VSC, TRAC, and Check engine lights on

[Johnate0]

CEL, VSC and TRAC lights came on over the weekend. I had replaced the CAT new OEM in January of 2011 along with the B1 sensor. I finally got around to running the scanner on it this morning and I got the dreaded PO420 code. Oh lordy please tell me its not the CAT again. Anyone have an idea of what the average life span of the OEM CAT's are? All the research I did a few years ago told me to not even bother with an aftermarket CAT for Toyotas. I'd be pretty pissed if I had to spend another $700 on an OEM CAT. :/

I'll try resetting it and crossing fingers, but I vaguely remember smelling rotten eggs briefly at some point last week. Ugh.

ETA: Well I cleared the code with my scan tool over 4 days ago and it hasn't come back on since. Fingers crossed.

 

[zamboknee]

Both VSC lights and Check engine lights came on. I'll post back when it comes back from shop.

 

[zamboknee]

Took it to my usual shop, they tightened a battery cable and that seemed to fix it. Lights came back on.
Took it to the dealer and they said its either needing a new Valve body ($1600) or recalibrating the ECM ($200). He said that they found when recal'ing a similar year Camry that sometimes the computer would seize and need to be replaced but they haven't had to do it to Forerunner before.
Recalibrating the ECM for now, obviously, and hoping that does it.
Does anyone know how much a valve body typically is at a NON dealer shop?

 

[ksneubec]

Took it to my usual shop, they tightened a battery cable and that seemed to fix it. Lights came back on.
Took it to the dealer and they said its either needing a new Valve body ($1600) or recalibrating the ECM ($200). He said that they found when recal'ing a similar year Camry that sometimes the computer would seize and need to be replaced but they haven't had to do it to Forerunner before.
Recalibrating the ECM for now, obviously, and hoping that does it.
Does anyone know how much a valve body typically is at a NON dealer shop?

You may want to have them check the sensors along the exhaust system. WHen I had this problem with my old 4th gen 4Runner a simple little sensor had come loose along the exhaust line, and this triggered the whole system to go off. Simply tightening it solved the problem.

 

[zamboknee]

You may want to have them check the sensors along the exhaust system. WHen I had this problem with my old 4th gen 4Runner a simple little sensor had come loose along the exhaust line, and this triggered the whole system to go off. Simply tightening it solved the problem.

Good to know. Thanks, ksneubec!

 

[caveman2533]

engine lite on

My check engine lite on my 2000 4runner has been on for severalw weeks. If I reset the code by removing the battery cable it will come back on after about 20 minutes of driving. First code check lean Bank 1. I cleaned the MAF sensor but problem still exists. After clearing the check engine lite it runs like crap for about 3 minutes then smoothes out. I am going to replace the gas cap also. How can I test the O2 sensors to see if they are working properly?

 

[FireTiger]

You guys are awesome! I had this issue on my 02 last week, "occurred right after my transmission flush service" ironically. I immediately checked this forum first, and found these pages discussing this apparent all too common problem.

For me, all things point to my distrust of our Toyota stealerships, but I try to be open-minded. I told them that I came in here with no problems, just getting preventative maintenance done, but left with a problem. They said it was bank 1 sensor 1.

Looking at the consistencies on here with this common problem we are sharing, among various model years, I agree with the member who says this whole thing could be, and is pointing to, "unethical practices to keep the $$$ coming into the service departments...the profit center for all car sales.

I'm going to buy the gas cap, then unplug both battery cables, since taking the negative off only cleared the codes for a minute before they all came back on.

I also read that these o2 sensors were sensitive to fluids:
From URD, "A car’s oxygen sensor is constantly exposed to a barrage of harmful contaminants that can rob it of its ability to produce an efficient reading. Engine lubricants, sealants and additives, silicone, and/or oil can damage a sensor’s element." Like I said, ironically, I was getting a transmission flush, where you have a power element and plenty of fluid movement in and around the area of these sensors.

I know I sound cynical but after two love affairs with 02 Sports, I've experienced great service and unethical service. I love the forums, real drivers who love their products, and unwary service managers who don't quite understand our love affair with our vehicles.

I'll let you know how this turns out but I'm not paying $429 for a damn sensor and labor. I'll learn to fix it myself!!

Thanks, fellas

 

[zamboknee]

Here's what happened with my VSC and check engine situation:

Needed a new solenoid and valve body in the transmission. $1200 later and the lights have gone away.
My idle is lower too now. Anyone's idle hovering around 500 rpm?

 

[LuvrGirl]

I just got these two warning lights yesterday (check engine and vsc trac). I do have a code reader so maybe I'll check that tonight first before I do anything.

Wish me luck! I'll post back with results.

~Maria

 

[TMC11755]

Check Engine Light

I am going through this now.

