One cause & fix for "VSC TRAC" & "VSC OFF" lights, Zero Point Calibration

[Tempsho]

Funny that I came across this thread because my 04 V8 is doing the exact same thing. The problem stemed from my t-case not locking, so I took it to the dealership. Apparently all they did was removed the connector going to the motor for locking the t-case, put it back on and the problem was fixed. My t-case locks now, but every time I start the vehicle, those 2 lights come up! I will try to follow the steps on how to do the zero point calibration, and hopefully that works. It sounds pretty crazy to do though!

Just for the record, I kind of like having the traction control and stability control disabled. I never liked it in the first place, and with the 04

 

[Seatown]

Great thread and information; thank you!

*before i get any further i must mention that my 4runner has had all TPMS sensors taken out of the tires or never switched over when the previous owner purchased new tires.

Shortly after purchasing my 2004 sr5 the VSC Trac/VSC Off/Check engine light came on and after taking it to 2 dealers the problem was a O2 sensor near my cat; after I paid $300 for the new sensor my check engine light went away, however the VSC lights remained illuminated. Before I left Seattle Toyota i said wait a minute, the VSC lights are still on; service guy quickly spoke to a mechanic who said that b/c the TPMS sensors were absent my VSC is disabled. This didn't sound right b/c prior to all 3 lights illuminating the VSC lights were not illuminated. So it sounds like the dealer gave me a quick unconfirmed answer rather then figuring out that a zero point callibration was needed.

I'll be taking my rig back to the dealer tomorrow for the calibration.

 

[Tempsho]

Is there any potential harm or damage that could result if I dont try to reset and the zero point callibration anytime soon?

 

[gapaddler]

Thanks for Info

Just wanted to thank all on this thread for helping to resolve recent problems with my 2004 4 runner V-6. Had the CEL VSC and TRAC lights come on a couple of weeks ago. Took it to the dealer and was told that the bank 2 cat was below performance threshold (P0430). Their "good customer" discounted price for the repair would be $960. Went to look for a replacement cat, and NAPA had a OEM replaccment from Walker for $270.00.

Ordered it, but was concerned with the location of the A/F and O2 sensors. Both are located before the part that is listed as the Cat converter, and are just before and behind a chamber that it actually part of the exhaust manifold. I could see no way that the signals from the sensors could tell anything about the part that I was about to replace. Anyway, the new Cat arrived, and I dropped the old part out of the truck, and sure enough, the mysterious that is part of the manifold is actually a first stage Cat, and is a dealer only part.

Returned the 2nd stage Cat to NAPA, and got a OBDII code reader. Sure enough there was only one code in the system, and it was the PO340. Cleared it, and the check engine light went away and has not reoccured, but the VSC and TRAC lights came on every time the vehicle moved. Found this thread and performed the calibration procedure listed above in this thread and now all seems well.

Don't what brought the CEL the first time, but if I had not done the research myself, the dealer would have probably taken me for $960.

Also be aware of the split Cat arrangement. The only section that the sensors monitor is the first section in the manifold. Replacement manifolds are available online from dealers for about $455 vs. the $650 list at the local dealer.

Again - thanks for all of the good posts.

 

[bxc13]

Hello all,

Has anyone found an answer the VSC Trac and VSC Off lights (just these 2) coming on ONLY during cold starts? I did the recalibration and it is fine when it is above freezing.

The only soultion I found is to let the car warm up, turn off the truck and restart. No issues what so ever until the next cold day.

Thanks in advance,
Bill
2003 V6 SE 4WD

 

[TechWrench]

Because of info in this thread, and what I just went through, I thought I would res erect it, instead of starting a new one.

Two weeks ago, in upstate NY, we went through a serious cold snap. One morning, it was -14 f when I left for work at 05:00 am. About 8 miles from home, all of a sudden the VSC trac and VSC off indicators came on. I was in 4wd Hi at the time, doing about 40 mph on level dry road. I tried slowing down, coming to a stop, shifting out of and back into 4wd (I have a multi-mode V6). None of which changed anything. I was late for work, so when I got there, I just shut it off and went in. Later that day, I started it up, and the VSC warnings were now off (normal). The next morning, at -12F it did the same thing again. And three more times that week, until the temps went above 0 f. Then the problem went away. After the first event, I found this thread, so I had some idea what I might be dealing with.

I called the dealership, and made an appointment to drop it off.

I wont go into all the gory details of trying to explain what was happening to four different people before I got someone who actually listened to what I was saying. The eventually decided to check the ECU's for fault codes, and found a code C1203 in the VSC ECU. According to the service rep, that indicated a TSB (which they wouldn't, or couldn't tell me the number of), that said the ECU had to be replaced. They ordered one, and installed it the next day. I will have to wait for the next below 0 f morning to see if they fixed it.

Fortunately, I let them talk me into an extended Toyota warranty when I bought the vehicle new, because the bill for replacing the ECU was $1,621.97. I had to pay $50.00 for the deductible. Whew.........

If there are any Toyota techs out there, maybe they could cross reference the C1203 code and come up with the TSB it refers to..

