VSC off, TRAC off and check engine light on!

[LeF-T_4X4]

Same thing happened to me today..

My cel+vsc trac+vsc off lights all came on at the same time today on my 2003 4runner sport. No change in how things sounded or how it drove. I found this post and saw someone say they discovered their gas cap was not secured...so I decided to start there. Got it home and popped the latch...sure nuff it was literally resting on the opening to the tank. I will be letting the new 76 station where I filled up last what happened. It's ridiculous and they need to know. Anyway, I'm going to clear the lights and will definitely report back if it turns out to be something else.
Love this forum!!

 

[ehosey2]

My 2006 4Runner SR5 4x4 V-6 at just under 70,000 had all those lights come on along with erratic gear shifting about 2 weeks ago. I took it to the Toyota dealer I normally go to and it was determined the shift control solenoid was burned out. My 4Runner is under warranty so the dealer replaced it. It drove fine for a day and a half when the lights came on again and a noticeable gear shift hesitation more pronounced when slowing down, especially between 25mph and 10mph. It would have that jerkiness behavior. So it went back to the Toyota dealer and it was determined my 4Runner will be getting the transmission replaced. I was told that it is a used one with 35,000 miles and it would take 4 days to ship and a day or two to have put in. I was told by the dealer that they will provide a lifetime warranty for the transmission and they stated it could be provided in writing. It will probably be either monday or tuesday before the work begins so in the meantime I have been provided a rental car covered by the warranty. I have owned my 4Runner since Feb. 2012 and have not had any problems up until 2 weeks ago.

 

[JohnD]

VSC OFF and TRAC Off Lights Illuminated

Purchased 2004 SR5, been sitting a long time had Check Engine, low tire pressure light, VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF lights. Code on Check Engine was "heated O2 sensor heater control circuit low bank 2 sensor 1 (P0051)". Erased codes and CEL, VSC and TRAC lights went out. Drove 4runner around block and CEL stayed off but VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF lights came back on. Thought maybe low air pressure light might be affecting traction and stability but knew tires had good pressure. Forum mentioned tire pressure might be spare tire and sure enough it was empty, filled it up with air and tire pressure light went away. Now only VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF lights remained so I followed forum and you tube instructions parking 4runner on level ground, take two jumbo paper clips and performed the "zero point calibration" procedure as described in TSB BR001-04". Thought the problem was fixed until a week later I parked on a inclined driveway with the parking break on; started 4runner and CEL, VSC TRAC and TRAC off all lite up. Thought I had this problem whipped now back to trying to figure out why parking on incline caused problem. P0051 code O2 sensor came back setting CEL causing VSC TRAC and TRAC OFF lights. Next stop is to find sensor and troubleshoot further with meter to see if sensor, wiring or ECM. Cleared code P0051 and all is well again for now.

 

[NAMAC]

CEL, VSC Trac, VSC Off

Hey guys! New to the Forum and 1st time T4R owner! 2004 T4R SR5 V6, 136k when I purchased. (had to get something a little cheaper and "family friendly" :lol:

So when I was at the dealership and started it up, I noticed it was shaking for about 10 seconds, but then stopped. I brought it up and said it was just cold. Drove great and I was very excited. Exactly 1 week later, the CEL and VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights came on. I immediately checked this forum and tried the gas cap tightening & disconnect and reconnect of the positive battery terminal. It worked fine, then 4 days later, the lights came back on.

As of now, I notice each time I start it up, it shakes for about 10-15 seconds and a big water swooshing (that is my very scientific term there ) sound. From reading this thread, it looks like a various of issues: (Loose gas cap, o2 Sensor, abs sensor, Yaw Sensor, a cylinder misfiring, Gasket, Zero Point Calibration, Cat Conv., and/or Water Pump.

