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

[EdmundGTP]

I cannot for the life of me get this procedure to work.

Over the past year my VSC OFF, and VSC TRAC have been almost constantly illuminated when the ignition is in the ON or Run position. At times the ABS light would illuminate as well. There were periods of time at which the issue would seem to correct itself momentarily. At those times I'd start the car and get no warning lights. By some luck maybe I would make it through a commute without them coming on, then other times the lights would all come back on at a seemingly random application of the brakes.

Currently the situation is such that the VSC OFF and VSC TRAC lights have been on constantly for the last few months whenever the ignition is at ON or RUN, and the ABS light comes on as soon as I touch the brake pedal after starting the truck.

My question pertinent to the ZPC procedure is, if your VSC lamps are constantly on, how do you know if step 3 (the 4 shorts in 8 seconds) has been done correctly? Is there some other light activity that will show?

The shorting must do SOMETHING because if I turn the car to ON, and don't touch the brake the VSC OFF, and VSC TRAC lights will be illuminated. ABS will be off. And if I make contact on the specific pins for more than a continuous second the ABS light will illuminate steady.

I guess what I really need to do now is scan for ABS codes. Any suggestions on a reliable ABS code reader??

But as it sits currently, the ZPC process has yet to even yield a hint of success.. More to follow I guess?

 

[Kram]

Thank you all so much

Trac off lights been on a year since I bought my 04 4Runner. Just tried this today, worked first try. Amazing this post was started like 8 years ago and it's still helping people like me. So glad I didn't take it to dealer about this issue I'm sure they would of make some bs up saying I need a $1000 part. :nicethread:izza::rockon:

 

[luckyluke]

Zero Point Calibration for 2007 4Runner

I originally posted this issue on another thread (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/154458-zero-point-calibration-06-4runner.html#post2178461) but have no answers if this is a correct procedure to obtain the zero point on the '07 4Runner.
I think I searched through all related topics but could not find any procedure described by users for 2007 versions. Earlier procedures do not apply (different pins on DLC3/OBD2).
The reason I want to do zero point calibration is VSC TRAC, VSC OFF, ABS, SLIP lights appear some times when making turns. They're off when the ignition is switched on again. CEL/MIL always off.

This is what I found in the BC-21/22 for '06 manuals:
2. Clear zero point calibration.
(a) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
(b) Connect and disconnect terminals TS and CG of the DLC3 4 times or more within 8 seconds. (according to the pics: TS - pin 12, CG - pin 4).
(c) Check that the warning light indicates the normal system code.

3. Perform zero point calibration of yaw rate and acceleration sensor.
(a) Procedures for test mode:
(1) Turn ignition switch off.
(2) Connect terminals TS and CG of the DLC3.
(3) Check that the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position and the shift lever in P position.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
(5) Keep the vehicle in a stationary condition on a level surface for 2 seconds or more.
(6) Check that VSC TRAC warning light is blinking in test mode.
NOTICE: The VSC TRAC warning light stays on when obtaining the zero point.

I managed to get to the 3. (6) when ABS and VSC blinking but VSC does not want to stay on and therefore I'm not able to finish this procedure successfully.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

 

[JohnD]

Purchased 2004 zero cal worked

I purchased a 2004 4runner SR5 with check engine light, tire pressure light, VSC and TRAC lights illuminated. Got a good deal and went to work thanks to this forum. Check engine light mentioned O2 sensor, erased it and all is OKay so far (hoping it was from dead battery). Tire Pressure light was spare, pumped it up and it cleared (yeah-forum mentioned this fix). Rear Washer or wiper did not work (forum mentioned letting rear window down and up -worked-on a roll), VSC and TRAC lights still on (performed zero cal using jumbo paper clips on level surface). Done no more trouble lights-that's what I'm talking about. Nuff Said- this forum = Awesome-Oh yeah wife thinks I am a mechanic (ha ha, I tell her its the internet).

 

[gtfour43]

Did this on my 03 yesterday after my vsc lights came on from connecting my Ultra gage. Two large paperclips is all you need. Thanks OP!

 

[Scott E.]

