GEN 5: How To Tell If ABS & VSC Are Functioning...

[LunarMist]

Well basically the title of this thread is the question. I bought a pre-owned 2002 Toyota Camry LE. The dealer didnt really go down the list on ALL the features my car had. I am pretty sure that I have Anti-Lock Brakes and the optional "Vehicle Skid Control" feature because I have side-impact curtain airbags in addition to the standard front airbags...and the ABS signage on my dash lights up everytime I start my car, plus I looked under my hood and saw the ABS. But I dont quite understand WHEN my ABS/VSC is supposed to kick in and how I will know its functioning. Can anyone assist me with this? Thank You.

[BlueFusion6851]

well if you are sliding (oversteer or under) the VSC will kick in *don't know how*
and at anytime your wheels locks up while braking your ABS will work (shuddering brake pedal)

[Mighty~Mart]

i think the 6 cyl's only come w/ VSC

correct me if i'm wrong.

[greylock]

Originally Posted by bluefusion6851

well if you are sliding (oversteer or under) the VSC will kick in *don't know how*
and at anytime your wheels locks up while braking your ABS will work (shuddering brake pedal)

Vsc senses sliding by taking inputs from motion sensors, wheel speed, throttle positioning and brakes and compares them to a set of variables for conditions indicating a slide/loss of control. Then it decides which brake to apply and/or override throttle control to try to bring the car back under control. There are many different types using different control methods but that is basically what it does. Hard to tell when it is working as most of the time it is too subtle to detect unless you intentionally try to cause a slide.

[Super Kaioken]

yeah just try DRIFTING really hard....it won't let you . it'll go off with a bunch of noises and sensors going off. beep beep errrrrrrrrrrrrrk. ahhhhhh

[xpeed]

Yeah, basically, the only way you can make sure that you have ABS is that there's a little metallic box next to your coolant tank. Has like four wires going to it. It'll even read "ABS Module" or something like that. Yeah, if you get offended, be careful as well. The Mods don't take that kind of attitude lightly. Just my $0.02 I also tried out to see if my ABS worked one time. My pedals vibrated violently, and that's just the ABS working by pressing the brakes rapidly instead of a full press, locking the wheels. Felt like my car was sliding.