Thanks for the info from the thread in the first place.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Because of info in this thread, and what I just went through, I thought I would res erect it, instead of starting a new one.

Two weeks ago, in upstate NY, we went through a serious cold snap. One morning, it was -14 f when I left for work at 05:00 am. About 8 miles from home, all of a sudden the VSC trac and VSC off indicators came on. I was in 4wd Hi at the time, doing about 40 mph on level dry road. I tried slowing down, coming to a stop, shifting out of and back into 4wd (I have a multi-mode V6). None of which changed anything. I was late for work, so when I got there, I just shut it off and went in. Later that day, I started it up, and the VSC warnings were now off (normal). The next morning, at -12F it did the same thing again. And three more times that week, until the temps went above 0 f. Then the problem went away. After the first event, I found this thread, so I had some idea what I might be dealing with.

I called the dealership, and made an appointment to drop it off.

I wont go into all the gory details of trying to explain what was happening to four different people before I got someone who actually listened to what I was saying. The eventually decided to check the ECU's for fault codes, and found a code C1203 in the VSC ECU. According to the service rep, that indicated a TSB (which they wouldn't, or couldn't tell me the number of), that said the ECU had to be replaced. They ordered one, and installed it the next day. I will have to wait for the next below 0 f morning to see if they fixed it.

Fortunately, I let them talk me into an extended Toyota warranty when I bought the vehicle new, because the bill for replacing the ECU was $1,621.97. I had to pay $50.00 for the deductible. Whew.........

If there are any Toyota techs out there, maybe they could cross reference the C1203 code and come up with the TSB it refers to..

Thanks for the info from the thread in the first place.

Here's a list of code defs including the C1203: http://alflash.com.ua/OBDII/DTCe1.pdf

Here's the TSB for '03's: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?postid=223187

:cheers:

 

[TechWrench]

Here's a list of code defs including the C1203: http://alflash.com.ua/OBDII/DTCe1.pdf

Here's the TSB for '03's: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?postid=223187

:cheers:

Thanks.

I think I am going to have to invest in an OBD II scanner/reader real soon.

So far, no more problem, but it needs to get a bit colder to be sure.

 

[riceandpho]

i get this problem 2007 toyota 4runner sport edition v6 4x4, when i my ride is in the hot sun for hours, at temps above 85+, i also have a scanguage hooked up, it all started when i start my truck up, all the lights go on except the check engine and some others, but the vsc and other are on, my truck has 36000 on it so far, first time happen was 2000 miles ago under the same condition, all i did was do that maitnence light reset, turn off the ignition, then hold the odometer reset button and turn the key back on to make the maintnance light go off, this has worked so far, all lights back to normal, is there a problem with my scanguage itself? its the latest one i think, bought couple months ago. so to me doing this maintnance require reset worked for me to make the lights normal.

 

[BrokenGeiger]

VSC Trac / ABS lights off

This is a great informative thread - much appreciated. However it has not solved my issues.

A few months back I had a front end lift in my Wifes 04 4runner ~2 inches to level it off. First thing I noticed was the VSC / Trac / ABS lights were on. The guys said give it 50 miles and it'll repair itself. So I thought I trusted him so off I went. It never went off. I took it back and they said Zero Point Calibration and that they do not have the tools to do so.

After refusing the visit to the dealer and many months of just dealing with the issue I finally found a few related threads such as this one to do the Zero Point Calibration myself. I was very careful and the lights came right back on. So off I went today to finally get the issue looked at by Toyota Dealer.

They gave me a handful of codes and said that my Skid Control ECU was dead. I was thinking BS - that must be a guess - how the heck could a 2 inch puck lift have cause this? so I refused that service as it was $2000+ for a wild guess and asked for the codes to research. C0200, C0205 and C1223. After researching - the fact the C1223 is there contradicts already what they are saying. Per a TSB I found - the C1223 will record IF there is no malfunction in the SKid control ECU. therefore I think I can safely assume that I shouldn't have to replace the ECU.

I posted once before on this and someone kindly suggested a wire harness replacement - look before I knew the codes. I must appologize that I didn't keep this information - if someone can kindly remind me as well.

I would also appreciate diagrams where the entry point of this harness is located for the Speed control. I believe that I have ID'd the speed sensor on the brake rotor - but I need to confirm the other side to test resistance. My multimeter suggested that I wasn't getting anything.

Also I would appreciate it if someone can refer me to where the SKid Controll ECU fuse is preperly located - I'm curious how to tell if the fuse is blown for these bigger guys.

 

[TEXREX]

Vsc trac & vsc off

I just thought I'd resurrect this thread.

I just had the Mass.state emissions done on my '03 and the lights came on. I pointed this out to the tech and they had never seen it happen before. I went back to the station with the TSP in hand and they reset the sensor for me. The tech said he would bring it to the attention of the State Inpection Dept. to update their system.

Thanks for all the help guys. Saved me a trip to the dealer.

