EML/ABS, Check Parking Brake System + Check VSC suddenly

[Akyne]

Hello All, I am new here. I see tons of reviews on the subject but I could not read more than the first 300.

I am the 3rd owner of a 2010 Avensis Petrol 1.8 Automatic, 59 number plate purchased 3 weeks ago. A few days after purchase, I changed three tyres, and the front nearside wheel, discs and brakes. I had also noted the clock on the dash resets (but not the date) randomly. Did a full service and drove more than 600 miles over the Christmas holidays with no issues.

Today, while on a short trip (0.8 miles) in the neighborhood, the car suddenly did not start on the way back home (no engine roll, just a click sound when turning the ignition). After a few minutes, the car started and the EML/ABS and Check VSC and Parking Brake System warnings came on (Photo attached). I could hear a high pitched noise when applying the brakes on the drive back home, hopefully it is something minor (like pins).

Some background: The vehicle had completed a few short trips earlier in the day (approx 8 miles) with no issues. It had just got back from the garage the day before for MOT related repairs. Flashback to MOT day, we had a tyre puncture on the front near side. The EML/ABS + Check VSC + Parking Brake System light came on after fitting the temporary wheel. Consequently it failed MOT initially but passed after the offside rear hub flange + bearing + ABS rings + tyre were replaced with advisory given for worn brake disc (worn but not excessively, near and off side). Otherwise, no engine or gearbox issues were detected.

Some context: I recently moved to the UK in October. My experience with mechanics and auto garages here has been a surprise (to say the least). I used an Avensis back in Africa and really enjoyed it (that's why I was happy to buy one).

Need advice on the next steps -

1. Do I head back to the same MOT garage or find another mechanic? My first priority is to have a safe car for the next few days until I am more settled. 

2. I will be glad for any recommendations for a listening and experienced mechanic in the Plymouth/Devon area.

3. Moral support from other Avensis Valvematic Petrol 1.8 (Automatic) users.

[Avensis tourer]

Hello. It depends on whether you want to deal with it yourself or have someone sort it out for you. I suggest starting by reading error codes using an OBD code reader, as it may point towards a solution.

 

[Akyne]

Thank you @Avensis tourer  I’ll prefer a quick fix. Amazon can’t deliver an OBD code reader until 22 Jan. It is wise to invest in one though. 

[Avensis tourer]

It would be helpful if you can update us about the outcome. I have some ideas, but it's difficult to make any predictions without further investigation. Good luck!

[Akyne]

Thank you @Avensis tourer

I took it in for diagnostics and I have been told I need to get the valvematic assembly replaced. The garage gave me a quote for £1688. I found it cheaper on eBay for about $900. I hope I can get the part from a scrapped vehicle and a reasonable charge for labour. Any tips will be appreciated. It drives fine for now. 

[avetoy]

8 hours ago, Akyne said:

It drives fine for now.

As far as I know, the engine lacks power when valvematic does not work... At least that happened to my car.

Did they tell you what fault codes there were?

[Akyne]

Thanks @avetoy  They did not tell me

the codes. The engine doesn’t lack power. It drives fine 

[avetoy]

Maybe it's worth getting a second opinion just to be sure? 

 

[Akyne]

I forgot to mention that the EML and warnings cleared spontaneously before I took it for diagnostics.( I couldn’t get a garage appointment sooner) If there are no EML or error lights, will a second opinion still work?

[Avensis tourer]

Have you received any fault codes? If nothing is currently wrong, it may be difficult to diagnose. My opinion is that you should continue driving it (if you feel safe and confident) until more problems arise. If you have access to an OBD code reader or are a member of AA, it would be a good idea to report the problem and get it scanned.

Any idea when ignition coils or spark plugs have been changed?

 

[Akyne]

I’ll invest in an OBD code reader. No idea about ignition coil change but the last full service was in 2020. I had the oil and filter changed in December after I purchased it. Garage says the plugs are fine. Drove long distance ( over 400 miles) and all was ok. I feel safe and confident driving it. I’ll keep you updated. Thank you 

[avetoy]

7 hours ago, Akyne said:

the EML and warnings cleared spontaneously

It is possible that the actuator could temporarily stuck and cause fault codes, but that is very rare...

If the Valvematic is broken the warnings will not go away and even if reset with the scanner they will come back as soon as the engine is started.

5 hours ago, Avensis tourer said:

you should continue driving it (if you feel safe and confident) until more problems arise

I agree with that!

By the way, what oil is in the engine?

[Akyne]

@Avensis tourerThank you. It was serviced at a regular garage, my guess is regular oil. What do you recommend going forward?

[avetoy]

Keep driving till warnings come on again. Then check the fault codes with a scanner and tell us what they were?

About motor oil: Mr T recommends 0W20...

[Avensis tourer]

21 hours ago, Akyne said:

Thanks @avetoy  They did not tell me

the codes. The engine doesn’t lack power. It drives fine 

Did you pay them for diagnosing your car ? I presume they should explain why they think what they think. Maybe we are missing something and they know more. Please give them a call and ask.  I would drive and wait for something to happen. 

[Akyne]

@Avensis tourerThank you. Yes I paid £75. I did mention the mechanics here are kinda !Removed!. The car spent 2 days at the garage just to get a scan. Seems like they weren’t keen on the job. I’ll call and find out. Not counting on it though. 

[Konrad C]

I have an '58 plate (2009) Avensis Tourer 1.8 Valvematic manual version, and the last time I had an issue with it was the spark plugs that turned out to be fake. Until I found the fault, I had a strange running problem, where the engine would rev unexpected as though I had my foot on the accelerator! I did checks and diagnostics, but nothing until the dashboard lit up on the M25. Then I did my diagnostic and found that I had fake spark plugs. My story in the attached posts.  

Your car car is unlucky. It's done half the mileage of mine yet you have issues. Another thing to note is the Valvematic controllers had issues between 2010/11 models that I noted with 1.6 and 1.8 Valvematic engines, as posted in Auris and Avensis forums. It is a matter of confirming it is at fault. 

Let's hope you can get the car sorted.