I need some serious help. ABS is acting up. 2001 SR5

[redbull9944]

I'm having a huge problem with this traction control system, and I'm looking for any possible solutions there may be. So I've got an 01 4x4, apparently the first or second year for toyota's traction control system replacing the diff lock. Anyways, here's the problem I'm encountering:

When I go up a rocky hill, my ABS sticks on, my engine revvs, and I can't move. I can only imagine this problem occurring by the ABS falsely activating when all 4 wheels are on the ground. I've made it up this hill before with the traction control off, and I've made it up this hill before with the traction control on after a reset, but it has gone back to it's old ways of creating problems.

Basically, the traction control system is activating hard when I don't need it to. And sometimes it interferes to the point that I can't move up a simple hill.

Anyone else experience these issues? Anyone know a fix? I already re calibrated it, it worked fine after that for a month or so, but now it's back to being annoying. Thank you!

 

[quicksilvr]

Permanently disable it with the AndyMod or AndyMod 2.0.

Currently my vsc/trac system is completely disabled all the time, because I put some LED bulbs in the PRNDL lights of the gauge cluster. Apparently they changed the voltage enough that the system throws a C1207 code (P/R Range switch malfuntion....but it's simply based on a voltage change once you move from park...my switch works fine....the voltage just isn't what it's supposed to be because of the LED's)

 

[redbull9944]

Permanently disable it with the AndyMod or AndyMod 2.0.

Currently my vsc/trac system is completely disabled all the time, because I put some LED bulbs in the PRNDL lights of the gauge cluster. Apparently they changed the voltage enough that the system throws a C1207 code (P/R Range switch malfuntion....but it's simply based on a voltage change once you move from park...my switch works fine....the voltage just isn't what it's supposed to be because of the LED's)

I really wish that was an option. I had it disabled for the winter here, but turned it back on in February. I need the "limited-slip" ability for some of the terrain I do. Some of the angles I go on I can't make it over in 4wd without the traction control. Hopefully I have another option besides buying a locker for the rear, but we'll see. It worked crappy when I bought it, then I re-calibrated and it worked ok for a while, but now it's back to the same old crap!

 

[Nelsonmd]

I really wish that was an option. I had it disabled for the winter here, but turned it back on in February. I need the "limited-slip" ability for some of the terrain I do. Some of the angles I go on I can't make it over in 4wd without the traction control. Hopefully I have another option besides buying a locker for the rear, but we'll see. It worked crappy when I bought it, then I re-calibrated and it worked ok for a while, but now it's back to the same old crap!

Here's a reference thread I made a while back that compiles lots of threads for disabling it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/102406-abs-vsc-trac-disable-master-thread.html#post913504

Rockslide's thread there shows the easiest way to disable via switch so you can turn it right back on. That might be your best bet, turn it on and of at will.

 

[redbull9944]

Thanks very much, I'll take a look at that. What I'm really looking for here is a solution for my ABS coming on when it is un-needed. Still looking for answers.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Thanks very much, I'll take a look at that. What I'm really looking for here is a solution for my ABS coming on when it is un-needed. Still looking for answers.

Oh, well beyond what I posted, you are out of luck, you are talking about reprogramming the traction control/ABS. It is what it is, and it isn't very good. That is why so many people have disable-on-command mods on theirs.

 

[redbull9944]

Oh, well beyond what I posted, you are out of luck, you are talking about reprogramming the traction control/ABS. It is what it is, and it isn't very good. That is why so many people have disable-on-command mods on theirs.

I've come to find that out. I feel as if I should have gone with a 99-2000. But maybe a locker is in my future, we'll see.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I've come to find that out. I feel as if I should have gone with a 99-2000. But maybe a locker is in my future, we'll see.

Well, the 99-00 doesn't have traction control at all, it is the same as if you disable it on your's. We still have the same ABS, which also isn't very good. Mine kicks in when I go over rough spots in the road sometimes, others have had worse problems.

On the other hand, you have a center diff with your 01. You can get that with a limited 99 or 00, but they are relatively rare with a locker.

 

[redbull9944]

Well, the 99-00 doesn't have traction control at all, it is the same as if you disable it on your's. We still have the same ABS, which also isn't very good. Mine kicks in when I go over rough spots in the road sometimes, others have had worse problems.

On the other hand, you have a center diff with your 01. You can get that with a limited 99 or 00, but they are relatively rare with a locker.

I know how rare they are. My Dad's got a '99 with a locker, but it's getting rusty and it's got 50k more miles than my '01. I much preferred the sport edition that I have now just because of the styling. I might just go with an aftermarket air locker for the rear.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I know how rare they are. My Dad's got a '99 with a locker, but it's getting rusty and it's got 50k more miles than my '01. I much preferred the sport edition that I have now just because of the styling. I might just go with an aftermarket air locker for the rear.

That's a good solution.

 

[hooker520]

VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF lights lit, No Check Engine Light

I finally took my 2001 4Runner to the dealer to help diagnose the "VSC TRAC" and "TRAC OFF" indicating lights for $95. The dealer said it was giving a C1207 code - the Park/Neutral indication was not being received but they were not sure why. On the schematics, the Park indication that goes to the instrument cluster and also goes to the VSC module. The VSC module triggers the "VSC TRAC" and the "TRAC OFF" indications. I informed the shop that the "P" for Park indication bulb was not working and was probably burned out for a couple of months. I also informed them that this is about the same time period that these indicating lamps became active. So I had the "P" lamp replaced on the instrument cluster for another $50 (labor). The code C1207 was gone and the "VSC TRAC" and "TRAC OFF" indicating lights went out. I can not believe a burned out bulb in the instrument cluster for "P" (Park) caused the "VSC TRAC" and "TRAC OFF" to be disabled. I guess that is why they are called idiot lights because you have be a genius to figure out the problem.