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

[TK1314]

I have a 2001 SR5 4WD Automatic 4Runner that had the TRAC OFF, VSC TRAC, ABS, Brake and Check Engine Lights on. The speedometer and odometer also stopped working. I was getting code P0500 (wheel sensor). I checked all four wheel sensors with an ohm meter and they all checked out ok - fronts about 1670 ohms, rears 1350 ohms. I removed all four to clean them but they all looked clean. I tried the zero point calibration but it didn't help my problem. The first dealer I went to told me it was the instrument cluster and then later said it was the brake master cylinder (about $4,000 parts and labor). The second dealer said it was the ABS computer (about $1,100 parts and $600 labor). The service guy gave me the part number 89540-35270. The computer is located right behind the fuse panel at the driver's kick panel. I found a used computer on eBay ($295) and installed it in about 10 minutes. The CEL, ABS and brake lights went away immediately. I used my Innova 31603 scan tool to turn off the TRAC OFF and VSC TRAC lights. Everything is working fine. I hope this helps someone. It was frustrating and I'm glad it was a pretty cheap and easy fix. I think this part number will only work for a 2001 or 2002 4Runner.

 

[Chupto]

Thank You

I went by the dealership to see if they would reset the VSC Trac for free knowing I had turned it off with my OBDII bluetooth scanner. They said $90 bucks every time.


I knew the fix from this forum and told them the issue, they said that seemed right, yet it would still be $90.

I bought some flat pin connecters, put them on speaker wire....


BAM!!! it worked. You are the best guys! Thank you Mica!

 

[jeevsdew]

I had very similar issues which I fixed with the a new brake light switch. I've shared this in other forums and I thought I'd add it to this one too for anyone that might find it useful.

I got the following two codes when my lights came on:

C1223: Malfunction in ABS Control System
C1249: Brake Light Switch Circuit Malfunction

I got the code descriptions from the following website: http://alflash.com.ua/OBDII/DTCe1.pdf

The second code relating the brake light switch is key so I went to O'Reilly's and got the following part: Import Direct Ignition 18-1827 - Stoplight Switch | O'Reilly Auto Parts

I pulled out the old one (which requires a little twist first then pull) and put the new one and boom! the lights were gone. The pictures below are the part and where it's located (which is right above the brake pedal):

 

[Cosmic]

I received a new scan tool CRP123 Pro, so I just had to check it out on my vehicles. After hooking it up to my perfectly running 03 4runner V8, I found the next time I drove the truck the VCS Trac and VCS off lights stayed on.

So much for fancy new scan tools.

I'm hopeful this help listed here will fix me up.

Thanks for the info.

 

[FAydin]

VSC Trac & VSF Off lights on after new tire install

Thanks MicaBlue03 for the information. After I got a new set of tires installed to 2003 4Runner I had both lights came on. Sears had no clue and I did not have them touch anything. I used an old Cat5 cable to make the connection between the #4 and #14 pins as described in the TSB and it worked perfectly. Thank you!:clap2:

 

[rip-cord]

are these the lights you're talking about

I think I have a few extra lights on. Are these the lights you fella's are talking about? It seems that the traction control and ABS are on also, where you're just talking about VSC ON and VSC off.

 

[burninator]

Subscribed. Thanks.

 

[rip-cord]

Just had the lights pop on again....it was fine for about 2.5 weeks. Thinking about taking it in and see if any errors pop.
Since they only come on sporadically, I might just take it by the mechanic when the lights pop on...make it a priority.

 

[asdfman7]

Just bought my second (for the wife) 4th gen today, 08 with 55k. Got some strange looks from the neighbors when they saw the 08 parked next to the 05 instead of my old VW. It had the lights on when I bought it and the dealer said to bring it back and they will fix whats needed. Hopefully this works In the morning otherwise I will let them throw parts at it, good thing I have it in writing that they will fix it.

 

[BrianKenn]

Thank you to the OP and Atingle's post #134 for clarifying a few questions I had! Worked like a charm. Took me less then 10
minutes with your instructions and a print out of page 7 of the pdf. No more trac lights staying on after having new tires put on.

 

[prattman2]

Perfect - easy solution!

I took my 2003 T4R to the dealer today for an oil change and tire rotation. As soon as I start to drive away, VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights appear... needed to pick up my son from school and couldn't go back in to complain. Got home and researched, found this thread and figured I'd give it a shot before heading back to the dealer tomorrow. I had no wire so I used (2) large metal paperclips. Followed page 7 of the service bulletin and it worked like a charm. Lights are off, drove the vehicle around the block and the lights have stayed off. Thank you for the quick and easy fix and saving me the hassle of explaining this problem to service writers who prefer the most expensive fix of replacing parts!

 

[kaneman23]

I just used the info to clear the lights on my 03. It worked on the first try and saved me a trip to the dealership. I had some scrap wire left over from a trailer wire kit. I just stripped and twisted the ends, put the 2 wires in the correct pins, and followed the TSB. It took less than 5 min from start to finish.

 

[Ohcrymore]

If anyone's interested, here is a thread of how to disable traction control and vsc without any actual modifications, as well as a video demonstrating the tsb that was mentioned in this thread. Enjoy!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/187143-disabling-tcs-stability-control.html

 

[Runner04]

Thanks to the OP and person who posted SB. Glad to get these lights off the dash.

 

[JoeBruin]

Thank you MicaBlue03

Thanks so much MicaBlue03. Eight years after your original post, I encountered this exact problem after taking my '04 4Runner for a smog check. I appreciate the level of detail. It helped me understand the nature of the problem as well as how to fix it. Much appreciated!!!

 

[parasg]

Worlked like a charm

Micablue03 - thanks for the detailed description and steps. It worked like a charm. And unlike some others who had to do it multiple times, for me it worked after one try.

 

[SUVtherapy]

Worked on the first try!

Thanks for providing the TSB bulletins on this thread. I disconnected the battery today, in order to reset the back hatch powered latch, which had stopped functioning after my favorite mechanic had diagnosed a corroded, non-functional hatch window regulator. A common problem, I know. But he didn't know about the fact that the door latch needs a reset after disconnection, so I looked the problem up on the 4th gen forum and there it was - disconnect the battery. And the hatch latch started working again. But then, driving home the VSC lights came on (horror of horrors, panic, shaking, wailing in fear and all that); and a frantic call to the tech only resulted in confusion again. BACK TO THE 4RUNNER FORUMS, BECAUSE YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! I made a homemade jumper, followed the TSB instructions, and the lights are off. And I need to be honest about this: if I can do this, ANYONE can do this! Thanks Micablue03, you saved the day! (I included photos to show the OBD connection, and how the TSB directs us to connect the jumper. And, as that amazing homemade jumper demonstrates, no fancy equipment needed!).

 

[hemingway661]

Help

I have a 2003 v6 2wd that i like to have fun with in the fields but the traction control is really holding me back. I know there is an easy fix for the 4wd models, but havent been able to find a fix for the 2wd. Please help!

 

[qikazel]

I have done this reset 8 times today. Everything works as stated in the directions. That is, until I put it in drive and start to move. Bam! Vsc lights both come back on. I have no other codes. None. Please help!

 

[dgbull3]

Just bought my 4runner and used my OBDII meter to do a pre-buy check. No lights on during test drive before the check but after I bought it and drove away (everything checked out) these lights came on. Gave this reset a try...key step, following line by line... and it worked! Thanks!!!