Intro & Trac Problem

[20_HiluxSurf_02]

Howdy y'all, Ryan here. I'm new to T4R so just introducing myself before we go underway. This forum is awesome. I had a 99.5 Nissan Pathfidner and about a year ago I was t-boned and insurance totalled it. Then I got an '02 Toyota 4Runner Ltd.
And by far, the 4Runner is a better SUV than the Pathfinder.
Anyways, its good to be here.

SO, now to that TRAC problem.
I searched the forum and it seems no one has had this problem.
Its happened about 3 times now and I'm worried about this being a major problem, so I was wondering if anyone had a solution.

ONLY when I'm taking long right turns, such as and enterance ramp to a feeder road. The little light with the truck sliding starts flashing and beeping when I'm taking these turns. But there is no traction control system or vsc taking over, nor the trac or vsc lights come on. No power loss or computer control. No check engine light or the sounds of trac or vsc taking over. I just keep driving normal and this happens only on these long right turns. I'm never speeding either, just normal driving. The very first time it happened there was a sound from the rear axle. Inspected but no visual problems.

I was thinking there is a sensor problem or sender problem?
OR Is it a computer malfunction?
I don't have a clue to whats going on?
Can someone fill me in?

 

[20_HiluxSurf_02]

I was told by the guys over at YotaTech that I need a Skid Zero Point Calibration. They said it can only be done at a Toytota dealership with a 1 hour labor charge. Would this fix the problem?
The truck is completely stock btw.

 

[KellyJ]

wow, this is the only other accurate description I have seen, besides mine, on this exact same issue. I had this problem with my 2002 Limited as well. Do you have a two or four wheel drive Limited? (I believe it may make a difference) I have a four wheel drive Limited, and this happened to me before I got new tires installed. I had pretty worn out Cross Terrain's on it up until this January, and getting new tires seemed to fix the problem. I guess the rear detected the slightest amount of slippage from the worn tires and demanded the VSC to kick in. The dealership couldn't duplicate my problem, but never tried doing the calibration you mentioned. If you find anything else out I will let you know. Hope this helps

 

[twitchee2]

someone needs to do what the guys on toy120 did. they tricked the comp into thinking the center diff is locked when it is not. if i have time this winter i might becuase i can see it being a real problem when going to the snow its wayyy to senstive and corrects way too much. it shuts down the power on me in the rain all the time.

 

[20_HiluxSurf_02]

I only have 2wd. I plan on heading up to the dealership sometime soon and talking to them about it. I just don't want this problem to cause an accident or wreck myself.

I will report back with what the dealership says about this problem and any cures for it.

 

[KellyJ]

I too have the exact same problem. Turning right around an on ramp the light turns on and beeps for a second or two. I don't think the VSC is actually engaging though. I have a 2002 limited 4WD also. I have only had the '02 for a year, but this happened 3 times in the same week a couple months back. Dry road conditions, traveling pretty darn slowly. Luckily, it has not happened since that one week.

The tires are at the end of their life, but seems like this would still be happening if tire tread was the cause (still have the same tires on).

Now if I can just figure out how to disengage TRAC & ABS....kind of torn about VSC. Love it/hate it.

Anyone happen to know if I do that TRAC/VSC mod if this will disengage the ABS too? I would give up VSC if I could disable ABS (or Anti-Braking System as I like to call it). I have asked numerous shops if they could/would disengage my ABS and always get the same "I'm not sure if that is legal" - to which I reply ABS is an option not a legal requirement.

To the best of my knowledge, it seems like the ATRAC system is somewhat flawed in our model year 4Runners. TRAC blows if you are accelerating & making a turn from a standstill, in the wet or dry. It always cuts the power. It seems hazardous to me because its like I can't even get out of my own way in either situation. And don't even get me started about off roading with this system...:bash:

I would recommend against disabling the ABS ( I have done it by pulling the main fuse in the engine bay, disabling TRAC, VSC and ABS) and the car became a handful, mainly because of the rear drums. If we had disks in the back, I'd be much more willing to disable the ABS, because under heavy braking with the ABS off, the rear end of the car just locks up and becomes useless

But I'm with you on getting rid of TRAC. It is t3h sUx0rz