Need help solving ABS/TRAC problems once and for all

[Ernest1863]

I have been doing hours and hours of searching and I can't seem to find what's going on with my ABS/TRAC. I apologize in advance as the answer is probably right in front of me somewhere. But I have a 2003 SR5 v8 4.7L. A few weeks ago I got new tires and a daystar 1.5" spacer in the front to level it out. As soon as I picked it up, the ABS, parking brake, and TRAC lights were lit. I figured the computer had reset or something along those lines and they would reset themselves within a week. I quickly found this wasn't the case when I locked up and skidded through an intersection, coming about 5 feet from broadsiding someone in a little single cab pickup. I did some research and guessed that my ABS lines had been stressed. I even gave the shop the part number for a new wire, fully expecting this to be the issue. At the end of the day, the shop called me and said the wires were fine, the codereader pulled up indicating the problem being in the computer. They recommended me to a Toyota dealership, the closest of which is over an hour away and is really hard to pull off with my schedule. I did more research and attempted a zero point callibration. (The kind with the paperclips in the port under the dash) I followed the instructions to the T and everything went according to plan up until I did the sequence of shorts and opens. The lights were supposed to go off and light back up. Mine instead started blinking. I've read that this is an indicator for other problems but I don't know what problems the leveling kit install could cause. I need to know what the blinking means and how to fix it! Sorry for the long post, but I'm tired of this problem and really need help! Thanks in advance for any input!! :thanks:

 

[TRDCal]

Your best bet to get to the bottom of this is to post what codes came up. Saying it has to do with the computer doesn't really narrow it down. Any Autozone will read your codes for free so that's probably a good place to start.

I would have said ABS wires but when mine got overstretched it didn't put on parking brake light...just the ABS/TRAC lights.

 

[Ernest1863]

Your best bet to get to the bottom of this is to post what codes came up. Saying it has to do with the computer doesn't really narrow it down. Any Autozone will read your codes for free so that's probably a good place to start.

I would have said ABS wires but when mine got overstretched it didn't put on parking brake light...just the ABS/TRAC lights.

Thanks! I'll run by an Autozone on my lunch break. I suspected the ABS too but thats not it apparently... But ill get the codes and report back, Thanks Again!!

 

[Ernest1863]

Your best bet to get to the bottom of this is to post what codes came up. Saying it has to do with the computer doesn't really narrow it down. Any Autozone will read your codes for free so that's probably a good place to start.

I went by and these are the codes that ran
C0200
C0205
C1223

 

[V8Man]

I know that some code readers can actually “set off” the ABS/VSC light. It happened on my 2003 SR5 that I bought to replace my 03 Sport. The Zero Point Calibration worked for me.

 

[Ernest1863]

If I remember correctly, the first two codes are left and right speed sensors, and the third is ABS system or something like that.

 

[Ernest1863]

From my research, the speed sensors may have been unplugged or damaged in the installation of my leveling kit. I'm not saying i've figured it out, I'm just throwing more information out there for y'all to consider.

Any input is appreciated!

(Also, if anyone could tell me how to inspect the speed sensors' connection non-invasivly, that'd be nice )

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I went by and these are the codes that ran
C0200
C0205
C1223

C0200-Right front speed sensor circuit
C0205- Left front speed sensor circuit
C1223/43- ABS control system is abnormal

The C1223 indicates a fault/malfunction/glitch occured in the system, is there a pattern to the blinking lights? You might have put the vehicle into a diagnostic mode by accident (the number of blinsk and pauses indicate a DTC, i.e. C1223 is a 43 code in this mode.)

I would clear the codes, reset the Zero Point Calibration and test the ABS speed sensors to verify they are functioning properly. You really need a ABS capable tool to get the Data List to see how well the sensors are working, even then you're most likely unable to see them drop out (even a momentary drop out will set a DTC.)

 

[kpatler]

Any time the ABS light is on, IIRC, the system is disabled entirely. Generally because a sensor is bad or is detecting the wrong parameters. When the lift was installed, the sensors were probably disconnected while the battery was still connected. The ABS system will read this disconnection as a fault and throw up codes. Same is true for the E-Brake sensor and the Traction control -- which measures wheels speed and applies brakes to each respective wheel to control skids.

To fix this, be sure the sensors are all firmly connected and disconnect the negative battery cable for about 15 minutes to reset the ECU. Do the codes come back? If they do, there may be issues with the ECU, although highly unlikely -- if the codes come back, it's more likely is that the sensors were damaged during installation, or improperly reinstalled/reconnected.

 

[TRDCal]

If I remember correctly, the first two codes are left and right speed sensors, and the third is ABS system or something like that.

Actually sounds like they might have overstretched the wires. I know they said it wasn't the problem but you need to confirm for yourself.

What you do is disconnect the wire at both ends and using a multimeter check to see if the wires have good continuity. It's very easy to do and then you'll know.