Had the same problem with the vsc light and did the zero point calibration. I ended up replacing the oxygen sensors and the vsc light problem went away

 

[EdmundGTP]

I cannot for the life of me get this procedure to work.

Over the past year my VSC OFF, and VSC TRAC have been almost constantly illuminated when the ignition is in the ON or Run position. At times the ABS light would illuminate as well. There were periods of time at which the issue would seem to correct itself momentarily. At those times I'd start the car and get no warning lights. By some luck maybe I would make it through a commute without them coming on, then other times the lights would all come back on at a seemingly random application of the brakes.

Currently the situation is such that the VSC OFF and VSC TRAC lights have been on constantly for the last few months whenever the ignition is at ON or RUN, and the ABS light comes on as soon as I touch the brake pedal after starting the truck.

My question pertinent to the ZPC procedure is, if your VSC lamps are constantly on, how do you know if step 3 (the 4 shorts in 8 seconds) has been done correctly? Is there some other light activity that will show?

The shorting must do SOMETHING because if I turn the car to ON, and don't touch the brake the VSC OFF, and VSC TRAC lights will be illuminated. ABS will be off. And if I make contact on the specific pins for more than a continuous second the ABS light will illuminate steady.

I guess what I really need to do now is scan for ABS codes. Any suggestions on a reliable ABS code reader??

But as it sits currently, the ZPC process has yet to even yield a hint of success.. More to follow I guess?

Update:
Scanned and got all of the following codes.

C1210 - Zero point Calibration of Yaw Rate Sensor Undone
C1223 - Malfunction in ABS Control System
C1234 - Malfunction in Yaw Sensor
C1249 - Open Circuit in Stop Light Switch Circuit
C1290 - Zero Point Steering Sensor
U0073 - Control Module Communication Bus Off
U0123 - Lost communication with yaw Rate Sensor Module
U0124 - Lost communication with Lateral Acceleration Sensor Module
U0126 - Lost communication with Steering Angle Sensor Module

Right off the bat I'm suspecting it's the Stop Light Switch. It's a $30 part and easy to swap so I'm starting there. Half hoping/half assuming that the open circuit in the stop light sensor initiates an off condition for the communication bus which results in the Comm loss codes for the various other sensors. Also, from the codes it appears that I've somehow managed to erase and not reset the ZPC when I was messing around with the jumpers earlier. More to follow...

 

[EdmundGTP]

Update:
Scanned and got all of the following codes.

C1210 - Zero point Calibration of Yaw Rate Sensor Undone
C1223 - Malfunction in ABS Control System
C1234 - Malfunction in Yaw Sensor
C1249 - Open Circuit in Stop Light Switch Circuit
C1290 - Zero Point Steering Sensor
U0073 - Control Module Communication Bus Off
U0123 - Lost communication with yaw Rate Sensor Module
U0124 - Lost communication with Lateral Acceleration Sensor Module
U0126 - Lost communication with Steering Angle Sensor Module

Right off the bat I'm suspecting it's the Stop Light Switch. It's a $30 part and easy to swap so I'm starting there. Half hoping/half assuming that the open circuit in the stop light sensor initiates an off condition for the communication bus which results in the Comm loss codes for the various other sensors. Also, from the codes it appears that I've somehow managed to erase and not reset the ZPC when I was messing around with the jumpers earlier. More to follow...

Just to follow up, changing the stop light sensor fixed every single one of those issues I mentioned above. Didn't even have to do the ZPC.

Did a run out in the desert today to celebrate and blew a tire on some sharp rock. Woo. God bless full size spares.

 

[shahsmerdis]

Just got the safety recall done. Had the two lights on when I left the dealership. I made a uturn and got them to get rid of the light in about 2 min.

Any thing I should be worried about? I assume they would have told me if it was something expensive, or just doing the calibration with their computer was enough?

