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

[earthrealm]

trying to update as many of these threads as i can.

for those of you with an 05, you need to use pin 12 rather than pin 14. i just tried and works perfectly.

thank u are a lifesaver, the other method didnt work for my 05, switching to pin 12 did the magic!

 

[bowhunter53]

Followed the TSB instructions EXACTLY. I used straightened paper clips instead of a jumper wire. Worked PERFECTLY!! now I can finally sell the T4R that all the lights are off.

 

[BackOff]

:hatsoff:Wanted to add a "thank You/bump" to this almost 10 year old thread.

Plugged in a ScanGauge2 and got the 2 VSC lights.
Found this thread.
Did the ZPC...fixed!

DLC3 #4 and #14 worked for me.
If you look close at the DLC3 you can see how the pin out is populated.
I had no pin/connector on #12.

 

[Grom]

Thank you!

I would like to thank the OP in advance as well.

Last week I received one of these insurance OBD dongles that monitor your driving in order to offer you a discount.
As soon as I installed it and started the car, the lights came on. Not the engine light though, just like the OP.

I'll try to fix it this week. Thank you sir!

 

[Deth527]

In my case with ELM327 Wifi works perfectly

I have tried the same adapter but blutooth and triggers the VSC off etc etc
I have tried a small adapter blutooth still in elm327 (but with the on off button) and does the same thing.

Conclusion: both ELM327 Bluetooth family I tried DO cause VSC Trac and VSC to deactivate while ELM Wifi work perfectly, reason Is both blutooth tried to communicate with our 4Runner using CAN protocol which involves pin#14, and as mentionned by the author of this post this cause the 4Runner to erase the "zero point calibration" numbers in its memory. Without these numbers it can't get accurate information from the yaw rate and deceleration sensors (in the center console near the gearshift) and so it disables traction and stability control functions.


Hope this helps someone

Ok so does anyone know what models of obd2 scanners that work with the 04 and relative models?

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[Sandro]

gas cap

after reading on another forum here, i bought a gas cap and took off both battery cables...no more check engine/vsc/trac lights....for how long idk...

 

[cchantzis]

T4R-2002 Zero Pt. Calibration Question: Which Pins for Ts and CG?

Hi guys:
This is my 1st post here. I drove many Volvo wagons from 1986 to now and loved them but now I just got a 2002 4Runner SR5 with 171K miles and love it!!!

This is a GREAT forum; your posts are excellent.

My 4Runner 2002 failed "Overall Emissions" inspection: Heated Catalytic Converters/Secondary Air Injection/ A/C Refrigerant/EGR Systems - Unsupported; Catalytic Converters/Evaporative System - Not Ready.

I tried unsuccessfully the below Zero Pt. Calibration method but I am unsure if DLC3 pin #s 4 and 14 are also the SAME for the 4Runner 2002. I attach an image of my truck's DLC3. It appears I have pin # 4 but not pin # 14. Am I correct? Maybe, I must use different pin #s for this task. Please advise, if you know.
In any event, I returned my truck to the dealer for service so it would pass inspection.

Some general comments:
1. Cylinder valve cover leaks - have strong smell whenever I turn heat ON. I will purchase ALL required parts per other posts and will replace failing parts.
2. Truck steers right and its steering wheel vibrates a little at 70+ mph: I replaced already the 2 sway bar bushings but no change. Next, I will replace both front ball/roll joint links (4 parts). If still no fix, then I will replace the front lower control arm bushings. Tires are balanced. I will check the rotors' uniformity and any U-joints for defects, if the vibration issue continues after my above replacements.
3. I have no data when the previous PO replaced the timing belt. So, I will open its cover and try to qualitatively determine is remaining life, if any ! I have bought all parts (all belts, water pump, thermostat, gaskets, etc.) and will do the job. Absent that, I can ruin this truck.
4. This truck has P265/70R16 tires. Should I expect better miles/gal performance vs the P225/75R15 tires? I think so.
5. Power-flushed the transmission/power steering fluids with the engine running and just key in the ON position, respectively, and w/o external tools. I believe that is the proper way.
6. Plan to install an external transmission cooler and filter to eliminate the possibility of destroying my transmission - milky problem.
7. I will install the controlled gap E3.48 type of spark plugs, thereby eliminating variable ignition/spark of the gas/air mixture and improving performance.
8. Underbody of truck is heavily corroded, especially from around the rear axle and towards the back of it: I removed as much rust as I could, then spray-painted 3X with a black rust-prevention paint and then 3x rubber-coated that area. Now, it looks great and it should last quite a while.
******************************************************************************
Zero Point Calibration of Yaw Rate and Deceleration Sensors Using SST 09843–18040 or Two (2) - 24” Wires with 3/8” Length Paperclips.

