VSC/check engine light after rain - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

forgop · 09-04-2011, 12:42 PM

I have an '05 I bought 3 years ago and any time it sits outside and gets rained on, the VSC/check engine light comes on when I start it and it doesn't go away for 2-3 days at a time. The frustrating part is that any time this happens, I get the E3 error with the cruise control even though there's not a drop of water to be found anywhere. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? It seems quite ridiculous this happens. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

XXagon · 09-05-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forgop

I have an '05 I bought 3 years ago and any time it sits outside and gets rained on, the VSC/check engine light comes on when I start it and I get the E3 error with the cruise control even though there's not a drop of water to be found anywhere. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? It seems quite ridiculous this happens. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Where are you reading an E3 error. The DTC errors related to the Cruise Control are usually 4 digits like P05xx, P06xx, P15xx, P16xx, etc.
State the model Avalon and whether or not you have the NAV feature.
This info will help someone in trying to relate to your problem.

***Tom in Tacoma*** · 09-05-2011, 08:37 PM

For what it's worth - the E3 error can also be caused by sunlight hitting the sensor as well as a dirty lens.

XXagon - it's an error that appears on the dash when you're running the adaptive cruise control.

XXagon · 09-05-2011, 09:08 PM

Thanks Tom. I did a forum search on "E3 error" and saw where this error is common problem with the laser cruise control system.
Forgop - take a look at this:http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/ar.../t-307347.html

tmhd82 · 11-21-2011, 09:02 PM

Have you taken the car to a place like Autozone that will scan the codes for free?

Mine started doing exactly that, and it was a misfire. Searching around led me to coils being a common problem. Since my issue was in the rear of the motor, I replaced all 3 back there along with all 6 plugs. I now have 2 good spares for the front bank and will hopefully not have to see the back of the motor for a lonnnnng time!

Good luck!

forgop · 11-22-2011, 07:14 PM

I forgot to reply to this, but I was in the dealership for a recall recently and asked the service manager about this issue. His answer was that the gas cap not having a tight seal is the only cause to give this error. I do recall getting the error, tightening the cap, and it clearing if I remember correctly. His suggestion was a new OEM cap, which I just haven't gotten around to replacing just yet.