How do I know if a Sienna has VSC?

[PSzalapski]

I am considering buying a 2004 Toyota Sienna, and Vehicle Stability Control is important to me. I know it was an option on them

If the VSC indicator lights up for a few seconds on engine start, does that tell me that the vehicle certainly has VSC?

Was VSC an option or standard on Sienna CE? LE? XLE?

[FL Buckeye]

I'm new here but recently wanted to know how to determine the same thing and here's what I found while researching the 2005's and I'm sure it holds true for the 2004 too. The only model then with VSC standard was the XLE Limited. It was an option on the LE and regular XLE. I'm talking about FWD, don't know about the AWD. If it has VSC it will also have rear disc brakes and DRL as that was also in the package. Last place to look is on lower dash to the right of steering wheel. Thats where the switch is to disable the VSC.

[PSzalapski]

Thanks, FLBuckeye. So are you saying that, even though VSC indicator lights up on start, the vehicle may not have VSC?

>"Last place to look is on lower dash to the right of steering wheel. Thats where the switch is to disable the VSC."

So no switch means no VSC, always?

Is that the TRAC OFF switch? I thought one could have traction control but not VSC, and therefore one would have this switch regardless?

[FL Buckeye]

No, I'm not saying anything about the VSC light, as I don't know. You would assume that if the light is there then you have it, but you know what they say about "assume".

From what I found in the sales lit for 2004-05 both VSC and TRAC come together with the package, you don't get one without the other.


Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)+ Traction Control (TRAC) — includes windshield de-icer grid, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and rear disc brakes

You may be thinking of ABS which comes separately. I don't have my service manual close by so can't confirm if the switch may turn both VSC & TRAC off together but I think it is called VSC switch in the owners manual. I can check tomorrow if you want. I would say that if the switch isn't there then you don't have VSC. Also, just look through the rear wheels at the brakes....if drums it doesn't have VSC. Just my $.02

[PSzalapski]

Thanks, that is very helpful. The owner's manual I see has the switch labeled "TRAC OFF", so if you could check, I would appreciate it. If the label is different on VSC models, then that would help explain things.

[PSzalapski]

OK, the minivan in question does not have a "TRAC OFF" switch (or any switch) below-right of the steering wheel.

The owner says it has VSC, and the VSC indicator comes on at start. Anyone know how I can confirm this?

It looks like there the FJ Cruiser in this thread has VSC but no switch. Is that the case for the Sienna?

[FL Buckeye]

Sorry, late to reply. I did check my van (2005 xle), and the switch is for the TRAC as you thought. Also the dash light for TRAC comes on if I turn TRAC off. And the VSC light is right above the TRAC light on the dash and doesn't come on when the switch turns the TRAC off so guess it is always on.

Does the Sienna in question have rear disc brakes or drums?

I'll research further for you and see what turns up.

[PSzalapski]

I checked with the original dealer, and they provided a Vehicle Inquiry Report with this exact VIN, that says it has VSC w/ TRAC. Can I trust this, even though there is no "TRAC OFF" switch?

This is an AWD Sienna XLE with four-wheel disc brakes. Perhaps you can't turn TRAC or VSC off because the computer is always monitoring and controlling the power/braking to all four wheels. Does anyone know for sure?

[FL Buckeye]

I went to one of the online car review sites and found the following:
The 2004 Sienna CE had a package#3 which included power mirrors, rear disc brakes, cruise control, DRL, roof rack, driver/front passenger & curtain air bags, VSC w/TRAC, and windshield wiper deicer grid.

Can't find any info about having/not having the TRAC switch though.

Maybe check for the rear disc brakes, DRL, power mirrors, etc to see if those indicators would support what the seller is saying about having VSC.

[FL Buckeye]

Oh, I thought you were looking at a CE model.

According to reports mentioned above the 2004 awd xle has VSC and TRAC as standard equipment, also should have the 4 wheel disc brakes.
Makes sense that it would need the VSC/TRAC for AWD so no need for the switch. Maybe another 2004 owner of AWD will input an answer.

[PSzalapski]

OK, yes, I should have mentioned that sooner. I thought that only the XLE Limited came standard with VSC, not the XLE Base?


This is an AWD Sienna XLE with four-wheel disc brakes. Perhaps you can't turn TRAC or VSC off because the computer is always monitoring and controlling the power/braking to all four wheels. Does anyone know for sure?

[typesix]

AWD model won't have TRAC off button for that year, only 2wd. Some 1st generation Highlander owners with AWD have complained about not having a TRAC off switch.

[PSzalapski]

Thanks, Typesix. Do you know if "VSC" appears on the dash at start on all models, or only models equipped with VSC?

[typesix]

The model would have to have VSC in order for the light to come on. According to my 2004 Sienna catalog, all AWD Siennas have VSC and TRAC control as standard, AWD is available on LE, XLE and XLE Limited trims.

[JoeFoss1]

I have a 04 Sienna XLE with VSC. It has a trac off button about the 4 o'clock position from the steering column on the dash. The manual states to disengage the VSC with the trac off button when it is stuck in snow or mud, otherwise the VSC could prevent the movement of the van. My guess is that when VSC is on a AWD vehicle, the AWD vehicle is less likely to become stuck, so the trac off device is not required. I would trust the vin number data.
Joe