that vas trac light - again

[abcbrewer]

Good morning, and I'm hoping for help...
Bought a 2002 SR-5 4-runner - automatic (2wd) - in Dec, w/25,000 miles on it - sweet! However, at about 29,000 miles, the "VAS TRAC," "TRAC OFF", and Check Engine lights came on. Took it to my mechanic (not a dealer, but a reputable shop I've dealt with for 10 yrs). They told me it was the charcoal cannister part of the emission control system, plus needed a fuel filter, and oil change. That was six weeks ago - $672. Have been back five times since then - same lights come on. So far they have replaced the entire cannister part, replaced a couple of vacuum hoses, and even went so far as to put in a different (used) computer in the vehicle. Each time, within 100 miles, the lights come back on. In reading this forum, I saw other references to this problem, and it looks like they're doing the right things, but this is just making me crazy! I do not have an extended warranty, as I've never needed one for a toyota, and have always driven toyotas. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you, and have a great day.
-Brenda

 

[lee]

where did you buy it? what code did they pull?

my guess is they arent clearing the code... did you ask them? try removing the battery terminal for 30 mins.. that should clear it all out.

if not, you need to bring it where you bought it and complain till its fixed.

 

[abcbrewer]

that vas trac light - again!

Hi Lee,
I bought it at Car Max - the 30-day warranty was over by about 2 weeks when this all started. Have actually considered taking it back and taking a big loss and trading it in for a used camry or something. Do not know the code, but will ask. Will also take your reply in to the shop on Monday, my next appt. Thank you, B

 

[lee]

Re: that vas trac light - again!

Hi Lee,
I bought it at Car Max - the 30-day warranty was over by about 2 weeks when this all started. Have actually considered taking it back and taking a big loss and trading it in for a used camry or something. Do not know the code, but will ask. Will also take your reply in to the shop on Monday, my next appt. Thank you, B

well im not saying trade it in... its only throwing codes, its not like it has a severe mechanical problem.

get the code and post it up here... then we can go from there. the charcoal canister is typical, but for it to remain a problem is not

 

[abcbrewer]

That VSC TRAC light again

Hi Lee,
Just called my mechanic, who gave me the following codes, saying they were all evaporative codes (?):
PO440, PO442, PO446. And I was mis-spelling the light, it was VSC TRAC, not VAS TRAC, if that makes any difference. Thank you for your thoughts, B

 

[lee]

a lot of people get those codes if they are consistently overfilling their gas tank.. ie topping off.

heres info i got off yt:

"There is actually a "TSB" (technical service bulletin) for this EVAP problem. It's a design flaw in toyotas and i saw it last night under my truck with a mechanic/engineer.

The problem is when you fill up...and you try to squeeze that extra fuel in to even up the tab (top off)...because of the placement of the system (charcoal canister and the VSV) which is located near the fuel tank and close to the spare under the rear axle...because of where it sits and that it is not placed higher than the fuel tank...if you top it off fuel tends to saturate the canister and gives codes P0440, P0441 & P0446. It's really a stupid design flaw that happens to alot of toyota owners (not limited to 4Runners)...and Toyota won't help you cause the TSB states that the repair is a not applicable to warranty!

My buddy said to drive it for a while and keep the fuel low (give it a chance to dry up)...but...if the light keeps coming on...then i won't have the choice but to do the repair (and it ain't cheap...the parts are $$$)"

so try that as well.. be sure not to top off.