn’t damaged when lifting. That seemed to be the culprit for some of the other threads i found, if the calibration issue that i had then good luck as i think you’ll just need to find a dealer that is willing to go outside toyota procedure. Curious to know if your issue appeared after lift and tires or was it only after alignment? That was the case for me

 

[nmoeder]

long term SOLUTION

I thought I would weigh in with my recent experience of the PCS malfunction. I had the same issue where the PCS malfunction message took up my entire screen, which started on a trip in death valley. My rig has a 3" lift.

After talking with the dealer tech (in Carlsbad, CA), there is no guarantee that a Zero Point Calibration and Initializing Skid Control will fix the issue for good. The reason is that these sensors are very sensitive and even removing the grill can bump things around. When I told him that I actually use my rig at least once a month off-roading, he said he would not spend the $500 to recalibrate. These TSS/PCS systems are designed for the street driver who doesn't go off-roading. Once you start bumping around, it's just a matter of time that things get loose.

So I disabled the message by turning off the PCS and restarting the car (it remembers your last setting). The PCS-off light in the bottom right is still illuminated. No biggie cuz I have it off. As far as cruise control, if you hold in the button to activate it for more than 2 seconds, it activates regular cruise control without the radar. So I have cruise control without the automated speedup/slowdown for the car in front of me. Not worth the $500 in my opinion.

Hope this helps!

 

[BeechRunner]

I recently bought a 2020 ORP and it has this damn light on. It takes up the whole dash and it’s very annoying. How do I disable this system all together? Is it a flash the dealer needs to do? I attempted to shut it off via the menu but I don’t have the option to.
I don’t care about the system as I have had terrible experiences with it. I’m pretty sure the sensor isn’t even there for my rig since it has a c4 bumper. I just want the message off the main screen.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I recently bought a 2020 ORP and it has this damn light on. It takes up the whole dash and it’s very annoying. How do I disable this system all together? Is it a flash the dealer needs to do? I attempted to shut it off via the menu but I don’t have the option to.
I don’t care about the system as I have had terrible experiences with it. I’m pretty sure the sensor isn’t even there for my rig since it has a c4 bumper. I just want the message off the main screen.

I believe there's a setting via the Techstream to default it off when the vehicle starts. Otherwise there is a TSB to permanently disable the system, though it's not exactly sobering I would recommend. I can't remember what thread I posted the TSB in... but it's here in the 5th gen section.

I will note, that disabling PCS permanently will eliminate your radar cruise feature (but you'll have normal cruise control still). You can have the sensor calibrated to the new relative height, but there's no guarantee that the PCS, Radar Cruise, and/or related functions will work as designed because you've changed the operating parameters of those systems. That being said.... a lot of the customers around here that have lifted vehicles seem to be going okay? Knock on wood... but likely if you got into a collision, you'd be SOL as Toyota would simply point out you modified the vehicle and rendered the certain safety systems invalid and in not sure how an insurance company would treat that situation.

For whatever that's worth to you guys.