When having replaced the yaw rate sensor, deceleration sensor or the ECU, perform the process for zero point of yaw rate and deceleration sensors as shown below.
NOTE:
While performing the zero point procedure, do not tilt, move or shake the vehicle. The vehicle must remain in a stationary condition throughout the entire process. Do not start the engine and be sure to perform the procedure on a level surface with an inclination of less than 1%.

1. Ensure the shift lever is in “P” range.

2. Turn the ignition switch ON.

3. Take 2 pieces of insulated wire about 24" long each and taped them alongside each other, and stripped both ends. I soldered a 3/8" length of a heavy paper clip to one end of each of the wires and electrically taped them to prevent shorting to make the wire fit securely in the female terminals of the OBDII connector.

Repeat a cycle of short and open between terminals Ts = # 14 and CG = # 4 sockets of DLC3 4 times or more within 8 seconds using SST 09843–18040 or the above 2 wires. Verify that the VSC indicator light is lit indicating the recorded zero point is erased.

4. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

5. Be sure the terminals Ts = # 14 and CG = # 4 of DLC3 are disconnected.

6. Turn the ignition switch ON.

7. Check that the VSC warning light goes off about 15 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON.

8. After ensuring that the VSC warning light remains OFF for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.

9. Connect the terminal Ts and CG of DLC3 using SST 09843–18040.

10. Turn the ignition switch ON.

11. After turning the ignition switch ON, check that the VSC warning light is lit for about 4 seconds and then starts quick blinking at 0.13 second intervals.

12. After ensuring the blinking of the VSC warning light for 2 seconds, turn the ignition switch OFF.

13. Remove the SST from terminals Ts and CG of DLC3. Drive the vehicle to confirm there are no re–occurring lights or DTCs.

 

[blast7]

Thanks Falkon for providing the instructions. The OP gave a lot of interesting info but left out the most important part! This fixed worked for me as well..... here is my story.

I recently bought a 2004 4Runner and when I bought it the TPMS light was flashing. It needed new tires anyway so I ordered 5 new wheels and tires from Tire Rack with brand new TPMS sensors installed. I took it to my local Firestone after installing the new wheels and tires to have them program the computer with the new TPMS IDs. When I picked the car up the "VSC Trac" and "Trac Off" lights were illuminated and the TPMS light was off. Note: the check engine light was NEVER on NOR was the ABS light.

They didn't bother to even tell me about the "VSC Trac" and "Trac Off" lights being on and when I called them back they seemed puzzled as to what could be wrong. So I found this thread and applied the fix.... success!!! When I called Firestone back, the person I spoke to seemed totally aware of this issue with 4Runners and knew how to fix it. I guess I got one of their less experienced techs when I went in the day before.

Anyway, this forum has helped me fix about half a dozen minor issues with my new (used) 4Runner. Next I plan on tackling the dreaded sunroof rattle!

Thanks a bunch MicaBlue03.

Glad you could clarify the alternatives to some of the special tools - SST. Could you show a picture of how your wires were plugged into the DLC3, please?

To further assist with your writeup, I have attached the TSB, BR005-03, you mentioned in your script. A schematic of the DLC3 unit indicating the required pins TS and CG with the re-calibration instruction is shown on page 7 of the attached TSB.

Good Luck.