 

[Ernest1863]

C0200-Right front speed sensor circuit
C0205- Left front speed sensor circuit
C1223/43- ABS control system is abnormal

The C1223 indicates a fault/malfunction/glitch occured in the system, is there a pattern to the blinking lights? You might have put the vehicle into a diagnostic mode by accident (the number of blinsk and pauses indicate a DTC, i.e. C1223 is a 43 code in this mode.)

I would clear the codes, reset the Zero Point Calibration and test the ABS speed sensors to verify they are functioning properly. You really need a ABS capable tool to get the Data List to see how well the sensors are working, even then you're most likely unable to see them drop out (even a momentary drop out will set a DTC.)

Much appreciated! Yes there is a pattern, and how would I clear the codes? Thanks again!

 

[Ernest1863]

To fix this, be sure the sensors are all firmly connected and disconnect the negative battery cable for about 15 minutes to reset the ECU. Do the codes come back? If they do, there may be issues with the ECU, although highly unlikely -- if the codes come back, it's more likely is that the sensors were damaged during installation, or improperly reinstalled/reconnected.

Thanks! This is gonna show my mechanical handicap, but where are the speed sensors and how would I access them? Would I have to remove the wheel? Thanks again!

 

[Ernest1863]

Actually sounds like they might have overstretched the wires. I know they said it wasn't the problem but you need to confirm for yourself.

What you do is disconnect the wire at both ends and using a multimeter check to see if the wires have good continuity. It's very easy to do and then you'll know.

Fixing ABS wires is a common repair at the shop I took it to, as they do lots of lifts, but they are the ones that caused all this in the first place so they could've missed something. I'm going to try the clearing and resetting first, but if that doesn't work, I will most definitely be checking the wires personally before going to a stealership. Thanks man!!

 

[Ernest1863]

:bump:

 

[TRDCal]

Thanks! This is gonna show my mechanical handicap, but where are the speed sensors and how would I access them? Would I have to remove the wheel? Thanks again!

The sensors are in the hubs, the wire runs up the spindle and along the upper control arm. Removing the wheel isn't necessary but it would make life easier.

 

[Ernest1863]

The sensors are in the hubs, the wire runs up the spindle and along the upper control arm. Removing the wheel isn't necessary but it would make life easier.

Thanks man!!

 

[bubba 10]

Vsc

I have been doing hours and hours of searching and I can't seem to find what's going on with my ABS/TRAC. I apologize in advance as the answer is probably right in front of me somewhere. But I have a 2003 SR5 v8 4.7L. A few weeks ago I got new tires and a daystar 1.5" spacer in the front to level it out. As soon as I picked it up, the ABS, parking brake, and TRAC lights were lit. I figured the computer had reset or something along those lines and they would reset themselves within a week. I quickly found this wasn't the case when I locked up and skidded through an intersection, coming about 5 feet from broadsiding someone in a little single cab pickup. I did some research and guessed that my ABS lines had been stressed. I even gave the shop the part number for a new wire, fully expecting this to be the issue. At the end of the day, the shop called me and said the wires were fine, the codereader pulled up indicating the problem being in the computer. They recommended me to a Toyota dealership, the closest of which is over an hour away and is really hard to pull off with my schedule. I did more research and attempted a zero point callibration. (The kind with the paperclips in the port under the dash) I followed the instructions to the T and everything went according to plan up until I did the sequence of shorts and opens. The lights were supposed to go off and light back up. Mine instead started blinking. I've read that this is an indicator for other problems but I don't know what problems the leveling kit install could cause. I need to know what the blinking means and how to fix it! Sorry for the long post, but I'm tired of this problem and really need help! Thanks in advance for any input!! :thanks:

My lights came on after I used a scan tool. Took it to autozone, they couldn't get their scanner to work, so I tried the zero point calibration (DTC C1203-BR005-03). It is important to follow exactly, as the first 6 times I left out one step. I also had an annoying brake booster squeak every time the booster energized for the last 18 months, and that has gone away in addition to all the lights going off. Have driven approx 120 miles, and so far no lights.

 

[Ernest1863]

My lights came on after I used a scan tool. Took it to autozone, they couldn't get their scanner to work, so I tried the zero point calibration (DTC C1203-BR005-03). It is important to follow exactly, as the first 6 times I left out one step. I also had an annoying brake booster squeak every time the booster energized for the last 18 months, and that has gone away in addition to all the lights going off. Have driven approx 120 miles, and so far no lights.

Thanks!! I know I'm not screwing up the 0 point calibration though...I've done it so many times I lost count haha

 

[rsblankman]

Ernest,

I have the same exact 4runner with the same problems... Did you ever figure out this problem?

 

[tkc]

Have 03 4runner v8 6inch lift 2inch body lift done myself had abs wire broke fixed it cleared code now have code c1223 showing cleared it one time an unhooked battery was fine for a few miles now lights are back on same code as before c1223 wat have yall done to fix it