My brother in law has some pretty good mechanical skills, but I am just not sure where to even start with this (other than gas cap and battery). I JUST got the vehicle 1 week ago. I wrote the dealership, but I am not sure what, if anything they will do. When the lights came on the 1st time, I immediately wrote them so I have documentation. Any ideas? :rain:

 

[Drumcat157]

Vsc trac / vsc off / cel

I'm the proud owner of a 2004 SR5 4Runner.
I recently had an issue with the CEL, VSC TRAC & VSC OFF warning lights appearing after I filled up with gas from Sheetz. I filled all the way up with 87 Octane unleaded and almost immediately, the warning lights came on. I took the 4Runner to my mechanic and he used his scanner to run the codes and it came up showing a Cyl.6 misfire. He first recommended that I add a bottle of Lucas Fuel Injector/Carb cleaner. ($5.99 at Auto Zone). He also recommended that I replace the gas cap with a new one from the dealer. (around $18.) I followed his advice and after running about half the tank out , the CEL light went out as well as the VSC TRAC and VSC Off lights. 200 miles later and and NO warning lights. The only gas I will buy now is at least 89 octane from Chevron, Shell or Sunoco ,because of the proper additives that keep my 4Runner performing beautifully ! I will also be adding a bottle of Lucas Inj/Carb cleaner to the full tank .
Thank goodness for honest mechanics .

 

[cpetrice]

2003 V6, Same issue.....BUT...
Only happens when I am in 4wd, going on a downhill descent.
1st time it happened, 4WH, had it in second gear, letting engine help me brake downhill, CEL, VSC etc lights came on. Even when taken out of 4wd, lights stayed on. Got home, hooked up scanner, said typical 02 sensor, bank etc. Got on this forum, said gas cap. Retightend that, reset the code. All good for a tank or 2 of gas.

This weekend, Friday, looking at camping sights, 4wd, this time, left it in drive...downhill...lights came on. Got home, reset the code.

Good until Monday,
same thing, 4wd, downhill, lights came on.
Came home, reset, come to work, no problems.

Common theme.
4wd. Downhill, with fulltime 4wd engaged. The only thing I think of, is I read somewhere someone said transmission temp could trigger this. Checked fluid, looked good. Going to check differential fluid.
No clue otherwise.

 

[Erkelbot]

Same symptom -- same lights. Mechanically, everything checked out, despite having just used 4wd before I turned off the car. I brought it over to my dealer to ensure the codes were simple stuff having to do with emissions. Sure enough, "Mass fuel emission" (or something like that) was predominately showing up. I checked the gas cap, and it wasn't loose but the click recoil mechanism was messed up. $24 and I was back in business.

 

[jb330ci]

Thank you guys! Had the same symptom last night on my 2002 4Runner limited with 130K miles. CEL, VSC TRAC, and VDC OFF lights came on, scared the sh!t out of the wifey. By tightening up the gas tank cap, disconnected the battery, and cleaned the connections...Woohoo! Got the problem solved! :jump::cheer2::banana:

 

[Vollostcom]

Hey guys! New to the Forum and 1st time T4R owner! 2004 T4R SR5 V6, 136k when I purchased. (had to get something a little cheaper and "family friendly" :lol:

So when I was at the dealership and started it up, I noticed it was shaking for about 10 seconds, but then stopped. I brought it up and said it was just cold. Drove great and I was very excited. Exactly 1 week later, the CEL and VSC TRAC and VSC OFF lights came on. I immediately checked this forum and tried the gas cap tightening & disconnect and reconnect of the positive battery terminal. It worked fine, then 4 days later, the lights came back on.

As of now, I notice each time I start it up, it shakes for about 10-15 seconds and a big water swooshing (that is my very scientific term there ) sound. From reading this thread, it looks like a various of issues: (Loose gas cap, o2 Sensor, abs sensor, Yaw Sensor, a cylinder misfiring, Gasket, Zero Point Calibration, Cat Conv., and/or Water Pump.

My brother in law has some pretty good mechanical skills, but I am just not sure where to even start with this (other than gas cap and battery). I JUST got the vehicle 1 week ago. I wrote the dealership, but I am not sure what, if anything they will do. When the lights came on the 1st time, I immediately wrote them so I have documentation. Any ideas? :rain:

This is exactly what I have been going thru in my 04 limited ... My misfires are in 2-4 cylinders, had compression test done, not the gaskets ... Changed to better spark plugs lights went off for about a day and back on, did you ever have any luck, I have been wrapping my head around this for 4 months now, it started as soon as I drove off the Toyota dealership and they will not help what so ever, 3 mechanics later no one can figure this out...

 

[Stunna1019]

2003 4Runner 142K

I am having the same issues my VSC, Trac and CEL Lights are on. I tried doing the Zero Point Calibration but it doesn't work. The lights are my concern for safety issues anyone in the Tampa, FL area can help me?

 

[friscoway]

I am having the same issues my VSC, Trac and CEL Lights are on. I tried doing the Zero Point Calibration but it doesn't work. The lights are my concern for safety issues anyone in the Tampa, FL area can help me?