Changed the driver side upfront O2 sensor, dealer suggested cleaning fuel injectors, and changing air filter. I had them do that bc it has been running rough.

So far so good.

 

[TMC11755]

Hopefully I don't need a new cat!

 

[united4989]

2007 Toyota 4runner v6 limited VSC, Trac, Check engine lights

Thanks to all you guys in the forum for posting your feedback. I too had VSC, Trac, Check engine light came on all together. I had plan to take my 4runner to the Toyota dealership tomorrow but, decided to check the 4runner forum before I went. I opened and re-tightened the gas cap and dis-connected the positive battery terminal for a few minutes. After 5minutes or so, I reconnect the battery terminal....ooh-Lah-Lah... All the warning lights went away. By the way, this is the very first time I had these warning lights came on. (This 4runner is my 3rd one, previously owned: 2001 V6 SR5, 2003 Sports Ed V8 4x4, Now I have 2007 Limited 4X4 with factory Navigation) and still is the most reliable SUV. Thanks again 4runner comrades, good luck!


2007 Toyota 4Runner V6 4X4 Limited, Black, 70,000 miles.
Factory Navigation system.
Brake rotors upgraded with slots, vents.
Upgraded audio system with 1200 watts Amp.
Sound stream RF3.6 speaker system upgrade.
10 gauge speaker wires with 30 Fared capacitor installed.

 

[IcantDo55]

Same lights came on here today on wife car about 3 miles into her drive. Today was 1st cold day of the year here prob 28* dont know if that means anything. Her CEL, TRAC and VSC went on at a light and truck started running rough and would only let her do max 30mph?

Any "limp" mode you uys know about? I need to find a ode reader and go check it out. Will report back.

 

[jason947]

Similar issue but different codes

Here is my story, I have a 4th gen, 2005 Sport 4X4 v6. A month ago the Check Engine, VSC and Trac lights came on. The code returned was P0456 - EVAP Control System Leak Detected Very Small Leak. I replaced the gas cap and reset the check engine light. Today the lights came back on and the idle was very rough, almost to the point of stalling.

The codes that came back this time are:
P0456
C1201 - ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Ground
P0018 -Crankshaft Position Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor 'A'
P2198 -Faulty Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1

It seems like several (seemingly) unrelated problems. Wondered if anyone ever got this combination of codes. Thanks!

 

[L.J.]

VSC,TRAC and Check Engine Light

So please help me out with some of your knowledge. I am not close to any dealership where I live. Remote small town. Will it be ok to drive the vehicle for a week or two till I can travel out to a repair place or dealership with this VSC, TRAC and Check Engine Lights on? Or will it damage the engine or ther parts in any way ?

 

[4-Runnin]

Similar Issue, Similar Fix (at least for now)

My response is quite repetitive, but since this Forum has once again proved its importance I wanted to provide my scenario. Recently took my car in for its 5k mileage check - all came back fine. A day later I was driving and had VSC, Trac and Check Engine lights pop on. Quite annoyed since taking my '02 4Runner with 175K miles to the dealer these days never returns good news.

I went to the forum and obviously noticed a trend. AutoZone read the codes, resulting in the following:

P0446 - Evaporative emission control system vent control
P0420 - Catalyst system efficiency below threshold - Bank 1

Similar to other posts, I unplugged the positive side of the car battery and purchased a new Gas cap. Lights went out!! However, when idling the car is shaking quite a bit and "skidding" for a split second when I come to a complete stop. For now the lights are off, but I have a good feeling tomorrow (or some point this week) it will return. Until then, Im good...if the situation changes I'll be sure to update anyone with outcomes/solutions.

Thanks again for the assistance!

 

[miami_matt]

Had the same lights pop up on me last week. I went ver this thread and changed all 4 o2 sensors and reset the computer by pulling off the positive battery cable. Light went away and I got a full tank of gas. Ran fine till I got down to about 1/4 of a tank lights returned. I was at 1/4 of a tank the first time I got the lights. I will be changing my gas cap and resetting the computer tomorrow. I will be back with results.

 

[miami_matt]

Gas cap

So I just changed the gas cap and reset the computer again. Drove about 15 miles no codes. Decided to fill up after the drive. So when I get back down to 1/4 tank again we will see if it comes back.

 

[miami_matt]

So cel and same codes returned about 20 min after my last update , changed all the vacuum lines and exhaust gaskets. The gaskets on the driver side cat were down to just bare metal. Driven a couple days now and no lights hope this it.

 

[stockrunner]

Gas cap & reset battery fixed Check Engine Light and VSC

Glad I found this thread. I had CEL, VSC light on and flashing. Was about to go to dealer, then read here to tighten gas cap, and remove positive battery lead and reconnect (to reset sensors?). When I started it up, lights are off. Hopefully will stay that way. Thanks guys :cheer2:

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2008 4R Urban Runner.