Lights Flashing - ABS, Brake, Traction, 4Lo

[WEAK_E90]

we had a snow storm and I maybe drove 4-5 miles in 4wd (hi).

Otherwise it doesn't get used.

I also put in a K&N drop in filter and shortly after (a week) these lights started coming on. Since then I have converted back to the original filter but lights still come one.


What lights: ABS, BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, 4LO FLASHING (there has been one occurrence where it was just 4LO and traction control)

When do they come on: Could be when I first start the car up... could be 5 feet after I leave the garage, could be on my way into work. Its not like a bump or anything sets it off or me trying to engage the 4wd system.


Research: I understand that some things could cause this:
1) gas cap - I have had 3-4 fill ups since first going off. Gas caps "clicks" and everything seems normal.
2) take your battery terminals off - I did this but then read that it has to be done for 5 minutes... mine was a simple minute disconnection.
3) wheel speed sensor - need research to see locations and how to

its getting annoying because literally today (the light hasn't gone off since sunday) I was thinking you know that light has not gone on... and then bam.


I have a 3/2 lift - its been 2 years now so doubt that has much to do with it.

Curious what people have done to fix this other then whats listed.

I am going to take it in to the dealer however everytime I get ready to... the light goes off - do I wait until its on just over and over?

I can go out there this afternoon and it might be on? might be off? and shutting the car off sometimes does it... to reset it.

We are in a warm up 40's yesterday and today after being in the 20s and a snow storm.

 

[Rightside Up]

Wheel speed sensor or mice.

 

[WEAK_E90]

is there a way for them to see the codes thrown in the past?

example - if I go in I know whats going to happen, the light will go off. They'll "look" at it and then throw the keys back to me.

The wheel speed sensors just go bad? junked up?

 

[Rightside Up]

Pull your in cabin filter out and look for a mouse nest.
Look under the hood for wire damage.

 

[Jivewalker]

They should be able to give you the code history. I believe codes will clear themselves after x amount of drive cycles if fault stays away for that long, which may be why it comes and gos. Could be any variety of issues. I recently got the same lights on with a P0012 code. changed the oil and cleaned my CAM position sensors and it hasn't come back yet.

 

[WEAK_E90]

:ybrick:

They should be able to give you the code history. I believe codes will clear themselves after x amount of drive cycles if fault stays away for that long, which may be why it comes and gos. Could be any variety of issues. I recently got the same lights on with a P0012 code. changed the oil and cleaned my CAM position sensors and it hasn't come back yet.

 

[aelarson]

What lights: ABS, BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL, 4LO FLASHING (there has been one occurrence where it was just 4LO and traction control)

When do they come on: Could be when I first start the car up... could be 5 feet after I leave the garage, could be on my way into work. Its not like a bump or anything sets it off or me trying to engage the 4wd system.

Sounds like a wheel sensor. Just had mine chewed off by a rabbit. If you want to read more about that, check out my build/mod/adventure thread below. The good news is that if it is a wheel speed sensor, its an easy fix. Bad news is that wheel speed sensors are on a national back order right now without an ETA. I've been driving around for weeks with ABS, traction control, and 4WD.

Best of luck fixing your issue!

 

[Jivewalker]

Just find anyone with a code reader. Advance, autozone, etc. will read it for you for free and they may loan you the reader for free. You can keep it in the runner until you figure it out.

 

[WEAK_E90]

:hug:

any idea on costs? to have the wheel speed sensor replaced by the dealer?

between going up north and curling 4x nights a week - might just say toss the keys at them.

Sounds like a wheel sensor. Just had mine chewed off by a rabbit. If you want to read more about that, check out my build/mod/adventure thread below. The good news is that if it is a wheel speed sensor, its an easy fix. Bad news is that wheel speed sensors are on a national back order right now without an ETA. I've been driving around for weeks with ABS, traction control, and 4WD.

Best of luck fixing your issue!

 

[WEAK_E90]

Just find anyone with a code reader. Advance, autozone, etc. will read it for you for free and they may loan you the reader for free. You can keep it in the runner until you figure it out.

I went to napa when it first came on and he tried to scan for it but because it wasn't a check engine light the guy told me he couldn't see the code... :lie:

are the typical cheap obd2 scanners able to see the codes (example my buddy has one from amazon)?

 

[Jivewalker]

I went to napa when it first came on and he tried to scan for it but because it wasn't a check engine light the guy told me he couldn't see the code... :lie:

are the typical cheap obd2 scanners able to see the codes (example my buddy has one from amazon)?

