need a little help with engine light and others blinking

beagle

beagle

New member
So I jumped into my 2014 trail 4runner with 39k on it and started it this morning. first thing I noticed was a real rough idle. I kinda blew it off to being cold. I drove about 2 block and noticed the engine light had been flashing and my VSC off light was on. now the really weird one to me since I have rad about some of the things it could be is the multi terrain select light is staying on.
when driving it back home from around the neighbor hood when warmed up I still have no power it's gutless as can be.
so I need a little help in the right direction to go. I don't have a obd2 or a way to get the computer codes up without driving it or towing it somewhere. I don't mind doing it but if there is a easy fix I would rather not dump a bunch of cash at it right after Christmas to find out I could of done it myself.

one thing I thought it might be is a dirty mass airflow sensor?
or maybe a bad o2 sensor?
let me know your thoughts. it just tossed me for a loop with the multi terrain lighting up and I did make sure it was off.
thanks again.
 
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Engine light on might yield some suggestions but flashing? I would not drive it at all like that. You can check the basics like fluid levels and visually inspect wiring, again flashing CEL does mean stop and shut down.
 
beagle said:
So I jumped into my 2014 trail 4runner with 39k on it and started it this morning. first thing I noticed was a real rough idle. I kinda blew it off to being cold. I drove about 2 block and noticed the engine light had been flashing and my VSC off light was on. now the really weird one to me since I have rad about some of the things it could be is the multi terrain select light is staying on.
when driving it back home from around the neighbor hood when warmed up I still have no power it's gutless as can be.
so I need a little help in the right direction to go. I don't have a obd2 or a way to get the computer codes up without driving it or towing it somewhere. I don't mind doing it but if there is a easy fix I would rather not dump a bunch of cash at it right after Christmas to find out I could of done it myself.

one thing I thought it might be is a dirty mass airflow sensor?
or maybe a bad o2 sensor?
let me know your thoughts. it just tossed me for a loop with the multi terrain lighting up and I did make sure it was off.
thanks again.
Click to expand...
First, drive train is still under warranty til 60K.

Next, Google limp mode. Sounds like something is putting your truck in that condition. Could be emissions, could be lots of things. You cannot do any meaningful work yourself if you can't read the codes. It's not 1970.

Lastly, you should be able to drive it in limp mode as long as you aren't in a hurry. Also you could disconnect the battery and see if it clears the condition. Unfortunately you will also clear the codes so the dealership won't know what the problem is. Good luck.
 
beagle said:
So I jumped into my 2014 trail 4runner with 39k on it and started it this morning. first thing I noticed was a real rough idle. I kinda blew it off to being cold. I drove about 2 block and noticed the engine light had been flashing and my VSC off light was on. now the really weird one to me since I have rad about some of the things it could be is the multi terrain select light is staying on.
when driving it back home from around the neighbor hood when warmed up I still have no power it's gutless as can be.
so I need a little help in the right direction to go. I don't have a obd2 or a way to get the computer codes up without driving it or towing it somewhere. I don't mind doing it but if there is a easy fix I would rather not dump a bunch of cash at it right after Christmas to find out I could of done it myself.

one thing I thought it might be is a dirty mass airflow sensor?
or maybe a bad o2 sensor?
let me know your thoughts. it just tossed me for a loop with the multi terrain lighting up and I did make sure it was off.
thanks again.
Click to expand...
I think you may have a bad battery. O2 sensor can go bad but typically it goes bad > 120k miles. I would disconnect the battery for a few minutes then reconnect to see if the problem goes away. I would get a new battery since you are out of warranty on that. If the problem comes back then take it into the dealer for warranty work.
 
For some odd reason.. Toyota throws on all the lights when there is a CEL (check engine light).

If it is flashing, it generally means something that impacts the vehicle running properly and it is best not to drive it. It usually means multiple misfires... Driving it could destroy the cats.

In my opinion.. You have 3 options.
1. Get a scanner that can read the code and try to pinpoint the issue a bit more on your own.
2. Get it towed to the dealer.

It could be one of a million things. Most likely scenario is a sensor or wiring problem. Do you live where there are rodents? Very common for them to get in and chew on the tasty soy based injector wires. That won't be covered under warranty, so worth talking a look to see if that is the issue.

I always have some type of basic code reader handy myself. They are worth having and very cheap.

Disconnecting the battery is worth a try, but really doubt it will change anything.
 
Last edited:
thanks for the tips guys. I tried disconnecting the battery along with the gas cap and other tricks but it's a no go so I guess I will get it towed to the dealer better safe than sorry. i'll keep everyone up to date on what it turns out to be.
but glad I got all the responses it helps.
thanks again. Darin
 
beagle said:
thanks for the tips guys. I tried disconnecting the battery along with the gas cap and other tricks but it's a no go so I guess I will get it towed to the dealer better safe than sorry. i'll keep everyone up to date on what it turns out to be.
but glad I got all the responses it helps.
thanks again. Darin
Click to expand...

Yes, please let us know... so many people come on here looking for help and never report back. It's pretty self serving and defeats the purpose of the forum.

There are are a few thing that can be ruled out...