I guess ill drive it for a 100 miles or so. if nothing comes back up then I guess it was just the calibration issue? I Just hope they didn't clear it just to get rid of me. they said it happens alot when the battery is low or the battery is pulled. Battery is new.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

CEL & VSC/TRC OFF just came on the other day so I went ahead and bought a $50.00 OBD II reader at Harbor Freight. Found Code P0430, so im guessing its the O2 sensor so I bought one on line today. I was able to clear the CEL but the VSC/TRC OFF lights wont turn off. Will have to try the Zero Point Calibration to see if I can turn of the VSC/TRC lights. Does anybody know of a good OBD reader to buy for the 4 Runner that will not screw up the VSC/TRC when plugging in the OBD?

 

[2003-4x4runner]

CEL & VSC/TRC OFF just came on the other day so I went ahead and bought a $50.00 OBD II reader at Harbor Freight. Found Code P0430, so im guessing its the O2 sensor so I bought one on line today. I was able to clear the CEL but the VSC/TRC OFF lights wont turn off. Will have to try the Zero Point Calibration to see if I can turn of the VSC/TRC lights. Does anybody know of a good OBD reader to buy for the 4 Runner that will not screw up the VSC/TRC when plugging in the OBD?

Update:

I just did the zero calibration with no problems and it only took a few minutes.
Didn't have time to change the O2 sensor today so I will have to tackle that tomorrow. FYI, I tried using some 14 gauge solid wire and it wouldn't fit in the OBD port pin holes, so I just ended up using two large paper clips.

 

[Cuffs]

Before I go redhead crazy on the stealership...

2003 T4R Limited, 4wd
Bought it used recently, only came with one black head key.
Yesterday, I took it to the dealership and had a second key made.
No other services requested (or done that I know about).

At checkout, the service rep tells me that the tech noted that the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights had come on. (No other warning lights are on)
Prior to this date/time, this had never happened in the 2 months we have owned the vehicle. Rep tells me that for $125 he can hook it up and tell me whats wrong with it... I ask if its ok to drive and he says yes, so off I go so I can do my homework first.

After reading allll this forum (and a couple others) I see that adding the new key may have likely caused the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights to come on. Is that correct?

If so, the loud noises you hear tomorrow is just me, dont call the cops...

 

[shahsmerdis]

Before I go redhead crazy on the stealership...

2003 T4R Limited, 4wd
Bought it used recently, only came with one black head key.
Yesterday, I took it to the dealership and had a second key made.
No other services requested (or done that I know about).

At checkout, the service rep tells me that the tech noted that the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights had come on. (No other warning lights are on)
Prior to this date/time, this had never happened in the 2 months we have owned the vehicle. Rep tells me that for $125 he can hook it up and tell me whats wrong with it... I ask if its ok to drive and he says yes, so off I go so I can do my homework first.

After reading allll this forum (and a couple others) I see that adding the new key may have likely caused the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights to come on. Is that correct?

If so, the loud noises you hear tomorrow is just me, dont call the cops...

Was it there before? Go back and say "I spoke with the daily driver of this car, and that person said it wasn't on there before" I spoke to the online community and they said making a key does it. It should take 5-10 minutes for them to do it. Don't start yelling its not going to fix anything. be polite but firm.

if they dont resolve it. stop payment to the CC. For a 5 minute back and forth they could have fixed it in that time.

You can say, you are looking at making this dealership your go to mechanic, and if this is how they want to react, you'll take your business else where. (Last option)

 

[Cuffs]

Was it there before? Go back and say "I spoke with the daily driver of this car, and that person said it wasn't on there before" I spoke to the online community and they said making a key does it. It should take 5-10 minutes for them to do it. Don't start yelling its not going to fix anything. be polite but firm.

if they dont resolve it. stop payment to the CC. For a 5 minute back and forth they could have fixed it in that time.

You can say, you are looking at making this dealership your go to mechanic, and if this is how they want to react, you'll take your business else where. (Last option)

I have taken my new '15 to them for its routine checkups and so far had been very impressed with their high level of customer service. And their parts department has been great too (got many parts for my 1st Gen Tundra). This is my DH's daily driver, but we do switch on ocassion and I drove it all the way to the dealership yesterday (nearly 90 minutes, one way, I live in the sticks...) We are both meticulous on care for our trucks, so neither of us have seen these lights on to date.

