weird problem ...... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

keithy · 02-19-2006, 09:56 PM

Got a question about a problem with my car. I just got a used car and have been having problem with it. The problem is that whenever I start my car, the clock on the stereo resets itself to 12.00 and all the presetted channel are erased. In addition, when I depress the brake pedal, the lights in the speedometer console lights up (just like turning on the low beam). The check engine and airbag light also is on. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

karazy · 02-20-2006, 03:22 AM

#1 (stereo) The previous owner may have swapped the OEM stereo back in before selling. It sounds like it may be a loose ground causing it to lose power from the vibrations of the start up.

#2 (lights) It looks like you have a short between the brake and dash(possibly park) lights. If just the dash, then look in that area. If park lights come on as well, the problem may be in tail/trunk area.

#3 (cel/airbag) Sometimes they get tripped when the battery is disconnected. Which may have been done during radio swap, or for some other reason. Best to reset and see if they come back on.

Gary_602Z · 02-20-2006, 05:43 AM

Check your battery cables and battery and alternator. I believe you will find the problem there.

gary

ptsmith · 02-20-2006, 11:42 AM

i know there are different power leads. one of them is always on (for memory, presets, etc.) and the other is just for when the car is on...for the other problems, i'm not sure. hope that helps.

Cyorke · 02-20-2006, 02:20 PM

for the clock and the stereo presets it sounds like a wire not connected when the stereo was installed. I am assuming it is an aftermarket HU since you say the clock on the stereo goes back to 12:00, Toyotas ususally have a sepereate clock that is not on the radio. IF this is the case it is quite possible whoever installed it rigged something up and has crossed wires that go to the brake light switch. It could also be in the trunk like someone else said if the parking lights are coming on. Is it jsut the dash lights or are there outside lights coming on at the same time.

The CEL and SRS lights. You can try pulling the EFI fuse under the hood for the CEL. pull it and leave it out for about 15 seconds. That will reset the ECU and hopefully that will take care of your problem. IF it comes back on then you need to have the codes read and determine what is causing the light to come on. As for theSRS light. There really isnt a wy to reset it without pulling codes. You could try Autozone and see if there are specific codes that are being set. Then try to troubleshoot the sytem based on those codes. I am not a fan of messing around with SRS systems if you dont know waht you are doing. When they blow up they blow up.

HAs the car ever been in a accident that you know of. It seems you ahve several electrical issues all at once that are not really related. Maybe some previous damage is causing the problems you are having.

***ASG14*** · 02-20-2006, 03:39 PM

My CEL light went on after doing a Mode. I brought it to Auto Zone (not sure if you have one) and they read it for free. I just unplugged the bettery for a couple mins and rehooked it, and it never came back on.

As for the radio, I'd say Cyorke has a good idea.

***Tercel GTS*** · 02-20-2006, 05:45 PM

For the radio I'm guessing a blown fuse or disconnected wire on the memory power input.

For the gauges lighting up I'll say you have a bad/incorrect brake light bulb and it's back feeding into the running light circuit. Change the bulb and that will be fixed.

The CEL and SRS are tricky. There is a procedure to follow for turning these off but first I'd have the codes read. After reading the codes many SRS lights simply won't turn off with a scanner and the procedure must be followed. Call your local dealership, they should tell you the procedure. It involves 2 people, one must insert a paperclip while the other hits the brake pedal a certain number of times in a certain time period.

Good luck.

keithy · 02-20-2006, 07:16 PM

Sorry guys, I have been sick today due to yesterday's exposure to the cold when i was trying to figure out what the problem/solution is with the car. I will look into the problem and all the suggestions again once I get better. I will report back with my findings.

I would like to let you all know that although I am sick now, I felt so grateful and happy that you guys are here to point me to the right directions. Thanks karazy, gary_602z, ptsmith, cyorke, asg14 and tercel gts (Yes I wrote your nick on paper and retype them to thank say thank you) .