Vsc/trc + Engine Malfunction Warning Lights

[Glasswarrior]

I have a 2003 Avensis D4D T Spirit. All's been fine except yesterday while my wife was driving the VSC, TRC and engine malfunction lights came on. There has been no discernible effect on car performance, braking etc. I checked all fuses and all sound. I've been reading some other similar problems here with a number of different explanations, wondering if anyone has anything more definite to offer? The main Toyota dealer in Belfast wants £80 just for a diagnostic check! A local, friendly independent did one for free but his software didn't seem able to read the engine management routine. One thing it did say was Battery voltage low, and it is at just over 12.5 volts. Could that really be the cause? Any advise gratefully received, thank you.

[Jamesbelfast]

The Battery voltage of 12.5 volts does appear to be that low. Poor voltage supply can play havoc with electronics so it may be worth getting the Battery load tested and the alternator voltage output checked if only to eliminate them a a possible fault. Many decent Battery suppliers (not the usual fastfit outlets)will do both checks for free in the hope of gaining a sale.

It may also be worth phoning a small garage called Japuro who specialises in Japanese makes. Look them up in Yell.com.:)

[Glasswarrior]

Thanks for that, I'll take it for a Battery test tomorrow. Phoned Japuro but seem to be closed. I remember now I had a Rover 414 years ago that had a number of electrical glitches that were traced back to a dying Battery. I'll stick it on an overnight charge too, do no harm. Will let you know.

Cheers

[junebug1701]

I have a 2003 Avensis D4D T Spirit. All's been fine except yesterday while my wife was driving the VSC, TRC and engine malfunction lights came on. There has been no discernible effect on car performance, braking etc. I checked all fuses and all sound. I've been reading some other similar problems here with a number of different explanations, wondering if anyone has anything more definite to offer? The main Toyota dealer in Belfast wants £80 just for a diagnostic check! A local, friendly independent did one for free but his software didn't seem able to read the engine management routine. One thing it did say was battery voltage low, and it is at just over 12.5 volts. Could that really be the cause? Any advise gratefully received, thank you.

The combination of VSC, TRC, and check engine light usually indicates a traction control problem in the ABS system. It could be a bad wheel sensor. You should be able to read the codes yourself using the jumper wire method. Read about it here:

Check Engine Light/VSC & 4WD lights explained

[Glasswarrior]

James, very interesting and informative article, thank you. I don't have a code reader (perhaps I should get one) but I'll try the jumper wire method and report back.

Thanks for your help and from so far away,

Martyn

[Glasswarrior]

Did the Jumper Wire test and got the ABS+VSC lights flashing 4 times, pause then 5 times. From Junebug's information I read this as a code C1245/45, an Acceleration Sensor Output Malfunction. The check engine light remained steady. So now I know what it likely is, I can make arrangements to fix it. Must see about a Haynes manual or speak to my local independent Toyota man.

Thanks for all the help.

Martyn

[junebug1701]

Did the Jumper Wire test and got the ABS+VSC lights flashing 4 times, pause then 5 times. From Junebug's information I read this as a code C1245/45, an Acceleration Sensor Output Malfunction. The check engine light remained steady. So now I know what it likely is, I can make arrangements to fix it. Must see about a Haynes manual or speak to my local independent Toyota man.

Hmmm...interesting, Martyn. While Googling "Toyota C1245/45" I see that sometimes this code is mentioned not only with "Acceleration Sensor", but also Deceleration sensor and Yaw Rate sensor. I would try to find the sensor (it's often located under the center console) and unplug it to check the connector for corrosion. I've seen many times where unplugging and plugging in a connector a few times can clean the contacts and sort a problem. Did you try to clear the code by using the brake pedal method? Here's a Toyota Technical Newsletter that has a good article on the VSC system and these sensors:

ToyotaTSSN

[rob virgo]

Great info , have the same problem for over 12 months and mister t chargede e50 to tell me it's a faulty glow plug issue and when removing them sometimes they break requiring a head removal, job up to e1500....lol

Have just been disconnecting Battery to clear it since, this makes more sense and when my wife drives it mostly comes on ...?

[Glasswarrior]

I cleared the code by removing the fuses you mentioned. Then few days later the lights came on again while the car was stationary in traffic, not turning a wheel! Still drives/performs/behaves fine though. I'll look at that article you provided, thanks again.

Martyn

[Minotaur]

I got new glow plugs fitted and the guy also did something with a computer, I think, and it is now free of VSC and TRC and engine managements lights. Lights had been on for about a year and they had been turned off a few times but only when the glow plugs were replaced did they stay gone. They have been gone for about two months now.

[ighaig]

I got new glow plugs fitted and the guy also did something with a computer, I think, and it is now free of VSC and TRC and engine managements lights. Lights had been on for about a year and they had been turned off a few times but only when the glow plugs were replaced did they stay gone. They have been gone for about two months now.

Re VSC TRC and ABS lights. I had similar symptoms in my 2005 2L D4D Avensis. Turned out to be the Yaw rate sensor under the passenger seat. Very expensive new >£1000 but I got one from a breakers for £35. Instant fix when plugged in. I diagnosed with an Autel diagnostic unit which has capability to read CAN codes from the Bosch ABS computer. Very worthwhile investment

[Minotaur]

I got new glow plugs fitted and the guy also did something with a computer, I think, and it is now free of VSC and TRC and engine managements lights. Lights had been on for about a year and they had been turned off a few times but only when the glow plugs were replaced did they stay gone. They have been gone for about two months now.

Re VSC TRC and ABS lights. I had similar symptoms in my 2005 2L D4D Avensis. Turned out to be the Yaw rate sensor under the passenger seat. Very expensive new >£1000 but I got one from a breakers for £35. Instant fix when plugged in. I diagnosed with an Autel diagnostic unit which has capability to read CAN codes from the Bosch ABS computer. Very worthwhile investment

Do you have any photos of that? and maybe a photo of where it is situated? (In case my lights do come back on in future)

[ighaig]

Right under the middle of the passenger seat.

[sami5001]

Glowplug removal

[irishjay]

Mine used to do that in the rain

[Nexxus27]

My Engine Fault light and VSC/off and VSC lights are both on. I have read the posts on here and still don't get what I need to do can some one explain it in clear English. or should i go buy a Haynes Manual?