Try topping all fluids, yesterday my wife topped the washer fluid and all the fuking lights turned off after being on for a week.

 

[friscoway]

I am having the same issues my VSC, Trac and CEL Lights are on. I tried doing the Zero Point Calibration but it doesn't work. The lights are my concern for safety issues anyone in the Tampa, FL area can help me?

Also my other truck was giving me "Check Brake system" and the problem was needed new battery. Today's cars and their computer system glitches and stuff are crazy. :ybrick:

 

[Betancourtp]

Abs and traction control lights

I just want to get this out there. I have a 5th gen SR5. I recently changed the taillight bulbs to a set of Phillips LED replacement bulbs. Apparently I put the left bulb in backwards? I noticed that the light was not as bright as the right one, and when I pressed the brake, the light actually turned off. This might cause for the abs and traction control lights to come and and disabled the abs. The warning lights would come off and on. Well I didn't believe that I could be the light bulbs, but I took off the bulb and turned it around the right way? And put everything back together. The brake lights are working fine, the abs and traction control lights are off and everything is right with the world again. So if anyone has any issues similar to mine... Check your light bulbs....

 

[Chernomorsk]

VSC OFF, VSC TRAC and Engine warning lights

Followed advises here and checked my gas cap for issues, found none. Unplugged the car battery for half an hour or so, plugged it back in - BINGO, warning lights disappeared. Had to adjust my clock after that, but otherwise - THANK YOU ALL for great advises.
2001 Toyota 4Runner, 265K

 

[brown8075]

HELP - - I have these lights and got these codes..

P2759 - shift solenoid intermittent
Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Electrical

C1201
Engine Control System Malfunction

C1223
Malfunction In Antilock Brake System Control System

C1241
Low Battery Positive Voltage Or Abnormally High Battery Positive Voltage


Dealership says it's the shift solenoid and says it will cost $900!!

Anyone think this sounds about right?

2006 4runner limited 8 cylinder 4wd A750F Automatic Transmission

 

[702 Desert Rat]

I didn't know the VSC disabled when the CEL is activated. I thought it was something more serious. I'm getting P0174 code. Didn't feel like the gas cap was tightening as tight as it should so I replaced it. Hope that's all it needs.

 

[javisoriano05]

VSC TRAC and check engine light issue

Having the same issue with my 2007 4runner. It just turned 180k miles. Thanks for all the good info here. Will take it to Advance Auto Parts and see what the codes say. Don't think it's a loose gas cap issue. Will keep everyone informed. Cheers!

I had the same problem with my 6 month old 2007 4wd 4-runner. I had a bad charcoal canister, and the dealer told me the VSC lights always come on with the check engine light, but implied that the VSC still works... I assured them that as of the snow storm the other day, the VSC was not working.

They could not explain why the VSC is disabled when the check engine light comes on. Sounds dumb to me ...

But I found another reference:

A detected engine problem could mean many things, so Toyota decided to kill anything that could be an additional load on the engine including the VSC system since it causes braking (the ABS does still work though).

I still call the VSC system a safety system and think it was a dumb move, but it at least makes a little sense.

 

[KyleKeefner]

I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited V6. I had to get a jump start the other night and the positive and negative were backwards on my car, after switching them to the correct post it started. Now the car will start and run but the gas pedal will not respond. The check engine and both VSC lights are on, any suggestion on how to fix?

 

[Jeffc4384]

P2759 - shift solenoid intermittent
Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Electrical

C1201
Engine Control System Malfunction

C1223
Malfunction In Antilock Brake System Control System

C1241
Low Battery Positive Voltage Or Abnormally High Battery Positive Voltage


Dealership says it's the shift solenoid and says it will cost $900!!

Anyone think this sounds about right?

2006 4runner limited 8 cylinder 4wd A750F Automatic Transmission

I changed all my solenoids because that's what my dealer said and my lights still come on and off. I wasted a lot of money until my friend just told me to try to tighten the gas cap and readjust the yaw senser. Problem fixed. Fracking dealers don't know jack about their own cars.

 

[cmoua]

Had the same CEL, VSC OFF, TRAC OFF and the solution was a loose gas cap. It didn’t go away on its own after I replaced the gas cap. However once I cleared the CEL with OBD II scan reader everything everything is back to normal. So check the easy stuff first like a loose gas cap.