 

[bxc13]

Hi all,

Just wanted to give an update on my situation as well. I had the issue where the VSC Trac/VSC Off (no check engine) would ONLY come on if the weather was cold. I purchased a scangauge 2 to see if I can get any codes (surprisingly, there were none), however it appears my issue has been fixed (sort of) by having the unit plugged in at all times. I did remove it and the lights came on again, reinstalled and it is gone. I have no technical info on why this works, but it does for my case.

It is a pleasant surprise to have the issue resolved (or at least masked) and having the additional info from the OBD2 port. The amber light can be adjusted to match the factory gauges pretty well also.

Hoppe this helps.

Regards,
Bill

 

[BrokenGeiger]

There was another thread I ran across while researching this. Look further on this forum with keywords OBD2, pin, reset, VSC

 

[Uneek]

Try this thread, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/probl...18-one-cause-fix-vsc-trac-vsc-off-lights.html

 

[CAN-03runner]

VSC OFF fixed Update

I had this problem several days ago. VSC TRAC and VSC lights lit up on the dash. No Check Engine Light and no ABS Light. I tested the ABS on some ice and it did kick in. So ABS and VSC are infact seperate.

I researched this problem on this forum. 2 situations that can possibly result in this condition both were done to my 2003 4runner.

1) the toyota ODBII scanner was attached to it
2) a new key was programmed for the truck. But not sure how they program a new key, maybe it is also with the ODBII??

Anyhow many persons have listed the above as causing this issue to manifest itself. Brought it back to toyota, and they preformed the Zero Point Calibration on it. This has fixed my problem. It's been several days and it hasn't come back. I tried resetting this with 2 other ODBII belonging to a mechanic I know but was not able to perform the recalibration. So be advised if you plan on buying a ODBII scanner for only this particular problem, the non toyota scanners might not have the capability....the BR001-4 provideds information on how to reset manually with the scanner.

 

[MicaBlue03]

Why programming a key clears yaw/decel memory

Many (including me) frequenty talk about "programming a new key" for the 4runner and other vehicles with immobilizer or alarm-equipment that makes use of a chip in the ignition key.

The chip in the key is actually a small device that responds to a radio frequency stimulus signal from the vehicle (a transmitter in or very near to the ignition switch) and replies with a digital code unique to that key.

So when you're programming a new key, what you're actually doing is programming the vehicle's own main computer or security module computer (and not the key itself) to accept a specific key. The key itself is unaffected. This process is sometimes called "enrolling the key" and the same thing could happen with a lock/unlock key fob, etc. It's pretty similar to setting up a garage door opener with "rolling code" technology to accept additional remotes.

One thing to keep in mind is that to do the enrolling of a new key you need one of Toyota's "hand-held tester" units and a valid master key for the vehicle in question. They're the black-bodied keys and not the gray valet key. If you lose both master keys you can still use the valet key to open and operate the vehicle, but to get a new key made you (actually the dealer) will have to buy a new security module (several hundred dollars I think) and enroll new key(s) to that module. That's the way they do the ignition immobilizer security, and keep thieves from programming their own keys as a way to steal your car. The lesson here is that if you lose one master key you might consider getting a replacement soon, because if you lose the other master you're in for a bigger bill.

Of course this info is current for the 4th gen 4runners that I'm familiar with. Things can always change.

It's kind of a pain, but I hear from local police that these chip-equipped keys and associated immobilizers are successful at reducing the theft rate of these vehicles. Now if Toyota would only make a more effective lock for the spare tire...

 

[jdq4runner]

thanks MicaBlue03 for starting this post!!! good write up!!!
haven't tried it yet but had CHECK LIGHT, VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights being turned on by other emission failures (including catalyst and oxygen sensor problems). i erased out code with a obdII scanner CEL turned off but VSC TRAC and VSC OFF still appeared. add guarantee to pass smog in the gas tank drove for a few weeks did my smog i passed with no problem w VSC TRAC and VSC OFF light appeared on. thanks!!!

 

[t4rjon02]

VSC off, TRAC off and check engine light on and rough idle

I'm having some issues with mine. I have an 02 sr5 and I went to start my runner this morning and it had a rough time turning over. The battery is fine. Once it turns over, it idles very roughly and when i give it gas, it stalls. Hope this isn't a huge issue. Any help?

 

[V8Limited4wd]

I'm having some issues with mine. I have an 02 sr5 and I went to start my runner this morning and it had a rough time turning over. The battery is fine. Once it turns over, it idles very roughly and when i give it gas, it stalls. Hope this isn't a huge issue. Any help?

try posting on the actual problems and warranty forum. this thread is specific to the 4thgen.

 

[Canada 4 Runner]

2003 T4R VSC TRAC + VSC Off + Engine Lights "ON"

I have a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner Limited. a couple of days ago, VSC TRAC + VSC Off & Engine Lights all came ON at the same time.

I live in Canada and it is pretty cold, but I have used this same car the whole past winter without issues.

I have replaced my tires about a month ago, but it was fine right after that..

I have read many of the threads, and they are useful, but is there anyone who could help me with what should be done to this specific case (3 lights!!).