I don't know the answer to that for OBDII. I did have the CEL. I will say that the reader I'm using will show some pending codes as well, that have not yet met the criteria to throw the CEL. since it may not be engine related, It might be that it has to be the toyota Techstream software that looks at the whole vehicle, which would make sense but limit you to the dealer or someone with techstream. I think the diagnotic fee at the dealer is what you would pay, maybe 100-150. Good luck, wish i had more to offer. If you search around, you may be able to find out how to test the wheel sensors yourself.

 

[aelarson]

:hug:

any idea on costs? to have the wheel speed sensor replaced by the dealer?

between going up north and curling 4x nights a week - might just say toss the keys at them.

I was quoted $268 to replace my wheel sensor wire. I have no idea how much the actual sensor costs, or the status of that part being on backorder.

I did the same thing you want to do and threw it at the dealer because I don't want to do anything to mess up my warranty. But also, they said some computer work needed to be done, so I don't want an independent shop messing with that. Id suggest taking it to the dealer for a diagnoses.

 

[LawnDart]

I was quoted $268 to replace my wheel sensor wire. I have no idea how much the actual sensor costs, or the status of that part being on backorder.

I did the same thing you want to do and threw it at the dealer because I don't want to do anything to mess up my warranty. But also, they said some computer work needed to be done, so I don't want an independent shop messing with that. Id suggest taking it to the dealer for a diagnoses.

That's BS, buy the part online for as cheap as possible. It's easy to replace and you should just be able to unplug the battery, let it sit for a minute, plug it back in. Done.

No computer work required. I blew my sensor up in Baja, and it tore through the harness, so that was about 400 dollars, but it's an easy fix.

 

[Jivewalker]

https://www.4runners.com/threads/wheel-speed-sensors-and-snow-issues.4922/

 

[WEAK_E90]

is it safe to say that its one of my front wheel sensors?

Seeing how the 4wd lights on...? I read stories that people have the same indicator lights minus the 4wd and it comes out to be the wheel sensor too...

 

[aelarson]

is it safe to say that its one of my front wheel sensors?

Seeing how the 4wd lights on...? I read stories that people have the same indicator lights minus the 4wd and it comes out to be the wheel sensor too...

Mine is the rear...same exact lights. I think its tough to assume which sensor it may be!

 

[LawnDart]

is it safe to say that its one of my front wheel sensors?

Seeing how the 4wd lights on...? I read stories that people have the same indicator lights minus the 4wd and it comes out to be the wheel sensor too...

It's one of them, the best way is for them to hook it up to a diagnostic computer, which are handheld, and it'll fart out an error code that'll tell you EXACTLY which wheel it is. A dealer should NOT charge you to pull a code.

If any one wheel speed sensor isn't working, either due to a sensor OR a harness, or both, the ABS system, traction control, etc won't work because those systems utilize the brakes, and the computer understanding the wheel speed is critical. That's why the dashboard flips the hell out if there's an error.

 

[catrains]

with your post comments you best bring to dealership .

 

[aelarson]

That's BS, buy the part online for as cheap as possible. It's easy to replace and you should just be able to unplug the battery, let it sit for a minute, plug it back in. Done.

No computer work required. I blew my sensor up in Baja, and it tore through the harness, so that was about 400 dollars, but it's an easy fix.

That's good to know, thank you for the tip!

I have actually tried finding the part online, but haven't had any luck. I might call the dealership and ask for the part # for the wire.

When they had my truck on the lift, I briefly looked at the wire. Easy to unplug from the sensor, but it looks like it runs up through a grommet under the truck, up to the front/engine compartment I'd assume. I honestly don't know if I even want to tackle it...

 

[LawnDart]

That's good to know, thank you for the tip!

I have actually tried finding the part online, but haven't had any luck. I might call the dealership and ask for the part # for the wire.

When they had my truck on the lift, I briefly looked at the wire. Easy to unplug from the sensor, but it looks like it runs up through a grommet under the truck, up to the front/engine compartment I'd assume. I honestly don't know if I even want to tackle it...

No it doesn't, it has connectors. There's clips for example that hold it on to the rear axle, but those come undone by a flat head screw driver.

The only difference between the wheel speed sensors on the front hubs and the rears are the fronts are held in place by a bolt, the rears use a stud and nut.

If anyone here does any wheeling, SDHQ makes a great armor guard kit that protects the sensors from impact.