 

[MTP_Vader]

Hi Guys, I'm not super technical so sorry if my question/post is a mess....
I have a 2015 Trail with 12,000 km (7,500 miles) on it. The other morning it was very cold (-15 C or 5 F) and when I started, I had a few indicator lights come on and a very rough idle. The indicators were Multi-Terrain, TRAC OFF and Check Engine. I decided to put it in the garage and plug in the block heater for a couple of hours. When I restarted, it ran fine with no indicators. Is this something to ignore or to get checked out? Any idea what would cause this?

 

[Raffyk]

New here. Found this place due to Google search on this topic.

Did the Zero Calibration after replacing the fuel cap, disconnecting the negative cable on tbe battery to clear the check engine light. As soon as I moved the vehicle the VSC/trac lights would come on. After about 20 miles check engine light came on again.

OBDII scan pulled up 02 sensor bank 2 sensor 2. Will be replacing 02 sensor tomorrow. Hope this clears it up.

UPDATE:

O2 sensor replaced. Check engine light cleared. VSC/Trac were still on as soon as the 4Runner moved 3 feet. Drove home (10 mile drive) with no check engine light.

After dinner went back to the garage and re-did the zero calibration. Glad to say the lights are off. Went for a short drive and they stayed off. I'll know tomorrow if everything is good as my son is driving it over 140 miles.

Thanks for the TSB PDF and for the original post.

 

[jambone]

I had the VSC lights coming on intermittently, then recently, my ABS and check engine lights came on too. The zero point calibration procedure wouldn't work. I pulled some codes, which led me to replacing the stoplight switch ($32) and the gas cap ($13). I cleared all of the codes with some OBD-II software on my laptop and the check engine and ABS lights went off. Then the zero point calibration procedure worked on the 1st try and all of the lights have been off since. Thanks!!!

 

[ahermanson09]

Finally got mine sorted out and will very much like to thank everyone in this forum, you guys are great.

The Stealership was insisting that my Yaw Rate Sensor was bad and needed to be changed at a cost of $885 (parts only). I showed them a hard copy of the TSB but they also wanted to charge $133 for the Zero Point Re-calibration regardless if it was going to be helpful or not.

So I got a contact of one ex-Toyota Service Tech who now has his own shop, took my T4R to him and, in less than 5minutes, he got everything sorted at zero cost. Amazing!! had to give him something for beer though which he reluctantly obliged.

Took my ride out for a spin and the VSC now works again like a charm. phew!!!!

Did your friend ever tell you what the issue was and how he fixed it? Mine I think is doing the same thing and I really need help on solving this:ybrick:. I made a video with the issue:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntOOUoEiPe8

 

[ahermanson09]

Here is my issue

I plugged in my OBD2 scanner and cleared a code I had when I forgot to plug one spark plug wire when changing my plugs one day so I cleared the code and then the VSC and TRAC light stay on and do not work. I cannot get them to shut off doing the Zero Point Calibration as described in the TSB. I am plugging the correct pins and everything. What my issue is that when I jump the pins 4 and 14 together four times in 8 seconds the TRAC OFF goes away and the ABS flashes while VSC TRAC stays lit. I cannot seem to complete the whole procedure. Anyone with helpful information please let me know. I made a video to show what I am talking about here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntOOUoEiPe8

 

[ahermanson09]

Please help.

So i honestly don't remember when or what caused my lights to come on, but they have been on for the past 8-9 months.

I tried this a little while ago, maybe 30 minutes. I followed the directions of TSB BR005-03 (I have a 2003 SR5 2WD V8) and I found that TSB On Toyota 120, and according to what I read since I have a 2003 I have the older protocol (the ISO instead of the CAN) and that is what TSB BR005-03's directions use, from what I understand.

Now after shorting it 4 times within 8 seconds, its the ABS light that flashes, not the VSC. The Trac light goes off.

Can someone tell me why it is the ABS light and not the VSC? After going through, turning it off after disconnecting, and turning it back in, off and reconnecting, the ABS light is the one quick flashing, when it should be the VSC.