I will approach them calmly, but I hate that they put this off so quickly and asked me to pay for the check to find the problem. This should be something that they know occurs...

Oddly, just after my post, I got a text hoping my service visit was satisfactory and a second after that, an automated phone call survey about their service. I left poor marks and a voice comment requesting a call back. Ill give them an hour or so, and then I'll make the call...

 

[2003-4x4runner]

Before I go redhead crazy on the stealership...

2003 T4R Limited, 4wd
Bought it used recently, only came with one black head key.
Yesterday, I took it to the dealership and had a second key made.
No other services requested (or done that I know about).

At checkout, the service rep tells me that the tech noted that the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights had come on. (No other warning lights are on)
Prior to this date/time, this had never happened in the 2 months we have owned the vehicle. Rep tells me that for $125 he can hook it up and tell me whats wrong with it... I ask if its ok to drive and he says yes, so off I go so I can do my homework first.

After reading allll this forum (and a couple others) I see that adding the new key may have likely caused the VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights to come on. Is that correct?

If so, the loud noises you hear tomorrow is just me, dont call the cops...

Sounds like you may have had an inexperienced tech and he didn't know about setting off the VSC TRAC/VSC OFF while programing the new key. Did you by some chance go to Michael's Toyota in Fresno?

 

[Cuffs]

Sounds like you may have had an inexperienced tech and he didn't know about setting off the VSC TRAC/VSC OFF while programing the new key. Did you by some chance go to Michael's Toyota in Fresno?

That's what I'm thinking and hoping. And yes, Michael Toyota. Have some Intel on them??

 

[2003-4x4runner]

That's what I'm thinking and hoping. And yes, Michael Toyota. Have some Intel on them??

My Sister/Brother-in-Law bought a new 2004 4Runner from Michael's and they said the dealer kept trying to sell them services they didn't need. I don't remember the detail's but eventually they stop going to them. That was over 10 years ago so it may be different now.

Did you have a chance to get them to fix the VSC TRAC/ VSC OFF lights at no charge?

 

[Cuffs]

My Sister/Brother-in-Law bought a new 2004 4Runner from Michael's and they said the dealer kept trying to sell them services they didn't need. I don't remember the detail's but eventually they stop going to them. That was over 10 years ago so it may be different now.

Did you have a chance to get them to fix the VSC TRAC/ VSC OFF lights at no charge?

Appointment on Monday... We'll see.

 

[Cuffs]

My Sister/Brother-in-Law bought a new 2004 4Runner from Michael's and they said the dealer kept trying to sell them services they didn't need. I don't remember the detail's but eventually they stop going to them. That was over 10 years ago so it may be different now.

Did you have a chance to get them to fix the VSC TRAC/ VSC OFF lights at no charge?

In answer to you and anyone else reading...

Yes I read the how-to. No I did not attempt it. Since I felt the dealership had caused this when they enrolled my new key, I wanted them to fix it.


Forgot to make appointment. Called service manager during my hour+ drive to the dealership. Left message. Got there before I got a call back. Spoke to service advisor I dealt with previously. I was direct, firm, but polite. Used all the right keywords... Advisor spoke to service manager for only a second. Came back and stated they'd get right on it.

Less than 10 minutes later he was back, all done and apologizing profusely. Says he too did not know of this quirk with this year model, that he learned something new today too.

Made the best of a long trip to the city and got some last minute shopping done at REI!

Merry Christmas y'all!

 

[2003-4x4runner]

In answer to you and anyone else reading...

Yes I read the how-to. No I did not attempt it. Since I felt the dealership had caused this when they enrolled my new key, I wanted them to fix it.


Forgot to make appointment. Called service manager during my hour+ drive to the dealership. Left message. Got there before I got a call back. Spoke to service advisor I dealt with previously. I was direct, firm, but polite. Used all the right keywords... Advisor spoke to service manager for only a second. Came back and stated they'd get right on it.

Less than 10 minutes later he was back, all done and apologizing profusely. Says he too did not know of this quirk with this year model, that he learned something new today too.



Made the best of a long trip to the city and got some last minute shopping done at REI!

Merry Christmas y'all!

Well done Brother!