Most likely not the 02 sensor.. Motor can run pretty good without those (especially on startup - open loop). I would guess it's an injector or vacuum leak.... but total guesswork here based on probabilities.

A few real quick thing to check... before calling for the tow.

Make sure all your connections/clamps from airbox to TB are tight and sealed up. Sometimes when the motor shifts with torque.. they can work lose.

Make sure all the plugs for injectors and spark plug wires are well seated...Unlikely one of those would come loose, but could not hurt to check things over. Look and listen for any type of vacuum leak.
 
A flashing check engine light is usually a chronic misfire. It happens on a very cold start sometime but if you disconnected the battery and all the lights are still on then for sure don't drive it. And you have no power since it is in limp mode to prevent any damage

keep us posted
 
Well after getting it towed to the dealer I finally know what the problem is. A mouse had recently moved in and chewed through number 4 injector wiring. Cost 504.00 I consider myself lucky at the moment but have declared war on the little bastards!
Thanks for all your help. I wanted to make sure everyone knows what the problem is.
 
beagle said:
Well after getting it towed to the dealer I finally know what the problem is. A mouse had recently moved in and chewed through number 4 injector wiring. Cost 504.00 I consider myself lucky at the moment but have declared war on the little bastards!
Thanks for all your help. I wanted to make sure everyone knows what the problem is.
Click to expand...

That sucks but could be worse, thanks for the conclusion.
 
when I started reading your post I immediately thought Rat. This happened to me last month.
Had to have my entire wiring harness replaced. 5 days at the dealership and 6k later. Thank god for full coverage.
 
beagle said:
Well after getting it towed to the dealer I finally know what the problem is. A mouse had recently moved in and chewed through number 4 injector wiring. Cost 504.00 I consider myself lucky at the moment but have declared war on the little bastards!
Thanks for all your help. I wanted to make sure everyone knows what the problem is.
Click to expand...

Thanks for responding. Figured that was it...

Might want to do something to prevent it from happening again. It usually happens more than once.
 
wfo9 said:
For some odd reason.. Toyota throws on all the lights when there is a CEL (check engine light).

If it is flashing, it generally means something that impacts the vehicle running properly and it is best not to drive it. It usually means multiple misfires... Driving it could destroy the cats.

In my opinion.. You have 3 options.
1. Get a scanner that can read the code and try to pinpoint the issue a bit more on your own.
2. Get it towed to the dealer.

It could be one of a million things. Most likely scenario is a sensor or wiring problem. Do you live where there are rodents? Very common for them to get in and chew on the tasty soy based injector wires. That won't be covered under warranty, so worth talking a look to see if that is the issue.

I always have some type of basic code reader handy myself. They are worth having and very cheap.

Disconnecting the battery is worth a try, but really doubt it will change anything.
Click to expand...

there is an actual combination code for the lights.
CEL Is just a warning. when shit is starting to get real, you get more lights showing up
 
F'kn rodents, man as if it not enough to worry about having 30 whatever ecu running you car instead of a easy to troubleshoot 12 wire rig.
 
Check engine, blocking multi-terrain and Trac off light.

Having a similar issue on my 2016 TE. Only have 2800 miles and this mornings startup resulted in a slight bucking while engine running(think if not all cylinders were firing). Also had check engine light on, blinking multi-terrain light and Trac off light on. Currently awaiting a tow.
 
Had my dash light up this morning with these indicators. Pulled back in the garage and did a walk around and checking connections and gas cap (was loose :redbrick: ) disconnected negative battery connection and error has cleared and has not reoccurred since. Fingers crossed that’s all it was.
 
beagle said:
Well after getting it towed to the dealer I finally know what the problem is. A mouse had recently moved in and chewed through number 4 injector wiring. Cost 504.00 I consider myself lucky at the moment but have declared war on the little bastards!
Thanks for all your help. I wanted to make sure everyone knows what the problem is.
Click to expand...

Varmit cong.
 
SR5Bart said:
A flashing check engine light is usually a chronic misfire. It happens on a very cold start sometime but if you disconnected the battery and all the lights are still on then for sure don't drive it. And you have no power since it is in limp mode to prevent any damage

keep us posted
Click to expand...


I don't think I'm dealing with a mouse, but I'm hoping my problem is just as simple, but will be looking for some suggestions here first. I apologize for posting in the wrong forum, but I didn't see any similar threads in the 3rd gen. Anyway, I have a 2000 4runner, and this morning, a very cold morning, I drove about a 1/4 mile round trip to the gym and back. I noticed the engine was sluggish, but figured it was due to the cold. On the way back the check engine light came on. I never went over 20 mph. I parked it in the driveway and let it run to see what would happen. Light stayed on. I left for work and upon accelerating the light began blinking. I pulled over checked the engine again and didn't notice anything. Light stays on and blinks when I reach higher speeds. I figure this isn't good and take it back to the house. There is an odd burning smell from the engine, but it's done that before. I know that's probably not good, but I'm figuring at almost 300k and 18 years it's not completely abnormal. FYI, temp this morning was 12 degrees. Thoughts? TIA
 
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