PLEASE HELP! Any & all help is appreciated.

Hey did you ever figure out how to fix your issue? Mine is doing the exact same thing as you mentioned yours did and I cannot seem to figure out a solution. Please let me know what you did to fix yours I would really appreciate it!

 

[monflores11]

Lights on after replacing airbag sensor

The fix: Perform the "zero point calibration" procedure as described in TSB BR001-04. This procedure can be performed without special equipment such as a hand-held tester or OBDII reader. You only need the equivalent of a jumper wire to short together two pins of the OBDII connector at the right time and the right number of times between switching the 4Runner on and off. More detail is included below, leveraged from my other posts.

BTW #1: Doing the sulfur TSB or others that require the replacement or reprogramming of the engine computer or the VSC computer will also require this calibration.

BTW #2: I verified that when the lights are on the VSC and traction control are indeed inoperative. ABS is working, though.

BTW #3: Shorting other pins (such as #13 Tc) at the right time can cause the appropriate dash indicators to blink in sequence to reveal trouble codes other than the OBDII ones. A generic OBDII code reader won't give you this data, and you need the service manual (physical or online) to make sense of it. I believe there is a specific code to tell you that the zero point calibration data has been lost, but I didn't look for it.

BTW #4: In the 4Runner of this vintage the OBDII connector pins populated are 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16

[Sorry about the long post, but I wanted to include the kind of information I'd want if I encountered this problem and wanted to feel comfortable fixing it myself]

Thank you for sharing this.

I did the 'Zero Calibration' procedure using just 2 wires. And it worked.

My VSC Trac Off lights came on after my airbag sensor was replaced at the dealership (recall service). I only noticed it the next day since my wife drove it home from the dealership. I went back to the dealership and they said I need to set a new appointment since they are fully booked that day.

This thread saved my day. Thanks again.

IMG_3046 by Ramon Flores, on Flickr

IMG_3047 by Ramon Flores, on Flickr

 

[theladyviola]

Thanks, OP. I'll be damned, it worked on my '03! I got the lights shortly after installing the OBDLink with the Torque Pro app. Thrilled to get rid of those lights!


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[mastee]

Another successful clearing of lights post Torque pro and BT OBD reader install

I had picked up one of the OBDII blue tooth readers to play with the Torque App, immediately after installing it my vsc/atrc lights came on, I think ABS also flashed.

I did the gas cap and battery disconnect with no success

Then ran into the TSB, 5 minutes later the codes are gone, very easy

With the ign on, If you are looking at the OBD port, short Top Row 3rd pin from Left Side and 4th Bottom Row Pin from Right Side, do it more than 4 times...its ok

I used test lead with alligator clips, just bend a small paper clip in a V/U shape and it will stay put in the OBD port

Then follow the rest, the key is to watch for the rapid blinking of the VSC light towards the end of the procedure

 

[Kandmteam]

I am a woman with no mechanical ability, and my teenage daughter and I were able to do this together on my '04 T4R Ltd. I used two straightened paper clips, tapping or holding them together at the correct times while she handled the ignition on/off sequence. The Ts and CG pin slots are third from left on top and fourth from right on bottom. It didn't work the first few times because I missed that the wires should be connected before turning the ignition on the third time. And also I think it was easier to do with paper clips rather than (flexible) speaker wire that I used initially. The dealer said it would take about an hour and a half, at a minimum cost of $135 to do this, if they didn't find anything else wrong with the vehicle. I bet they do this all the time, and people never know it only takes a couple of minutes because they drop the vehicle off rather than wait around at the dealership for 90 minutes while the repairs are done. So happy to have found this post.

 

[snucka]

the last two days Ive had the check engine, Vsc off and vsc trac lights on. Start it up this morning to take it to the dealer and the lights are no longer on. Having them check it anyways and will see if they get any codes before I let them do anything to it.

If the check engine light is on this could be more than just a reset?

Edit: code ended up being P0021 which they claim requires replacing timing belt.

 

[wc11]

My turn out: